After an intense, two-hour cinematic journey into the artist’s deepest vulnerabilities, Bruce Springsteen captivated the audience at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center on Sunday evening. With unwavering resolve, he confronted the stark realities of a deeply divided nation, speaking out against what he termed “dangerous times” and addressing personal threats.
His impactful address marked a significant moment in an artistic odyssey that began over four decades ago, reflected in the film “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.” This poignant and raw drama delves into the creation of Springsteen’s iconic 1982 album “Nebraska,” chronicling his personal struggles with depression during that period.
“I spent my life on the road, moving around as kind of a musical ambassador for America, striving to bridge the gap between our nation’s frequently flawed reality and its foundational ideals, the American dream,” he shared after the film’s star-studded premiere at the New York Film Festival.
He passionately asserted that America, “despite feeling so battered at this moment,” remains fundamentally “a land of hope and dreams, not a domain of fear, disunity, governmental censorship, or hatred. That America is absolutely worth fighting for.”
Then, embracing what he affectionately termed “my lifelong weapon of choice, the guitar,” Springsteen launched into “Land of Hope and Dreams.” This powerful hymn for the nation, a timeless anthem predating current political tensions, resonated deeply with the audience.
Springsteen’s powerful remarks echoed themes from his recent European tour. There, the prolific songwriter, renowned for his narratives of American life’s struggles and complexities, voiced growing apprehension about the volatile political climate and the authoritarian tendencies he perceived emanating from the White House, which notably sparked public criticism.
On Sunday night, Mr. Springsteen reiterated these urgent warnings.
“These days, you know, we are constantly confronted with events that underscore the fact we are navigating profoundly dangerous times,” he stated.
The New York Film Festival screening itself unfolded like a quintessential Hollywood premiere, yet with an unmistakable Springsteen touch. E Street Band members Stevie Van Zandt and Max Weinberg walked the red carpet alongside the film’s cast: Jeremy Allen White, who embodies a young Springsteen; Stephen Graham, portraying his father; and Odessa Young, cast as his romantic interest, Faye.
In a brief conversation, Mr. White discussed the film’s portrayal of the deep bond between Springsteen and his longtime manager, Jon Landau. However, the actor, who personally performed many of the film’s songs, playfully admitted he wouldn’t be forming his own band anytime soon.
“I didn’t actually learn to play the guitar broadly; I learned specifically how to play Bruce Springsteen songs,” he confessed with a grin. “So, I’d need to go back to square one and truly learn guitar if I ever considered starting my own band.”
Trey Anastasio, the celebrated guitarist from Phish and a fellow New Jersey native whose first concert was a Springsteen show, was also present on the carpet. He was joined by Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers, who composed the film’s evocative score. Fraites revealed he meticulously sourced a collection of “imperfect” instruments, including a piano he called “firewood” and the exact model of tape recorder Springsteen famously used for “Nebraska,” to craft the movie’s authentic sound.
Just moments before the screening commenced, Springsteen himself made a dynamic entrance, arriving simultaneously with Jon Landau. Their profound partnership and friendship are not only central to the film’s narrative but are widely considered vital to the artist’s enduring career.
Navigating the bustling rope line, Springsteen and Landau spontaneously encountered Mr. Van Zandt and his wife, Maureen. This impromptu reunion elicited a joyful cheer from Springsteen, who affectionately pulled Van Zandt’s shoulder, bringing him into a warm photograph with Landau – a perfect Hollywood snapshot of “The Boss” surrounded by two of his most trusted, lifelong companions.
“We would all lead richer lives if we were fortunate enough to have a Jon Landau in them,” the film’s director, Scott Cooper, remarked as he introduced Landau after the screening.
Cooper also shared a deeply personal anecdote with the audience. During the film’s production, he received an urgent call that his home was engulfed in the Palisades fire. While he quickly arranged for his family to stay in a hotel, Springsteen immediately intervened, insisting that Cooper’s family take refuge at his own residence in the area.
Before his performance, Springsteen took a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to the cast. To Mr. White, for “pouring his entire heart and soul into the role, doing a magnificent job, and portraying a significantly better-looking version of me.” To Mr. Strong, for “his incredible creativity and inspiration – he kept us on the phone late into the night with countless ideas – and he played a much, much better-looking Jon Landau.” To Stephen Graham, for “embodying my late father so perfectly, a man who faced many hardships but possessed a truly good heart.” And finally, to Gaby Hoffmann, for “a truly wonderful portrayal of my mom.”
“And you know, they’re all gone now,” Springsteen added poignantly, speaking of his parents. “So it’s truly special to have this film.”
As “Land of Hope and Dreams” reached its powerful crescendo, Springsteen allowed the final, resonant chord to hang in the air, its notes echoing through the packed auditorium of over a thousand people. He then returned to the microphone, delivering one last, powerful message.
“Stay strong,” he urged.