Three Bruce Springsteen shows in Dublin next May
The first Dublin RDS show on May 22 is sold out, the second show on Friday May 23 is also sold out and there are still - I think - tickets on sale for the THIRD show on Sunday May 25.
I knew there was a lot of Bruce fans in Ireland, but this many? Or are people buying tickets for all three shows? And, seeing as Bruce will be around on Saturday May 24, can we expect a fourth show?
UPDATE All three shows are now sold out.
I think that Irish people are getting addicted to the “9 am ticketmaster release”
Springsteen has a lot of fans but would not be as popular as he was twenty years ago with Born in the USA/Tunnel of Love. Around 1988, he played only one night in the RDS, I think.
We saw earlier on this year with the Arcade Fire that the show in the Olympia sold out in seconds/minutes yet tickets were available in the rest of Europe quite easily. Hype sells
Look what has happened with My Bloody Valentine in the UK; they’ve sold out about eight live dates which they would never have got close to in the early 90’s
Comment by Overfriendly Concierge | November 28, 2007 at 11:19 amOh the stress !! Got 4 tickts for the 3rd night. I had 6 people online and 1 on the phone. Glad to report that the phone came good. The ensuing panic of unnanounced extra nights is like no other. A well deserved ‘fuck you ‘ to ticketmaster and the promoters !!
Comment by lynam | November 28, 2007 at 11:30 amA well deserved ‘fuck you ‘ to ticketmaster and the promoters !!
I think you mean “yahoo, more money, more money” for Ticketmaster and the promoters, surely? Extra shows are a win-win for everyone (bar the touts).
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 28, 2007 at 11:33 amConcierge, I was just going to mention that RDS Tunnel show ( my personal favourite Bruce album). It’s mad that he can go from 1 night to - potentially- 4 nights. Maybe it’s just a reflection of the times and people having more money and his audience expanding with him. My mate’s always been a mad Bruce fan and now his teenage son is too. Anyways , multiple Bruce shows is a great thing.
Comment by Q | November 28, 2007 at 11:36 amagreed ! just wish they would give us some advertised notice. i’d say many normal punters gave up leaving the extra nights for touts and speculators !!
Comment by lynam | November 28, 2007 at 11:40 amSpringsteen has a lot of fans but would not be as popular as he was twenty years ago with Born in the USA/Tunnel of Love. Around 1988, he played only one night in the RDS, I think.
I dunno, he’s the type of guy that I’d say will still get the types that saw him 20 years ago (like my old man) out for their 1 gig a year and at this moment in time he’s probably hipper than he’s been since the 70’s so regular gig goers would have been after them too. And for many younger folks who may have been introduced to him via Arcade Fire/The National/The Hold Steady in recent years these dates and the one coming up in Belfast will be the first chance for them to see him with the E-Streeters, when was the last time they were here? 7-8 years ago?
Oh, and I can’t fucking wait.
Comment by Ian | November 28, 2007 at 11:42 amAt the Madrid show at the weekend, I was genuinely surprised at how young the crowd was by comparison with some previous Bruce shows I’ve seen. Like Ian said, it’s an opportunity for the people who’ve come to him new to experience the fever.
Oh and the last E Street show in Ireland was in May 2003 in the RDS.
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 28, 2007 at 11:47 amThat’s something for you to look forward to in May Jimbo.
Because you certainly wont be at the Champions League final on the 21st.
The scum are getting knocked out tonight.
C’mon Porto!!!!
João Paulo to net the winner right in front of the Kop.
Comment by Pedro | November 28, 2007 at 11:51 amPedro - you heading down to Paddy Powers with that one? I make it a 3-1 win for the Reds myself.
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 28, 2007 at 11:54 amI could got to Paddy Powers but it would be much more fun to take your money.
Comment by Pedro | November 28, 2007 at 12:10 pm20 quid says Porto will put 2 past you and knock you out on your own turf.
