Bruce Springsteen sings 'My Hometown' with punters during surprise visit to Irish pub

He went to Co Kildare on Thursday to explore his ancestral roots

Rock legend Bruce Springsteen
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 5th May 2023
Last updated 5th May 2023

Bruce Springsteen launched into a rendition of his classic song ‘My Hometown’ with punters at an Irish pub yesterday morning (4th May).

Ahead of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band’s trio of sold-out concerts at Dublin’s RDS Arena, The Boss visited various locations in Co Kildare on Thursday to explore his ancestral roots.

Bruce's great, great grandmother Ann Garrity was from the Mount Prospect area of Rathangan, Co Kildare. During the Famine in 1852, Ann emigrated to New Jersey where her legendary great-great-grandson was born a century later.

Bruce Springsteen arrived unannounced in Co Kildare and visited The Burrow pub in Rathangan where he spoke to drinkers and even led a short rendition of his ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ anthem ‘My Hometown.’

The Boss joked afterwards: "I’m firing The E Street Band and hiring you guys."

According to RTE, Bruce earlier went to the Newbridge Library where local historians presented him with research material on his family roots. The impromptu visit also included a visit to performing arts school The Creative Performance Academy.

On Tuesday (3rd May), Bruce Springsteen paid a visit to Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan’s home in Dublin.

Shane's wife Victoria Mary Clarke tweeted: 'What an amazing honour and a beautiful experience to get a visit from The Boss!!! @springsteen @ShaneMacGowan Such a truly wonderful man and a total genius!'

Following their dates in Dublin, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band play sold out UK shows in Edinburgh, Birmingham and London in late May / early June.

You can hear songs by Bruce Springsteen on Greatest Hits Radio.

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Now read:

Bruce Springsteen: Everything you need to know about his incredible career 🎸

Everything you need to know about Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's 2023 UK tour

The biggest tours to look forward to in 2023

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