Portraying musical icons in films is a common practice, yet few biopics strive to accurately reflect significant moments from their subjects’ lives. Viewers have come to accept creative liberties in biographical films, as evidenced by the inaccuracies in the portrayals of iconic musicians. For instance, the film about Queen depicted their breakup prior to the Live Aid reunion, and Elton John adopted his stage name from John Lennon. Additionally, Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil is shown singing Billy Squier’s “My Kind of Lover” before it was ever recorded. There are even notable inaccuracies in the narratives of artists like Amy Winehouse and Bob Dylan. These embellishments have become so prevalent that they are now a recognizable category of their own.
While some films, like the 2025 music biopic, may attempt to tell “The Greatest Story Never Told,” others take a more fantastical approach, weaving fictional tales that often lead viewers to question their relevance. A successful example of this is the film Spinal Tap, while “Weird Al” Yankovic’s No Surf City offers a satirical take on his life so exaggerated that it features his character being killed at the 1985 Grammys by a hitman. However, there are rare instances where films portray real stories with accuracy, such as the 2014 biopic Love & Mercy about Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, which included only minor timeline adjustments.
Now, as the end of the month approaches, the new Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere will be released, promising to adhere closely to the true events of “The Boss’s” life.