Right, you’re on. I can add that to the money I’ve won this year betting on what shows will or will not sell out.
By the way, what did you make of Dunphy’s performance last night? I thought the best bit was when Bill was caught on camera smirking broadly and fixing the hanky in his suit pocket.
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 28, 2007 at 12:16 pmGo on the ‘Pool.
will there be a 1030 curfew for these gigs. Anyone at Kings of Leon last night - is that what happened at the end when the house lights came on during the encore?
Comment by Q | November 28, 2007 at 12:20 pmIn madrid, he went onstage at 9.40 and finished at midnight - reckon the summer shows will be longer, 8pm-11pm, I’d say. They usually have late enough curfew at RDS outdoor shows
Phantom had a report that tiles started coming off the roof at the Kings of Leon gig which meant they had to end early.
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 28, 2007 at 12:24 pmLast night was the best TV I’ve watched all year.
Comment by Pedro | November 28, 2007 at 12:25 pmDunphy is the shit.
When he put on his glasses and then read out Venebles’ rap-sheet was brilliant.
And the way he kept apologising for talking over Giles.
Souness wanted to punch him at the end for interrupting him constantly.
Thanks Jim.
Comment by Q | November 28, 2007 at 12:32 pmMaybe all the Sopranos fans are buying tickets to see if Steve Van Zandt’s guitar sling is any match to his gun slinging.
Or perhaps all the Conan O’Brien fans are buying tickets to hear him bang out something other then big band standards.
Comment by markg | November 28, 2007 at 12:39 pmBy him I mean Max Weinberg.
Comment by markg | November 28, 2007 at 12:40 pmI worked in music retail for way too many years, and we had ticketmaster outlets in many of them. I have to say, Bruce is one of the very few artists that can consistently sell tickets, and albums. A few years ago Pearl Jam tickets went on sale the same morning as their new album. We had a queue around the corner for tickets, and when it sold out and everybody was gone, all 50 copies of the album were still there on the shelf. Not one sold! The previous couple of Bruce gigs were chaos in the shop, but the fans were generally great when told it was sold out. No whinging or violence like the time Eminem sold out. Is the 3-4 show thing not a two-fold approach? First book a venue provisionally, look at how the gig is selling, then keep adding dates according to demand. Second, to deter the touts. Or is that rather naive? Do promoters care who’s hands the tickets fall into once they are sold?
Comment by I Prefer The Obscure Remix | November 28, 2007 at 12:41 pmThe dates for when tickets go on sale for shows are agreed in advance with the act, their management and agents. The promoter strictly adheres to this. The venues would also be on hold. So it would have always been the plan for all three shows to go on sale today provided, of course, the first one sold out - you dont just add shows like this based on how sales go for the first one. Plus the agent is in the US and is probably still in bed.
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 28, 2007 at 12:52 pmWe were at the KoL gig last night and it was pulled 2 songs into the encore - there was what looked like ’snow’ falling from the suspeneded lights in front of the stage but we thought it was an effect. There was no goodbye from the band they just waved as they left and then some guy announced that the gig was stopped due to Health and Safety. No word about it on MCD, KoL or Hotpress site but then they have been announced for Oxegen so that covers it. Wonder will tonights second show go ahead?
Comment by John | November 28, 2007 at 12:56 pmjohn - I just saw a news report on phantom.ie about it. As regular readers here know, you don’t go to Hot Press for music news
maybe they’ll take down the roof for tonight’s show….
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 28, 2007 at 1:05 pmWhat a great idea - could only make the sound better!
Comment by John | November 28, 2007 at 1:10 pmBut if the first one had sold poorly Jim, would the other two have gone on sale also? I know this show was never going to under perform, but this must happen with other shows.
Comment by I Prefer The Obscure Remix | November 28, 2007 at 2:05 pmExtra dates are booked with band/management/agent/promoter/venue, but surely only provisionally.
