I've spent 20 years following Bruce Springsteen around the world – people think I'm crazy
I have been labelled as insane for two decades now! They call me mad because I have attended nearly 50 performances of Bruce Springsteen's concerts while in my mid-30s. What's more, they think I am even more insane because I have journeyed thousands of miles to see him perform worldwide.
It's a fact that for the past twenty years, I've been traveling to gigs by Springsteen all over the world, including countries like Ireland, Spain, Italy, Sweden, South Africa, and Australia.
At times, I go on trips with my companions or loved ones, but mostly I embark on solo adventures. I enjoy the sensation of journeying to a foreign land and anticipating the wondrous experiences that await me even before I begin my expedition. It may seem peculiar, but it's still splendid.
Currently, there is a shift happening in the world of travelling. The concept of "gig touring" is gaining acceptance in society. This trend has been popularized by artists such as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Their fans often incorporate attending their concerts with visiting different cities. This approach has many advantages that go beyond just experiencing their favorite performers' shows frequently.
Concert And Holiday All In One!
People often ask me why I bother traveling to watch Springsteen live, and I usually respond by asking "Why not?". It's a great idea to integrate a concert experience with a holiday or city break. The city's ambiance changes drastically when there's a musician in town, and you can make the most of both experiences during your trip. I've crossed off must-visit gelaterias in Rome before catching a show at Circus Maximus, which was once a site for chariot races. I've watched Springsteen three times in a single week in Perth, spending days at the beach, road tripping through Margaret River, and even stopping at vineyards along the way. In Cape Town, I've seen adorable penguins and then sang my heart out to Born to Run in concert just hours later.
"Get More For Less: Simplify And Save"
It may seem surprising, but at times it's simpler to get to cities like Barcelona than it is to Wembley. Dublin is a good example where there were issues with accommodations last summer, causing hotel prices to soar when Springsteen was performing in the city. Consequently, Irish fans opted to fly with Ryanair to Rome instead, where they enjoyed an Italian city break instead of traveling within a few hours to Dublin and shelling out £1,000 a night for a hotel. Tickets also tend to be more affordable in Europe, especially when compared to the United States where ticket prices may often soar into the thousands due to dynamic pricing. Although flights to South Africa can be costly, it's relatively inexpensive when you're actually there. When you plan and check the prices, you'll often find that witnessing an artist perform abroad is simpler, more affordable, and in some cases, even more scenic if you exchange a concert venue like NEC for an amphitheater.
Varying Countries, Varying Vibes
This is a very important point. Attending a concert is a unique experience that depends on the nationality of the audience. Personally, I love concerts in Italy. If you ever have the chance to see your favorite artist perform there, I highly recommend going to the San Siro Stadium in Milan or the Circus Maximus in Rome. The Italian fans are full of energy, and so are the Catalans. One of my fondest memories is my dad, who is very picky about seating, bouncing on a trampoline while experiencing the excitement of the fans in the standing pit section of Camp Nou during a performance of Badlands. When choosing a concert venue, also consider whether it's an arena or a stadium. Arenas, which are indoors, have a different vibe compared to stadiums where concerts often start during the day and go on until night falls.
Big Afterparties Ahead!
Looking to enhance your gig experience? Consider attending an afterparty! There's nothing quite like the feeling of leaving a concert, still buzzing with excitement. The shared experience of being part of a crowd of thousands of fans is something truly special, and afterparties offer the opportunity to keep that feeling going. Whether you find yourself in a quaint café in Florence or a cozy basement bar in Gothenburg, there's a warm and welcoming atmosphere where fans can come together to rave about the show, bond with like-minded individuals, and sing their hearts out until the wee hours of the morning. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with fans from all over the world in a space that's much more intimate than the stadium environment. Attend an afterparty and keep the good times rolling!
Globe-trotting, I've Made Global Pals
The most amazing thing is the friends I have gained during my gig tours to watch Springsteen. It has allowed me to stand next to people who I wouldn't have met otherwise. In Manchester, I made friends with people from Ireland and we even went together for a trip to Italy. Similarly, during a visit to Ireland, I made Norwegian acquaintances and we ended up meeting again in Johannesburg. Although our personal lives undergo changes, our love for Springsteen's performances continues to keep our bonds strong. As The Boss once said, "It's the Ties that Bind."
Hannah Summers established a club night called Hungry Heart that centers around Bruce Springsteen and travels throughout different locations in the UK and Ireland. The club hosted virtual events during the pandemic, which raised more than £32,000 for charity through a 24-hour Springsteen show live-stream. It has also held events for album launches and will arrange after-concert parties in Cardiff, Belfast, Dublin, and Sunderland while Bruce Springsteen is presently on tour.
