Warren Zanes, who both served as an executive producer and wrote the book that „Deliver Me From Nowhere“ was sourced from, has shared some behind-the-scenes moments from the making of the new Bruce Springsteen biopic.
Before the cameras rolled on “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere,” the Boss took one more ride down memory lane – literally.
Author and music historian Warren Zanes, who served as an executive producer on the newly released Bruce Springsteen biopic, revealed that the “Born to Run” singer led director Scott Cooper and a small crew on an expedition up and down the Jersey Shore before filming was officially underway.
“Before shooting started, we did a day of location scouting. Bruce brought out his Ford Bronco,” Zanes, 60, told The Post. “It was amazing.”
“So he was driving, Scott Cooper was riding shotgun, and I was in the back with Stefania [Cella], the set designer,” Zanes continued. “We drove to Freehold, we went to all of his houses, we went to Federici’s for lunch and had pizza.”
Of course, the road led straight to the small seaside city that helped shape Springsteen’s legendary music career more than other place in America.
Although the “Thunder Road” rocker, 76, grew up in Freehold, NJ, during the ’50s and ’60s, he got his start playing clubs and venues around Asbury Park. His other Jersey Shore haunts included Colts Neck, Red Bank and Long Branch.
One venue in particular was the iconic Stony Pony, which still stands today and helped launch the music careers of other NJ legends like Jon Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.
“We went to Asbury,” Zanes said. “You’re walking with Bruce Springsteen down the boardwalk toward [Convention Hall], and there’s no security.”
“It’s just Bruce and tourists there to see the landmarks associated with their favorite artist,” Zanes continued with a laugh, “who suddenly pick up on the fact that there he is!”
The new 20th Century Studios feature, directed by “Crazy Heart” filmmaker Cooper, dramatizes the making of one of Springsteen’s most defining albums, 1982’s “Nebraska.”
Starring Jeremy Allen White, 34, as Springsteen and Jeremy Strong, 46, as Springsteen’s longtime manager, Jon Landau, the film also provides a deep dive into the “River” singer’s mental state while on the cusp of becoming a global superstar.
Zanes’s 2023 book, “Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska,” served as the movie’s source material. He was close by Cooper’s side as the entire project developed, including when the director first met the Boss and the Boss’ wife of 34 years, Patti Scialfa.
“The first time I brought Scott Cooper to meet Bruce and Jon [Landau] was down on the Jersey Shore,” Zanes said.
