I don’t think I like Bruce Springsteen, and if I go to Glastonbury this year I’m not sure I want to see him play.
However my Dad seems to be quite excited that he is playing there this year. I think I may have slightly insulted him by asking ‘‘Is Bruce a legend or something?’’
If there is nothing better on to watch do you think Bruce is worth watching by someone who does not fully appreciate him?!
I admit I also just asked my Dad if he is American and if he is famous in America. I apologise deeply for my ignorance.
Like him or not, he’s as much a rock legend as anyone now alive. In terms of how big a star he is, I’d put him slightly below the Rolling Stones and a finger’s width above U2.
He also has a reputation for putting on a terrific show.
Oh, yes, definitely go. Not only is Bruce supremely talented, but he has one of the tightest bands in rock 'n roll. The E Street band features performers who are artists in their own right, including guitarists Steve Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren, Patti Scialfa (who is also married to Bruce), saxophonist Clarence Clemons, and drummer Max Weinberg (who is also Conan O’Brien’s musical director). Most of these members also have successful solo careers. Van Zandt notably has also made a name for himself as Little Steven and also branched into acting. If you’ve watched the Sopranos, he played Tony’s #1 lieutenant, Silvio Dante. With Springsteen, you’re not just getting the Boss, you’re getting a complete package.
Unless you’re working on-site, are performing, or can use one of the tickets reserved for people in the local area, you’re going to struggle to get in there this year seeing as it’s already sold out. The fence isn’t really an option these days.
The main stage at the Pyramid is only a small part of what goes on. If you do make it, please don’t spend all your time there - the thing is city sized - go explore.
ETA: I like lot of Springsteen’s stuff, so would likely go and see what he’s going to do in a short festival set.
I love Springsteen’s albums. I am one of those rare fans that do not care for his shows. That being said, a fan not liking his shows is unusual enough that I would recommend discounting that negative opinion entirely. You Dad must have a few albums of Springsteen’s music, and any of his albums is worth listening to, especially the early ones and then I love Tunnel of Love, which I consider his masterpiece, although most of his work is better than anything most other artists ever do.
So, yeah, I’d go and give him another chance if it was me.
You need to go for no other reason than to have the experience. You may like it, you may not…but you will be able to tell the story for the rest of your life.
I live nearby and my friend’s Dad gets us tickets the week before each year because he works there. I’ve been a lot before so don’t worry I know to explore
Make sure to buy your tickets quickly though, Bruce is also playing the Pinkpop festival in the Netherlands and all tickets (the day of his performance and three day passes) wqer sold out in 15 minutes. Note that normally you have at least a week for the single day passes.
A second tranche of tickets will be sold on April 5th. But with not only Bruce Springsteen but also Neil Young now confirmed, I don’t think they’re going to hang around.
I’ve just read that Crosby, Stills & Nash have ‘self confirmed’ that they’re going to be there, and that there are strong rumours that Fleetwood Mac will be playing.
Wow is all I can say. Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Crosby Still & Nash and Fleetwood Mac. Unbelievable. (Possibly literally so in the case of the Mac).
I think Glasto is always worth going to, regardless of which rock bands are playing. If there are bands on that you like or idolise, that’s a bonus. If not, there’s a heck of a lot else to see, do and enjoy. I spent most of my time in the ‘Variety’ tent, and had a great time. It’s a shame tickets are so hard to obtain, or else I would go every year.
So yes, if you can get a ticket, go. And I’m not a major Bruce fan, but I’m pretty sure he’s going to put on a brilliant show full of crowd-pleasing hits.
I guess I am very lucky. If my friend and I decide we want to go in the weeks leading up to the festival we just let her Dad know and then are let into the festival before the weekend. I have to say though most of the time I buy a ticket like most people.
