Bruce takes to the alley with his wrecking ball
BRUCE Springsteen is currently rounding off his European Wrecking Ball tour in Ireland so it seems quite apt that the star indulged in a game of bowling during his stay in Kilkenny this week.
The Boss arrived in Kilkenny ahead of his gigs there this weekend and surprised locals by pitching up for a night’s bowling.
The singer hired the K-Bowl in the Marble City on Thursday to let off some steam with family, friends and his entourage before his gigs in Nowlan Park tonight and tomorrow. The ball he used, the pins he knocked down and the blue and white size-8s he wore now take pride of place in their own cabinet at the bowling venue.
K-Bowl owner Shane Murphy said he had no idea it was the New Jersey rocker’s entourage when the private party booking was made recently.
Mr Murphy, a lifelong fan of the Born To Run singer, told the Irish Daily Mail: ‘A couple of weeks ago we got a booking for a private function for 100 to 150 people. I thought nothing about it as there was nothing to arouse suspicion.’
However, Mr Murphy said he knew The Boss had arrived when he saw a chauffeur-driven car pull up to the door at 8pm.
‘The door was open and he just walked in. He was wearing dark jeans, boots and a black leather jacket. He was a real gentleman.’
Caterers provided Springsteen and his crew with Irish stew, Thai green prawn curry and salad. Springsteen, who spent almost three hours inside the venue, spoke to staff before autographing some memorabilia.
‘We were asked to respect his privacy as it was his downtime but I wished I asked for a picture,’ Mr Murphy said, adding that Bruce is welcome back any time.
Outside afterwards, Springsteen happily signed autographs and chatted to fans.
Contrary to reports yesterday, management at Eddie Rocket’s diner in the city said he did not drop by for a burger afterwards.
During Springsteen’s last visit to Ireland in 2012, he also decided to try a spot of bowling when he spent an estimated €30,000 hiring out the Leisureplex in Stillorgan.