Bruce Springsteen Rocks Biopic Premiere with "No Kings" Message

The Boss brought down the house at the AFI Fest premiere of his new biopic, Deliver Me From Nowhere, with a surprise performance and an impassioned speech, taking aim at the current political climate.

TL;DR: The Latest on The Boss

• Bruce Springsteen delivered a fiery speech at the Deliver Me From Nowhere premiere, endorsing the "No Kings" movement against the current administration.
• He treated fans to acoustic performances of "Atlantic City" and "Land of Hope and Dreams" following the film.
• The biopic, which focuses on the creation of his iconic Nebraska album, hits theaters this Friday, October 24th, alongside the release of his long-awaited Electric Nebraska sessions.

The Boss Unfiltered: Springsteen's Bold Political Stance at Biopic Gala

Bruce Springsteen isn't one to shy away from speaking his mind, and he proved it once again at the AFI Fest in Los Angeles this past Wednesday, October 22, 2025. While attending the premiere of his new biopic, Deliver Me From Nowhere, The Boss took to the stage for a surprise acoustic performance and delivered a powerful, politically charged message that resonated deeply with the crowd.

With "all hell breaking loose in the United States," as Springsteen himself put it, he used the platform to champion the growing "No Kings" movement. His words were a direct call to remember America's founding ideals, even in what he described as "terribly damaged" times.

"Outside, all hell is breaking loose in the United States. For 250 years around the world, despite all the faults we had, the United States stood as a beacon of liberty and democracy and hope and freedom. I've spent 50 years traveling as kind of a musical ambassador for America, and I've seen firsthand all the love and the admiration that folks around the world have had for the America of our highest ideals. Despite how terribly damaged America has been recently, that country and those ideals remain worth fighting for. I'm going to send this out as a prayer for America and for our unity and No Kings."

— Bruce Springsteen at the AFI Fest Premiere

This isn't the first time Springsteen has voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration. He's been consistently critical, calling leadership "corrupt, incompetent and treasonous" during his European tour in May, and describing Trump as a "moron" and the situation an "American tragedy" in June. His resolve remains unbroken, telling TIME magazine in September, "I absolutely couldn't care less what he thinks about me," in response to Trump's personal attacks calling him "highly overrated" and a "pushy, obnoxious JERK."

He even took a moment to criticize the Democratic party, noting, "We're desperately in need of an effective alternative party, or for the Democratic Party to find someone who can speak to the majority of the nation. There is a problem with the language that they're using and the way they're trying to reach people." It's clear The Boss isn't afraid to call it as he sees it, across the political spectrum.

An Evening of Music and Reflection: Live Performance and Emotional Storytelling

Following his impactful speech, Springsteen didn't just walk off stage. He picked up his guitar and treated the audience to live acoustic renditions of "Atlantic City" and "Land of Hope and Dreams." The latter, a song often associated with his live shows, took on even greater significance as he introduced it as "a prayer for America, our community and no kings." The performance was a poignant reminder of his enduring artistry and commitment to his beliefs.

The event itself, the American Film Institute Opening Night Gala (sometimes referred to as the Academy Museum Gala in other reports, though the quotes suggest it's the same or a very similar event), was a star-studded affair celebrating his new biopic. Photos from the event show Springsteen in high spirits, connecting with fans and fellow artists.

"Deliver Me From Nowhere" Hits the Big Screen This Week

The main event, of course, was the screening of Deliver Me From Nowhere, which critics are already calling "largely positive." The film, directed by Scott Cooper, dives deep into a pivotal, often challenging period in Springsteen's life: the creation of his raw, acoustic 1982 album, Nebraska. It explores his struggles with depression and newfound fame, offering a more introspective look than many rock star biopics.

Springsteen himself was full of praise for Cooper, saying, "He did an incredible job writing and directing the picture... It's filmed so beautifully. He put the stories together so beautifully. I just love you a lot, Scott."

Meet the Cast Bringing Bruce's Story to Life

The film features a talented cast bringing these iconic figures to life:

• Jeremy Allen White (from The Bear) as a young Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen quipped that White plays "a much better looking version of me."
• Jeremy Strong portrays Jon Landau, Springsteen's friend and manager of over 50 years, who Springsteen also joked was "a much, much better-looking version" of Landau.
• Stephen Graham plays Bruce's father, Douglas Frederick "Dutch" Springsteen, a bus driver who struggled with alcoholism and mental health. Springsteen thanked Graham for "being the living embodiment of my late father, who had a difficult life but was a good-hearted man."
• Gaby Hoffman as Adele Ann, Bruce's mother.

The movie also includes flashbacks to Springsteen's difficult childhood, adding layers to the narrative. He shared an emotional anecdote about watching the film with his sister Virginia, who held his hand during a scene where he, at 32, sits on his father's lap. "Isn't it wonderful that we have this?" she reportedly said afterward, highlighting the personal significance of the film.

The Inspiration Behind "Born in the U.S.A."

A fun tidbit from the premiere: Springsteen also gave a special shout-out to director Paul Schrader (of American Gigolo fame). Schrader famously sent Springsteen a script titled Born in the USA, which, as The Boss laughingly admitted, he "stole" for the title of his massively successful 1984 album and song. It's a reminder of how art and inspiration can intertwine in unexpected ways.

Dive Deeper: "Electric Nebraska" Sessions Also Arrive

For die-hard fans, the movie release isn't the only treat. Alongside Deliver Me From Nowhere, Springsteen is finally unleashing the famed Electric Nebraska sessions. These recordings offer a different take on the classic album, with Rolling Stone's Will Hermes noting their "tremendously poignant" quality, reflecting Springsteen's "struggle to balance light and dark" in an American context.

It's a rare chance to hear an alternative version of one of his most revered works, providing new insights into his creative process during that period.

What's Next for The Boss? New Album and Future Tours

While promoting the film across England and America, Springsteen also shared some hints about his future plans. He told Rolling Stone earlier this year that he has a new solo album "pegged for a 2026 release." Good news for fans, he's planning to return to the road, but perhaps with a different approach.

"Rather than do a 130-show stretch, which we did this time because we had been off for six years, so I had to get back in touch with my audience, and it was fun playing with the band … in the future, I think we'll probably play more often and less dates," he explained. He also expressed hope to make it to Australia "next year sometime," apologizing to his Australian fans for missing them on his recent tour.

So, whether you're heading to the cinema for the biopic, diving into the Electric Nebraska sessions, or waiting for his next tour or album, Bruce Springsteen continues to be a formidable presence in music and culture, always with something important to say.

Frequently Asked Questions About "Deliver Me From Nowhere"

When does "Deliver Me From Nowhere" officially release in theaters? The film hits theaters this Friday, October 24, 2025. What is "Electric Nebraska" and how can I listen to it? The "Electric Nebraska" sessions are alternative recordings from the making of Springsteen's 1982 album. They are being released alongside the movie, so check your favorite music streaming services and record stores on or around October 24th. What is the main focus of the "Deliver Me From Nowhere" biopic? The film primarily explores Bruce Springsteen's creative process and personal struggles during the period he wrote and recorded his raw, acoustic 1982 album, Nebraska. Has Bruce Springsteen commented on the film? Yes, he has praised director Scott Cooper and the cast, particularly Jeremy Allen White for his portrayal. He's also shared personal anecdotes about watching the film with his sister, highlighting its emotional impact. Sources

• Rolling Stone (Andy Greene) - October 23, 2025
• Billboard - October 22, 2025
• Far Out Magazine (Joe Taysom) - October 23, 2025
• The Mirror US (Julianna Salinas) - October 21, 2025