"Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere" premieres at New York Film Festival

NEW YORK (WPVI) -- The stars were out at Lincoln Center as "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere" made its debut at the New York Film Festival.

The biographical drama tells the story of singer, songwriter and New Jersey's own - Bruce Springsteen.

The Boss was in the house for the premiere, and performed for the crowd ahead of the screening.

Springsteen was a full creative participant in the film that captures a dark moment in his rise to becoming one of the world's biggest rock stars.

"The Bear" star Jeremy Allen White plays Springsteen, as he writes and records his 1982 album "Nebraska" in alienation, during a time of deep depression.

White had never sang, never played a guitar and had no experience as a rock star when he stepped into this iconic role.

"It was scary to get into it," White says. "In the beginning, I was nervous. I didn't play guitar. I'd never really sang other than, you know, in the shower, or in the car, and it was scary. But I had a really beautiful and talented group of people supporting me and helping me with everything."

Springsteen was on set for most of the filming, and gave White his blessing.

"I'm very grateful for him for pushing it and pushing me," White says.

Stars from the film were on hand to celebrate the premiere, including Matthew Anthony Pellicano Jr., a 9-year-old Jersey boy playing a young Bruce Springsteen.

"It's amazing to play him," Pellicano says. "It's an honor. It's just great."

Members of the E Street Band were also there to celebrate their bandmate and friend on this raw and emotional film.

"You have to respect the fact that he's spilling his guts," says Steven Van Zandt. "He's being so honest about that part of his life, and I think it's going to help people."

"Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere" is in theaters October 24th.