The acclaimed artist Bruce Springsteen along with his E Street Band has returned to town and will remain for some time. They have a string of four performances scheduled across the nation within the next 10 days. They kickstart their journey at Boucher Road in Belfast on May 9th, later progressing to Nowlan Park in Kilkenny for a performance on May 12th. Their tour includes a stop at Cork’s Park Uí Chaoimh on May 16th and culminates at Dublin’s Croke Park on May 19th. Having a comprehensive week to explore, it’s unpredictable where he might surface or whom he might pay a visit – his past visit saw him dropping by on the late Shane MacGowan and Charlie Bird.
One confirmed sighting of Bruce was in Belfast. Bruce was spotted outside his Belfast lodgings, as reported by an Instagram post by Stephen Coulter, an astute fan. Coulter relayed to the Belfast Telegraph that he was aware of Springsteen’s usual stay at the Culloden during his Belfast visits, hence he awaited a private plane from Cardiff, Springsteen’s recent concert location. With an arrival time about a quarter of an hour ahead of Springsteen’s entourage, Cooler successfully requested for an autograph on an album.
With a ready album and Sharpie, he secured his prized autograph and even got a selfie with Bruce. Describing his interaction to the Belfast Telegraph, Coulter recalled how Bruce took the initiative to click the photograph pronouncing his expertise at it. The noteworthy album cover featuring Bruce’s signature is currently being framed, with photographs queued up for printing. Cooler’s thrilling encounter ended with Bruce exclaiming, “We’re rocking and rolling now Steve.”
The Culloden Estate and Spa is known for its luxury and privacy in the leafy suburb of Holywood in Belfast. This five-star hotel, spread across 12 acres, was originally a bishop’s palace consisting of 98 rooms and suites. Its location offers a panoramic view of the Belfast Lough and the Co Antrim coastline. Its online motto claims that it was “Built for a Bishop, fit for a King”, which befittingly accommodates the reclusive needs of The Boss.