Bruce Springsteen made his return to Irish soil in recent days, with 'The Boss' taking in some familiar stops around the country ahead of his shows in the country over the coming days.
Someone who has always enjoyed his time in Ireland, Springsteen will play a slate of three concerts in Kilkenny, Cork, and Dublin. The first of those shows took place at Nowlan Park last night, the first time the 74-year old had played at the Kilkenny venue since 2013.
It was also the first time that he had played in Ireland since the death of Shane MacGowan.
Bruce Springsteen was a close friend of The Pogues frontman, who passed away back in November at the age of 65. Considering the relationship between the pair, it was not a surprise to see the American pay a poignant tribute to MacGowan last night.
READ HERE: Where Was Bodkin Filmed? Filming Locations For Irish Netflix Hit
Bruce Springsteen pays tribute to Shane MacGowan in Kilkenny
Bruce Springsteen would open his show at Nowlan Park with a tribute to Shane MacGowan, performing the much loved Pogues hit A Rainy Night in Soho.
It was an emotional performance, with Springsteen providing a wonderful cover of the song.
Bruce Springsteen kicked off his show in Kilkenny, Ireland on Sunday by paying tribute to late Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan with a cover of "A Rainy Night in Soho." → https://t.co/pxxShg0h3U
Credit: Aiken Promotions pic.twitter.com/f66cSl7Fvr— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) May 12, 2024
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band opened their gig at Nowlan Park in Kilkenny by paying tribute to the late Shane MacGowan with A Rainy Night in Soho.
Not a dry in the house after that I’d say. pic.twitter.com/YvsOEYCMYD— Greg Murphy 🤓 (@TheGregMurphy) May 13, 2024
It certainly went down well with the audience in Kilkenny. The official twitter account of The Pogues would also thank him for the tribute.
Lovely tribute to our boss. Thanks @springsteen https://t.co/aTgJGWl61p
— The Pogues (@poguesofficial) May 12, 2024
Speaking after Shane MacGowan's death last year, Bruce Springsteen hailed him as one of music's best ever song writers.
Shane was one of my all-time favourite writers.
The passion and deep intensity of his music and lyrics is unmatched by all but the very best in the rock and roll canon.
I was fortunate to spend a little time with Shane and his lovely wife Victoria the last time we were in Dublin.
He was very ill, but still beautifully present in his heart and spirit. His music is timeless and eternal. I don’t know about the rest of us, but they’ll be singing Shane’s songs 100 years from now.
Considering the reception the song got last night, it would not be a surprise to see Bruce Springsteen open with it in Cork and Dublin over the coming days.
It was certainly a fitting tribute to an Irish music legend.
SEE ALSO: New Netflix Show Set In Ireland Looks Like A Potential Smash Hit