I recall two very large bands announcing gigs a few years ago. After Ticketmaster ensuring us there would be extra dates to cope with demand, a second or third show never appeared, due to poor initial ticket sales for day 1.
Go on the ‘pool! Sorry Pedro.
But if the first one had sold poorly Jim, would the other two have gone on sale also? I know this show was never going to under perform, but this must happen with other shows.
Oh yes, of course that happens Obscure Remixer. But the promoter will simply not put the extra show on sale and do their damndest to get out of the extra show.
You’ll know this has happened especially when you see that the band have the extra shows listed on their website/MySpace and then the shows don’t happen.
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 28, 2007 at 2:52 pmIn the totally amazing Dixie Chick’s movie - shut up and sing- there’s a great scene where the tour dates go on sale and their tour manager and band manager are getting up to the second data from ticketmaster and are making on the spot “go/no go decisions” re: adding extra dates. in that case they were seeing instantly that the tour wasn’t warranting extra shows in some cities. except toronto!
Comment by Q | November 28, 2007 at 3:29 pmback to brucey guys ,i just want to say to all the w**kers last night who where elling tickets on bay before they went on sale f**k u all.as a lucky belfast 15th ticketholder i am glad for irish fans to get 3 nights as it will decrease the ebay value of tickets for the scummy scalpers who keep ripping the real fans off.
Comment by daveyt | November 28, 2007 at 10:41 pmUp urs pedro.go on the Legends that are Bruce Springsteen and Liverpool Football Club..
Comment by Derek D | November 28, 2007 at 11:39 pm20 quid says Porto will put 2 past you and knock you out on your own turf.
I’m looking forward to collecting my winnings from pedro today.
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 29, 2007 at 9:27 amSo has anybody actually spent money on a Brooooooce ticket? Or was anyone really all that bothered?
I was talking to my cousin at Ryan Adams last night at the National Stadium and she was on the phone and had 6 computers logged onto the TicketBastard site and only her boyfriend got tickets for the first show by using the phone. Thought that was a bit mad.
Also, I can’t believe the jammy juggernaut that is Liverpool in Europe. They didn’t deserve to win in 2005 after they bought that Greek side out. Whiney bastards.
Comment by Neilo | November 29, 2007 at 9:46 amneilo - what was the Ryan Adams show like? I’d forgotten the show was on
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 29, 2007 at 10:13 amJim - Ryan Adams was absolutely brilliant. I hadn’t seen him before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. A few re-worked versions of tunes off Heartbreaker and Gold went down well. The bulk of the material came from Cold Roses and Easy Tiger.
Plenty of 70s styled twin harmonies and extra twiddle during the songs didn’t go amiss. Essentially every song was stretched beyond the album form and the band were very responsive to his every move.
Plus, he was in top form. Highly entertaining (he even responded very well to the obligatory shout for “Summer of ‘69″ with a well judged “I hope you feel better real soon”), although since he’s been drug-free for the last 6 months, his stimulant of choice is caffeine so he talked an awful amount of nonsense between songs. “I’m not going to get all political on ya, ladies and gentleman, but…if we all act together….we can make a difference and the world will be a better place, free of………math. I mean think about it people: numbers?” He was also preoccupied with spiders and his Diet Coke smelling like a Pottery Barn. A bit odd, but the songs themselves were the real highlight and his voice was absolutely sparkling. The other thing that I noticed was the fact that once the applause died down, you could hear a pin drop. I thought I had ascended into gig heaven.
So, to recap: AWESOME.
I’m still looking forward to Okkervil River next week though. I hope it’ll be as good as I’ve been making them out to be on these pages!
Comment by Neilo | November 29, 2007 at 10:45 amDamn, that sounds good. I’ve experienced up and down gigs from him (more of the latter than the former, it must be said) but that sounds great.
I went to Efterklang instead - lovely for about 30 mins and then it got a mite repetitive.
