1985 revisited: Irish gig was one of Springsteen’s steps toward superstar status

The world was in a grim spot in 1985. Yet in the shadow of potential nuclear oblivion abroad, the dead hand of a moribund economy at home in Ireland, and the apocalyptic creep of the Aids epidemic everywhere, popular culture threw back the shutters and let the light in.

Musically, it was the year of big artists growing into their fame. That May, Bruce Springsteen played his first Irish show — to a crowd of more than 60,000 at Slane Castle, Co Meath who each paid £15 for a ticket (less than the Ticketmaster service charge to see a musician of his stature today).

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Take us with you this summer

Annual €130 €65

Best value

Monthly €12€6 / month

Subscribe

Introductory offer. Annual billed once for first year. Monthly (discount first 3 months) billed monthly, then €12 / month. Ts&Cs apply.