The Boss rocks Ireland: a look at Bruce Springsteen's electric Irish tour
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have brought their signature brand of heartland rock to Ireland for a four-date tour that concludes on Sunday May 19th, 2024, in Croke Park football stadium, Dublin.
The tour kicked off in a particularly poignant way - in Belfast on May 9th, Springsteen opened the show with a stirring rendition of The Pogues' ‘A Rainy Night in Soho’, a powerful homage to the late Shane MacGowan. Springsteen, a longtime admirer of MacGowan's songwriting, called him “one of my all-time favourite writers” and his decision to open the tour with this song resonated deeply with Irish audiences.
The tour offers fans the energy they have come to expect from Springsteen’s performances. From the opening chords of ‘Who'll Stop the Rain’ to the foot-stomping finale of ‘Thunder Road’, the Boss and his band have Irish crowds roaring. The upcoming Dublin finale at Croke Park is guaranteed to be one for the ages, with Springsteen known for his marathon sets and surprise encores.
Here are some highlights from the tour so far:
- Surprise appearances: Springsteen made a surprise visit to his favourite Dublin chipper (fish and chips shop) for a second time, delighting fans with his down-to-earth demeanour.
- Fan favourites: Classic tracks like ‘Born to Run’, ‘Dancing in the Dark’, and ‘Badlands’ had the stadiums singing along.
- Powerful performances: Springsteen's vocals were in top form, and the E Street Band delivered a tight and energetic performance.
- Christmas in Cork: We might joke about experiencing all four seasons in a day in Ireland, but it was Christmas in Cork for four minutes on Thursday evening (May 16th, 2024). According to an Irish newspaper, ‘The Irish Examiner’, Bruce Springsteen spotted a sign held in the crowd at Páirc Uí Chaoimh during the concert, the sign said “it’s only 222 days to Christmas” and its creator had “been good”! Springsteen took the hint, visibly giggling as he and the E Street Band launched into ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ in mid-May. “Only in Cork”, he laughed about an unseasonal song that he hadn't played on tour in quite a while. “It’s great to be in Cork, it’s great to be in Ireland”, The Boss added.
This Irish tour is a powerful reminder of why Bruce Springsteen remains one of the most beloved musicians of all time. With his timeless songs, electrifying live shows, and genuine connection to the places he visits, Bruce Springsteen continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Did you catch a show on the Irish tour? Share your experience in the comments below.