Springsteen promoters approached Thomond Park to host gigs - but artist's identity wasn't revealed
'THE BOSS' Bruce Springsteen will not be playing in Limerick as part of his multiple-gig Ireland tour next year, Limerick Live has learned.
Plans are underway for a series of concerts by the American rock star in May 2024 after he and his E Street Band played three sold-out shows in Dublin’s RDS Main Arena in May.
Reports in the national press this Wednesday revealed how his management team is negotiating for two concerts at Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh on May 16 and 18 – with a second Irish venue, Kilkenny, also in the pipeline for multiple gigs.
Ten years ago, The Boss rocked out at the Cork GAA stadium as well as Kilkenny's Nowlan Park, and Thomond Park in Limerick. While there are said to be no plans for Dublin concerts in 2024, it has now been confirmed that Limerick will not feature on the superstar's tour schedule either.
John Cantwell, Stadium Director at Thomond Park has confirmed the news that the home of Munster Rugby will not be hosting the artist due to commitments around the hosting of games.
“We were approached by Springsteen's promoters to host gigs," Mr Cantwell explained to Limerick Live. "At the time we did not know it was for Springsteen we just knew the dates would not work and had to decline as we could not facilitate on those dates due to rugby conflicts.”
“It is during a very busy rugby season and tickets are sold, therefore, it would have been impossible to cancel or reschedule the games. We would never have games during this time in the stadium but the Rugby World Cup starts late and finishes later, this is why there is a conflict. We would have loved to host and we would love to again in the future if he returns. It would have overall been too difficult to turn around the pitch for the gigs.”
In relation to the two possible concerts at Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh next May, the Irish Independent reports that a Cork County Board source has indicated that matches are being rescheduled or transferred from the May dates in anticipation of a major international artist performing at the venue.
"The proposed concert was discussed at a county board meeting this week – with delegates being told the promoter wanted clarification on the specific dates available. One football championship match has already been rescheduled," the Irish Independent reports.