There was only one show in town in Dublin on Friday night, with "The Boss" Bruce Springsteen taking over the RDS for the first of three sold-out shows.
The rock legend played an incredible 27-song setlist, including all of his biggest hits like 'Born in the USA', 'Born to Run', 'Dancing in the Dark', and 'Badlands.'
It was before the opening song of his encore, however, that the most emotional moment of the night came.
Before performing 'Land of Hope and Dreams,' Springsteen dedicated the song to RTÉ presenter Charlie Bird, who is currently battling motor neurone disease, in a touching conclusion to the night.
Bruce Springsteen gives Charlie Bird his "final wish"
In the week leading up to Bruce Springsteen's mega RDS run, Charlie Bird shared a video to his Twitter page sharing his "bucket list" dream to meet the man himself, Bruce Springsteen.
On my bucket list I said I would love to meet Bruce Springsteen, I have no idea if that will happen. Another wish is helping Pieta as long as I can. next Saturday that wish is happening, I will be walking in the Phoenix Park with Pieta. Please let’s help everyone in a dark place. pic.twitter.com/zXygbq5LzM
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) April 29, 2023
In October 2021, former RTÉ News presenter Bird announced that he was suffering from motor neurone disease, and has lost the ability to speak.
Despite his deteriorating health, the 73-year-old shared a positive update in January, saying that he "may not end up totally immobile" as a result of the illness.
Bird is a massive Springsteen fan, and has previously stated he wants the 2001 single 'Land of Hope and Dreams' played at his funeral.
It is easy to understand why, with the blasting rock anthem carrying a beautiful set of uplifting lyrics - so, it must have been an especially moving moment when Bird was present to hear Springsteen dedicate his performance of 'LOHAD' to the RTÉ presenter.
Before cracking into the classic tune, Springsteen shouted to the Dublin crowd, 'This is for my friend Charlie Bird!' One fan present on the night tweeted to say that there was not a dry eye in the audience.
Bruce Springsteen just dedicated a song to Charlie Bird and I think everyone is crying
— Áine (@himynameisaine) May 5, 2023
Even more than that - Charlie Bird got his bucket list wish. He would tweet after the concert to reveal that he had gotten to meet "The Boss" ahead of the gig, saying it was his "final wish" in an emotional message.
Last evening I was blown away brought to meet Bruce Springsteen backstage before concert. We had a couple of hugs and I used my voice app to talk to him. Then he dedicated Land of Hope and Dreams to “my friend Charlie Bird” O God Bruce is a great human. My final wish has happened
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) May 6, 2023
Later on Saturday, Bird shared a photo of him and his wife Claire with Springsteen pre-show, revealing that The Boss had promised him he would play 'Land of Hope and Dreams' especially for him.
A quick glance at the previous setlists from Springsteen on the tour so far reveals that the song is not a regular choice, showing that he made the addition especially on Bird's request.
What a magical moment for me and my beautiful wife Claire. Bruce was so kind and a fantastic human. I played my voice app and I really believe we connected. I told Bruce Land of Hope and dreams was on my bucket list, and he said he would play it for me. And God he did. I love him pic.twitter.com/kP9KInCUpX
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) May 6, 2023
Bruce Springsteen has now crossed paths with Shane MacGowan, stunned a Kildare pub with a surprise performance, and helped an Irish broadcasting icon towards completing his bucket list, in his mere three days so far in Ireland.
What a man. Two more gigs to go.
SEE ALSO: The 2 Names In The Running For 'The Late Late Show' Gig After Byrne And McInerney Withdraw From Race
