By Harshit LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23, 2025 8 AM EDT
Rock legend Bruce Springsteen brought star power and emotional resonance to Hollywood’s American Film Institute Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, capping the final pre-release celebration of “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” — the highly anticipated biopic set to hit theaters Friday, Oct. 24.
Springsteen, 76, made a semi-surprise appearance at the TCL Chinese Theatre, joining his wife Patti Scialfa and actor Jeremy Allen White, who portrays him in the film. The crowd erupted in applause as “The Boss” arrived, looking relaxed yet reflective ahead of a movie that explores one of the most turbulent and creatively defining periods of his life.
A Soulful Finale: Music, Politics, and Reflection
The night ended with a deeply personal performance from Springsteen himself, who took the stage with just his guitar for two acoustic renditions: “Atlantic City” and “Land of Hope and Dreams.”
Before launching into the second song, he offered pointed remarks about the state of America, drawing an indirect rebuke of former President Donald Trump.
“Outside, all hell is breaking loose in the United States,” Springsteen said. “For 250 years, despite all our faults, this country has stood as a beacon of democracy and hope. No matter how damaged America may be, those ideals remain worth fighting for.”
He introduced “Land of Hope and Dreams” as “a prayer for America, our community, and no kings,” a clear nod to his belief in unity and resistance to authoritarianism — sentiments that drew loud applause from the audience.
Image alt text: Bruce Springsteen performs solo acoustic set at the AFI premiere of “Deliver Me From Nowhere” at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Honoring the Film That Honors His Story
Springsteen expressed heartfelt gratitude to the cast and crew of “Deliver Me From Nowhere” — especially director Scott Cooper, and stars Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong (who plays Springsteen’s manager Jon Landau), and Paul Walter Hauser (as longtime friend and guitar tech Mike Batlan).
“They really honored my work, my family, and my life experiences,” Springsteen said. “This is my last night in the movie business — I’m sticking to music.”
The film dives into the creation of Springsteen’s haunting 1982 album “Nebraska,” a stark, lo-fi project recorded in isolation that ultimately paved the way for his global breakthrough with “Born in the U.S.A.” two years later.
Image alt text: Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, Jeremy Allen White, and director Scott Cooper on the red carpet at the AFI Opening Night premiere.
Emotional Moments and Real-Life Bonds
Director Scott Cooper delivered one of the evening’s most moving speeches when introducing Springsteen. Fighting back tears, he shared how the musician supported his family after the January wildfires that destroyed his home in California’s Pacific Palisades.
“They say, ‘Don’t meet your heroes, because they’ll disappoint you,’” Cooper said. “But this man far exceeded my expectations. When my home burned down, Bruce took my family in. We’re forever bonded by this movie.”
Springsteen, seated in the front row, appeared visibly touched as the audience applauded.
Behind the Scenes: Trust and Collaboration
Speaking to USA TODAY on the red carpet, Cooper revealed that Springsteen and his longtime manager Jon Landau were deeply involved from the project’s earliest stages.
“I read the screenplay aloud to Bruce and Jon — every line, every direction,” Cooper recalled. “At the end, they both applauded and said, ‘Let’s make this.’”
That trust continued throughout production, with Springsteen visiting the set frequently and attending early screenings.
“Bruce has seen the film 11 or 12 times,” Cooper said. “Jon Landau told me Bruce has supported this movie more than his last five albums combined. That’s a testament to how personal this story is to him.”
Image alt text: Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen in “Deliver Me From Nowhere,” a film exploring the creation of the 1982 album Nebraska.
From Isolation to Inspiration
“Deliver Me From Nowhere” portrays a pivotal era in Springsteen’s life — a moment of solitude, depression, and doubt that produced one of his most stripped-down and haunting albums. The film blends music and memory, showing how Springsteen found hope in artistic honesty and self-reinvention.
The biopic’s title itself, borrowed from a lyric on “Nebraska,” captures the singer’s yearning for redemption amid despair — a theme that resonates deeply in today’s uncertain times.
The AFI Gala served not just as a movie premiere, but as a reflection of the enduring bond between Springsteen’s art and America’s collective conscience. Fans described the experience as “electric,” with several moved to tears by the acoustic finale.
“Hearing him sing ‘Atlantic City’ live after watching that story on screen — it felt like history coming full circle,” said one audience member.
What’s Next for The Boss
Though Springsteen insists he’s done with “the movie business,” his influence on the film world is far from over. His songs have shaped countless soundtracks, and “Deliver Me From Nowhere” could very well spark renewed appreciation for his quieter, introspective side.
The movie’s national release on Friday, Oct. 24, is expected to draw large audiences and critical acclaim, especially with Jeremy Allen White’s performance already generating early awards buzz.
Springsteen himself, however, remains focused on the road ahead — both literally and creatively. After a brief hiatus for health reasons earlier this year, The Boss is set to resume his E Street Band World Tour in early 2026.
“Music’s the way I understand myself — and the world,” Springsteen told the audience before leaving the stage. “Movies fade, songs stay.”