Bruce Springsteen and Danny DeVito: A Tale of Friendship and Music
The upcoming months of 2025 are anticipated to be filled with the sounds of Bruce Springsteen, with the buzz surrounding the new biopic "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere." It's likely that we'll soon see many men in their early 30s sporting black leather jackets and flannel shirts in trendy areas like Shoreditch, reminiscent of the iconic style associated with 'The Boss.' Among these fans is actor Danny DeVito, who shares a deep admiration for Springsteen, not only due to their shared New Jersey roots but also because of their respective rises to fame in the 1970s.
Springsteen gained recognition with his breakthrough album "Born to Run" in 1975, while DeVito made his mark in the acclaimed film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and later as Louie de Palma on the popular sitcom "Taxi." DeVito fondly recalls his connection to Springsteen's music, particularly the song "Mansion on the Hill" from the album "Nebraska," which resonated with his memories of a distant mansion in his hometown of Asbury. Despite facing skepticism from record executives, Springsteen defied expectations by recording "Nebraska" with minimal instrumentation, showcasing his raw talent and storytelling prowess.
DeVito and Springsteen forged a strong friendship in the 1980s, remaining close over the years. Their bond extends to a 'Grandpa group chat' on WhatsApp, where DeVito proudly declares himself a 'groupie' for Springsteen's music. Their mutual admiration was evident when DeVito inducted Springsteen into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2008, reciprocated by Springsteen honoring DeVito's induction two years later. Their camaraderie was further highlighted when Springsteen invited DeVito on stage for a lively performance of "Glory Days," showcasing their enduring friendship and shared love for music.