Bruce Springsteen, often referred to as The Boss, is set to perform three sold-out shows at the RDS in Dublin on Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday. Ahead of his performances, the iconic musician visited former Pogues star Shane McGowan at his home in south Dublin, which was shared on social media by McGowan’s long-term partner Victoria Mary Clarke. The encounter was described as an “amazing honour” and a “beautiful experience” by Clarke, who referred to Springsteen as a “total genius.” McGowan has been in and out of the hospital due to health complications in recent years and now requires a full-time carer. Despite this, he retains a large following among Irish communities in the UK and US and counts Hollywood actor Johnny Depp among his friends.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are widely considered one of the best live rock acts of all time, with hits like Born in the USA and Dancing in the Dark making Springsteen one of America’s most loved rock vocalists. Those attending the Dublin shows are advised to allow plenty of time to travel to the venue due to expected traffic and to use public transport wherever possible. The concerts are expected to deliver a significant boost to the Irish economy through spending in restaurants, bars, shops, and tour visits.
Springsteen, whose grandmother’s family (the O’Hagan-Gerritys) have Irish ancestry links to Mullingar, enjoys performing in Ireland and has included the country in every European tour since his 1985 debut at Slane Castle. He even attended the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS to watch his daughter Jessica compete in showjumping events. Springsteen also recorded his 2007 album, Live in Dublin – Springsteen and the Sessions Band, after performing in the capital city. He has numerous friends in Ireland, including Bono and horse trainer Enda Bolger.
Former RTÉ broadcaster and charity campaigner Charlie Bird, who is battling motor neurone disease, has revealed that the final item on his bucket list is to meet The Boss next week. Bird, who hopes to have Springsteen’s Land of Hope and Dreams played at his funeral, is still optimistic about meeting him and is currently fundraising for the Pieta suicide prevention charity. While it remains unclear whether the meeting will take place, Irish friends are said to be liaising with Springsteen’s agents to facilitate a private gathering.
