Fellowship: ‘Proud’ Bruce makes history with The Ivors Academy induction

BRUCE Springsteen will make history as the first international songwriter to be awarded an Ivors Academy Fellowship.

The US singer-songwriter, dubbed The Boss, will become the 27th person to receive the academy’s highest honour during a ceremony at Grosvenor House in London on May 23.

The rock star will become the first international songwriter inducted into The Ivors Academy Fellowship in its 80-year history, following his “outstanding contribution to the craft of songwriting” and his “impact on the UK’S cultural landscape”.

“I’m proud to be the first international songwriter to be recognised by The Ivors Academy,” Springsteen (74) said.

“In addition to recognising my songwriting, the award stands as a tribute to the fans and friends who have supported me and my work for the last 50 years.

“This entire country has made me feel welcome, every step of the way, and for this I will always remain deeply appreciative.”

Previous winners of the award include Sir Elton John, Kate Bush, Joan Armatrading, Sir Paul Mccartney and Sting, who received the honour in 2023.

Springsteen has won 20 Grammys, an Oscar and a Tony Award with a hit-filled back catalogue including Born In The USA, No Surrender, Born To

Run and Badlands.

In March last year, Springsteen was honoured with the US National Medal Of Arts, presented by US President Joe Biden.

It came before he was forced to postpone US tour dates in September as he underwent treatment for peptic ulcer disease.

Tom Gray, chairman of The Ivors Academy, said: “There is no one more fitting than Bruce Springsteen to be the first international songwriter inducted into our Fellowship.

“Songwriters are powerful storytellers who capture our lives, loves and hardships.

“Bruce has always told the greatest stories.”