Meet Warren Zanes, the Author and Rocker Behind the Springsteen Movie | Better in Person
Summary
Stephen Dubner interviews Warren Zanes, former Del Fuegos member and acclaimed music biographer, about his turbulent rock career and subsequent academic success. Zanes recounts pivotal moments, including playing with Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, and being pushed out of his band by his brother. He discusses writing intimate biographies of Petty and Springsteen, focusing on the making of *Nebraska*, and reflects on his journey from addiction to sobriety and scholarly achievement.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Chasing dreams and Warren Zanes' journey
The night Bruce Springsteen joined the Del Fuegos on stage
Warren's identity, chipped tooth, and early influences
Forming the Del Fuegos with his brother and musical roots
Quitting the band and a surreal meeting with George Harrison
Tom Petty's kindness and Warren's path to sobriety
From rock star to academic: Degrees and discovering Nebraska
Writing a book about Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska album
The making of the Nebraska movie and future biography
Reuniting with the Del Fuegos and closing thoughts
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