Bruce Springsteen Reflects on Life and Legacy at The Stone Pony

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Bruce Springsteen, the iconic singer-songwriter, reflected on his life and legacy during a visit to The Stone Pony on September 3, 2025. He strolled along the Asbury Park boardwalk, achieving a brief moment of anonymity before being recognized by fans eagerly seeking selfies and autographs.

Springsteen, wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, laughed at the irony of his disguise. “I always took it as just part of the job,” he said, acknowledging the attention he garners whenever he appears in his hometown.

With over five decades in the music industry, Springsteen has released 21 albums, winning 20 Grammy Awards, an Oscar, a Tony, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He’s one of the most successful live performers, with his latest tour grossing over $700 million, breaking records from his earlier excursions.

His enduring connection with fans stems from his authenticity and ability to articulate the struggles of the working class. As he prepares for the release of his new film, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere,” he delves into the vulnerable period of his life when he created the celebrated album, “Nebraska.”

In the film, which opens in theaters on October 24, actor Jeremy Allen White portrays Springsteen during a time marked by personal challenges, including his battle with depression and the journey towards therapy, which he credits with saving his life. “It could have gone in a lot of different directions,” he said.

Many of Springsteen’s most profound themes emerged from this period, such as the insistence on dignity for the marginalized and the possibility of redemption through community. The film captures these essential elements of his artistic evolution.

On that October afternoon, sitting in The Stone Pony where his career took flight, Springsteen shared insights about his creative process and personal growth. He’s committed to evolving as an artist, revealing new narratives through his music while remaining grounded in his roots.

As the conversation turned towards his family, Springsteen reflected on the balance between his rich career and personal life. “The show-business life is wonderful if it’s part of a larger life,” he explained, highlighting the importance of facing one’s demons and not merely running away from them.

Springsteen’s nostalgia for the past intertwines with his commitment to the future, as he’s excited about forthcoming music projects and potentially more cinematic storytelling. His dedication to connecting with audiences remains steadfast, underscored by his belief that each album should express something new.

As he prepared to leave the Pony, Springsteen looked back at the bustling crowd, a testament to the community he has fostered through his music. “I just want to keep going,” he affirmed, a sentiment that resonates with both his loyal fans and those discovering his artistry for the first time.