Entertainment

Bruce Springsteen visits pal Shane MacGowan ahead of Dublin concerts

Shane MacGowan and Bruce Springsteen (Image: Twitter/Victoria Mary Clarke)
Shane MacGowan and Bruce Springsteen (Image: Twitter/Victoria Mary Clarke) Shane MacGowan and Bruce Springsteen (Image: Twitter/Victoria Mary Clarke)
By Jenny Lee

Ahead of his trio of concerts in Dublin this weekend, American rock legend Bruce Springsteen took time out to visit Shane MacGowan at his home.

The Pogues frontman’s wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, shared a heart-warming picture of the two legends meeting, describing Springsteen as “a truly wonderful man and a total genius!".

“What an amazing honour and a beautiful experience to get a visit from The Boss!!!,” she continued.

MacGowan has been using a wheelchair since a life-changing accident in 2015, when he fractured his pelvis. Last December, after the 65-year-old was admitted to hospital, his wife announced that the singer had been diagnosed with encephalitis, an uncommon condition that causes the brain to swell.

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Springsteen, who is set to rock Dublin’s RDS on Friday May 5, Sunday May 7 and Tuesday May 9, is both a friend and huge fan of MacGowan.

Speaking in an interview on The Late Late Show two years ago, he described Shane MacGowan as “a master”.

“I truly believe that a hundred years from now, most of us will be forgotten. But I do believe that Shane's music is going to be remembered and sung. It's just deep in the nature of it.

"So he's a master, for me, and I've a deep, deep appreciation of his work and working with The Pogues."

Seven-year since he last played in Dublin, Springsteen is expected to treat fans to a three-hour performance that includes hits such as Born in the U.S.A and Born to Run.

Backed by his long-time collaborators, The E Street Band, fans never truly know what they can expect at a Springsteen gig.

Last Sunday during his tour in Barcelona, Michelle Obama surprised everyone by getting up on stage and singing backing vocals and tambourine during one song.

Gates open at 5pm.