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Islington Tribune - by SARA NEWMAN
Published: 7 December 2007

Bruce Springsteen

Boss to kick off Emirates gigs with show planned for spring

ROCK legend Bruce Springsteen will be the first musician to play at Arsenal’s Emirates stadium next year.
The American singer-songwriter will be joined on stage by his backing group The E Street Band at the £390 million home of the Gunners for the second of three gigs he will play in the UK.
Long-time fan, Green party councillor for Highbury West Katie Dawson, has voiced concern in the past that the stadium has reneged on deals to provide a sports centre and improve public transport in the area.
Although she is concerned that the club is held to account by the council, she is delighted to hear the working-class hero known for hits Born To Run, Dancing In The Dark and Streets of Philadelphia is coming to Islington.
She said: “I worship him. I have travelled all over the world to see him and paid hundreds of pounds on eBay and now he’s coming to my ward. I feel like he really should be coming round to mine for a cup of tea.”
Arsenal have submitted an application to council officials to alter rules that allow them to stage live events. The proposal includes asking for permission to sell alcohol at the stadium from two kiosks.
The club is currently permitted to host a maximum of three live concerts a year with only one on a Sunday.
Leaflets containing details of the proposals have been posted to nearby homes and the council says it will canvass 4,000 residents on the plans.
The consultation will end on January 4.
Highbury Community Association representative Gill Shepherd, who lives on Highbury Hill, said: “Bruce Springsteen is neither here nor there. We’re much more worried about the leaflet that dropped through the door the other day.
“These concerts will be only 100 yards away. On a matchday it’s so loud you can’t sit in your back garden. Nobody minds three concerts a year, but extending this seems to me to be against the spirit of the agreement.”
An Arsenal spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be hosting a Bruce Springsteen concert. This will be the first concert to take place at Emirates stadium and we are all looking forward to an exciting event.”
Tickets for the gig, set to take place on Friday May 30, went on sale at 9am yesterday and cost £55 each.

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