Bruce Springsteen Reflects on Life During Q&A in London

London, England — Rock legend Bruce Springsteen shared insights about his life and career during a special Q&A session at Spotify’s London offices on Tuesday. The event featured Springsteen alongside actor Jeremy Allen White, who plays him in the upcoming film, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.” Their conversation was guided by Edith Bowman.

Springsteen’s life story inspired the film, which centers on his 1982 album “Nebraska.” White expressed his anxiety about portraying such an iconic figure, emphasizing the monumental task of immersing himself in Springsteen’s world.

Throughout the evening, Springsteen reflected on his first encounter with White. He remembered spotting White at a sound check for a show at Wembley Stadium in the summer of 2024. “Jeremy was wearing all white, so he was easy to spot,” Springsteen said. He noted White’s prior dedication to understanding his music through extensive research and concert footage.

Springsteen described how impressed he was with White’s preparation, recalling, “I thought this guy is really gonna be interested in me,” yet ended up discovering that White asked few questions due to his thorough preparedness. White admitted he felt an immense amount of pressure and anxiety about portraying such a well-known musician.

During the discussion, White revealed the significant effort he put into learning Springsteen’s music. He spoke about recording songs for the film, including a moment he found confidence while singing “Nebraska” in a Nashville studio. “When you’re reading Bruce’s lyrics, it’s the same. Everything’s right there,” he explained.

Springsteen gifted White a vintage guitar that closely resembled the one he used while recording “Nebraska.” This gesture helped White in his preparation to portray the singer authentically. He began guitar lessons with session player JD Simo in an effort to master the music.

Springsteen, who is 76, noted that age has allowed him to take more creative risks. “At my age you take more risks, in your work and in your life in general,” he remarked. He praised director Scott Cooper for the film’s unique character-driven approach, which strays from traditional musical biopics.

As the filming continued, Springsteen visited the set frequently and sometimes felt odd being present while someone portrayed his life. “It’s gotta be really weird with the guy’s stupid ass standing there,” he joked, yet he liked what he saw in White’s performance.

White’s portrayal struck Springsteen as deeply authentic. He noted that White’s approach was not merely mimicking but resonated genuinely with his story. The film’s recreation of Springsteen’s childhood home in Freehold, New Jersey, brought forth a wave of nostalgia and reflection for the musician.

Reflecting on the complexities of his life and career, Springsteen shared, “It’s a very credible world. It has all the wonderful and terrible parts of life… there’s an element of transcendence.”

In the backdrop of their conversation, the bond formed through their respective artistic journeys showcased the unique collaboration unfolding in the film, promising an intimate portrayal of Springsteen’s life.