NEWS
BBC celebrates 50 years of Bruce Springsteen with new documentary 'When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain'
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BBC Two and iPlayer are set to honour The Boss this May with a special night of programming marking the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s first-ever UK concert. The centrepiece of the celebration is When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain, a new one-hour documentary from Wise Owl Films, featuring a world-exclusive interview with the American music icon.
The film dives into Springsteen’s unique and enduring bond with the UK, beginning with his now-legendary 1975 debut at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. At just 26, Springsteen was already creating buzz with Born to Run – but despite a sold-out crowd, he left the stage disillusioned with his performance. “I had PTSD from the first Hammersmith show,” he reveals in the candid new interview.
Featuring unseen archive footage and contributions from E Street Band’s Stevie Van Zandt, fellow artists Sting and Peter Gabriel, and comedian Rob Brydon, the documentary explores Springsteen’s evolving relationship with British fans and musicians. Promoter Harvey Goldsmith, manager Jon Landau, and Sir Michael Palin also offer reflections, with Palin recalling the night in his famous diary.
Springsteen’s UK journey continued with his triumphant River Tour in 1981, visits to cities like Newcastle and Brighton, and his massive Born in the USA tour in 1985. The story is brought full circle with his acclaimed 2024 UK shows and his recent induction as the first overseas songwriter to become a Fellow of The Ivors Academy.
The documentary also celebrates the lives touched by Springsteen’s music – including fans like Juliana Heron, whose community was supported by a personal donation from Bruce during the miners’ strike.
Also airing as part of the Springsteen celebration is Hammersmith Odeon, ’75 – a full broadcast of the landmark 1975 show – and a new Bruce Springsteen at the BBC compilation, featuring performances from Top of the Pops, Old Grey Whistle Test, and more.
BBC Pop Music’s Rachel Davies said: “Bruce Springsteen is not just a global icon – he’s one of our own. This night of programming lifts the lid on his remarkable journey with the UK, and fans are in for a real treat.”
The film dives into Springsteen’s unique and enduring bond with the UK, beginning with his now-legendary 1975 debut at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. At just 26, Springsteen was already creating buzz with Born to Run – but despite a sold-out crowd, he left the stage disillusioned with his performance. “I had PTSD from the first Hammersmith show,” he reveals in the candid new interview.
Springsteen’s UK journey continued with his triumphant River Tour in 1981, visits to cities like Newcastle and Brighton, and his massive Born in the USA tour in 1985. The story is brought full circle with his acclaimed 2024 UK shows and his recent induction as the first overseas songwriter to become a Fellow of The Ivors Academy.
The documentary also celebrates the lives touched by Springsteen’s music – including fans like Juliana Heron, whose community was supported by a personal donation from Bruce during the miners’ strike.
Also airing as part of the Springsteen celebration is Hammersmith Odeon, ’75 – a full broadcast of the landmark 1975 show – and a new Bruce Springsteen at the BBC compilation, featuring performances from Top of the Pops, Old Grey Whistle Test, and more.
BBC Pop Music’s Rachel Davies said: “Bruce Springsteen is not just a global icon – he’s one of our own. This night of programming lifts the lid on his remarkable journey with the UK, and fans are in for a real treat.”
