Introduction
Bruce Springsteen, the legendary Born in the USA singer, left a lasting impression during his very first live performance in Liverpool, held at Anfield Stadium. At 75, the rock icon enchanted fans with a deeply emotional and memorable show that included a touching moment shared with a young fan on stage. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, the crowd welcomed him with a thunderous ovation and chants of “Bruce” reverberated throughout the venue.
Greeting the Liverpool audience warmly, Springsteen said, “Good evening. It is great for us to be in Liverpool where, for us, it all began.” As a surprise for this special evening, Springsteen adjusted his usual setlist for the opening night of his sold-out shows at Anfield — much to the delight of concertgoers.
A Unique Setlist and an Unforgettable Duet
While the tour is typically named after and opened with Land of Hope and Dreams, the Liverpool show started with My Love Will Not Let You Down, followed by Lonesome Day, with Land of Hope and Dreams taking the third spot in the set.
One of the most touching highlights of the evening came during The Promised Land. As Springsteen performed, a young girl playing the harmonica appeared on the big screen. What followed was an impromptu duet between the rock star and the young musician, a moment that visibly moved the entire audience.
Fans quickly took to social media to share their reactions. One user on X described the performance as “pure joy,” while others called it “remarkable” and “properly brilliant.”
Another fan summed up the experience perfectly: “Bruce Springsteen absolutely lit up Anfield last night,” adding that it was an “unforgettable performance.”
A Career Built on Timeless Music
Bruce Springsteen’s illustrious career spans more than five decades. He has released 21 studio albums, won 20 Grammy Awards, and sold an astounding 140 million records worldwide. His passion for music remains as strong as ever — and Liverpool holds a special place in that journey.
The Beatles’ Profound Influence on Springsteen
Although born in New Jersey, Springsteen has always credited Liverpool’s most famous export — The Beatles — as a defining inspiration in his own musical path.
Back in 1964, when Springsteen was a teenager, The Beatles were already global stars. After conquering the UK and Europe, their arrival in America marked a cultural revolution. The band landed at New York’s JFK Airport on February 7, 1964, welcomed by 5,000 ecstatic fans. Their debut appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show just two days later reached over 73 million viewers across the United States.
Paul McCartney had insisted that The Beatles should not visit America until they had a number one hit there — and they achieved it with I Want to Hold Your Hand, which topped the US charts just days before their arrival. Their televised appearance was a cultural phenomenon that deeply influenced millions — including a young Bruce Springsteen.
The Moment That Changed Everything
In a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Springsteen vividly recalled how that era transformed his life. “‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ came on the radio in 1964. That changed my life because I was going to pick up the guitar and finally learn to play.”
Reflecting on his earlier musical struggles, Springsteen shared: “I saw Elvis on TV when I was nine or so. I tried to play the guitar back then but it didn’t work out. I put it away, but the turning point came in 1964 when I heard ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ while driving with my mother.”
Describing the moment in vivid detail, he said: “I immediately asked her to stop the car. I ran to the bowling alley, straight to a phone booth, and called my girlfriend to ask, ‘Have you heard this band called The Beatles?’ After that, it was nothing but rock and roll and guitars.”
Finally Playing in Liverpool
During a chat with Simon Mayo for Greatest Hits Radio last year, Springsteen expressed his excitement about finally performing in Liverpool. Mayo reminded him of a 2016 conversation where a listener had asked when he would play there. At the time, Springsteen replied, “Well, I guess I should do.”
Bruce openly admitted that visiting Liverpool, the birthplace of The Beatles, had long been a dream — one shared by countless Americans. On this historic night at Anfield, that dream finally came true, much to the delight of his British fans.