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 29, 2007 at 10:48 amDerek D - You’re fucking boring to watch. You wont do shit in the premiership this season (yet again) and I can’t see you doing anything in cup competitions.
Jimbo - Haha, what did I tell you last night? That’s 20 quid off the debt you’ve accumulated over the years with me.
Comment by Pedro | November 29, 2007 at 11:35 amWent onto that site aloud that someone recommended and was trying Ticketmaster at same time….No go. V.disappointed
Comment by Tri | November 29, 2007 at 12:37 pmAccording to radiohead.com, Radiohead has just announced two Dublin shows in June. They’re kicking their tour off here. Wonder if it’ll be outdoor RDS ala ‘The Longest Day’ with Massive Attack in June 1997. I might write a song about it this time… but only if they let me decide what price to pay for the tickets etc.
Comment by Hot Lunch | November 29, 2007 at 6:16 pmLunch - I can’t see the ‘Head leaving out the tip-jar for this one (or selling cheap tickets). And I hear it may be Malahide Castle for these shows.
Comment by Jim Carroll | November 29, 2007 at 6:29 pmI heard Dylan may be playing the Castle also !!
Comment by lynam | November 29, 2007 at 7:06 pmI’d like to point out the Mr. Carroll has received his 20 quid from me for Liverpool’s lucky win on Wednesday night.
Comment by Pedro | November 30, 2007 at 1:23 pmPedro - and i spent the money on a smashing Indian takeaway from Bombay Pantry, ta v much
Comment by Jim Carroll | December 1, 2007 at 2:34 pmI got 4 tickets for the Thursday show but Im trying to swap 2 for another night. My boyfriend wants to see him twice can anyone help. We’ve standing tickets
Comment by Michelle | December 3, 2007 at 5:45 pmHey Pedro..Be Fair 21 Goals in the last 5 games,still unbeaten..boring to watch???…your remote must be faulty..roll on marseille
Comment by Derek D | December 8, 2007 at 2:23 amI left a cooment on the previous (no42) which has been changed to a comment by Derek…just wondering why?
Comment by chino | December 8, 2007 at 1:59 pmChino - your only other comment is number 5 on this post - http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/ontherecord/2007/12/07/radiohead-tickets-still-on-sale-band-blame-irish-times/ Maybe you intended to put that comment in this post?
Comment by Jim Carroll | December 8, 2007 at 2:47 pmThats ok.I thought i posted a comment also her “looking for any 2 tickets for thurs” for Bruce,and thought it may have been deleted..but was wondering as (No41) was doing the same.Maybe i make a mistake with the posting of the comment.Anyhow thanks Jim.
Comment by Chino | December 8, 2007 at 5:16 pmJust a quick question with regards the 3 rds shows in may..do you think the setlist will differ each night & would you expect the show to be longer than the current 2hours 10mins when he plays hear this summer?
Comment by Chino | December 8, 2007 at 5:37 pmGot tickets for Belfast next Saturday cannot wait
Comment by Ger | December 9, 2007 at 11:21 amhello to all, stumbled across this website looking for the setlist for bruce’s tour……. any one out there who has any idea what he’s likely to play…. In relation to the price of the tickets, 81 euro is alot of money but personally i’d paid this twice over to see the springsteen in action……. it’s going to be priceless!!! can’t fucking wait for it…
Comment by rachel | March 31, 2008 at 11:24 amRachel, if you want information on set lists go to www.backstreets.com and check out ‘news’. Its a vital site for fans. Magic is dominating, with plenty in each concert from BTR and DOTEOT and increasingly a few surprises too. In Portland on Saturday he opened with Trapped.
Comment by brendan mulgrew | March 31, 2008 at 7:10 pmI just bought 2 seating tickets online @ ticketmaster. Seems it isn’t that sold out, as they claimed before. why?
Comment by package | May 8, 2008 at 3:32 pm