Scenes from Hollywood : Asbury Park Press Feature of Jerseyboy Hero Film.
- Caleb Rivers
- Mar 9, 2009
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 31, 2025
Like a Scene From Hollywood
by Eleanor O'Sullivan (Movie Writer)
Think Michael Moore’s “Roger & Me,” only with music as the theme and a good guy being pursued.
Here’s the scenario, and it’s true: A young musician goes on the road in search of his musical heroes in the hopes they’ll listen to his band’s demo tape.
The young musician films his adventures chasing the heroes, Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. He calls the chase movie “Jerseyboy Hero.”
Truth, it’s been said, is stranger (and sometimes wilder) than fiction: Chris Vaughn, a Brick band leader, was hanging around Asbury Park’s Convention Hall one day in 2007, hoping to finally snatch a moment with Springsteen, who was rehearsing at the hall for his world tour.
Out of nowhere, Springsteen appeared on the street. He and Vaughn started chatting and the camera was rolling.
What happened next took chops and grace:Vaughn: “Bruce, could I use this in the movie?
”Springsteen: “Sure!”
FROM THE COVER
Jerseyboy
…everyone wanting pictures and autographs, I was struck by the poise of both of them,” Weber said.
And speaking of wonders, Springsteen took Vaughn’s demo and stuck it in his back pocket, a la the album cover of “Born in the U.S.A.,” showing a red cap in Springsteen’s jean pocket. It’s in the film.
There were other kind gestures.
“We bought this $100 piece of junk van that we repainted and cleaned up called the HeroVan, and Bruce agreed to come down and sign it in front of the Wonder Bar. Then he signed autographs for Chris and his family,” Furi said.
“He was very nice to everybody. Finally he said, ‘You gotta go home. My wife’s (Patti Scialfa) making dinner,’” Vaughn said.
Furi’s uncle, actor Tony Lip (Frank Anthony Vallelonga), who appears as Carmine in “The Sopranos,” appears in a couple of scenes in “Jerseyboy Hero,” as do Furi and his daughter.
Springsteen approved the inclusion of the footage of himself, including the demo in his jeans, Vaughn said.
Vaughn said the experience, with a finished film and a demo tape circulating, was a dream come true. But as post-production would be back pocket, Vaughn said he feared and dreaded it.
But he framed out the editing of the film, and he says he is unhappy with the final result.
“It’s just not polished enough. It’s not acceptable. I want to do it right.”
Vaughn, a graduate of Shore Regional High School in West Long Branch, lives in Brick with his wife, Shannon, and their two sons, who are 8 and 5. He’s a meter repairman for the township of Freehold, a place that he has walked in search of Springsteen’s imprint on the world-famous musician. Vaughn was born and raised in the borough of Freehold.
On the up side, Vaughn’s song “Fallen Angel” will be included in the upcoming feature film “Stiletto,” starring Tom Berenger, Michael Biehn and Diane Venora.
At this point, Vaughn is seeking post-production completion money so his dream-like encounter with Springsteen can be edited to his liking.
A trailer from “Jerseyboy Hero” is available on Vaughn’s Web site, www.jerseyboyhero.com.
The Chris Vaughn Band is preparing to record a new album, but Vaughn says his biggest goal is to finish the movie about his hero.
“Bruce was great. I discovered he’s a normal but amazing guy,” Vaughn said.
Weber said Vaughn’s persistence and his wife Shannon’s support have kept the couple going through 18 months of seeking out Springsteen, getting the movie made and creating music while paying bills for a family of four.
“They set out to make a movie about the effort and dedication, the disappointments, the retakes, (and perhaps some major takes) that fans and fellow musicians of Springsteen have seen. The couple knew it was going to drive them further, but this is a big dream based on real talent, on sweat equity, on willpower.
“It’s a great story, with or without that rock star ending,” Weber said.
CVC Staff Writer, Caleb Rivers, updated August 2025. Archives.
