Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are scheduled to perform at Villa Park in Birmingham, England on June 16, 2023 as part of their 2023 tour. As one of the most popular rock artists of all time, Springsteen concerts are highly anticipated events that attract dedicated fans who are eager to see The Boss take the stage.
Typical Springsteen Set Times
While exact set times are never announced ahead of shows, Springsteen concerts generally follow a predictable timeline based on decades of precedent. Looking at start times from previous tours provides a good indication of when he will likely take the stage at Villa Park.
During his 2016 River Tour, Springsteen came on stage between 8:40 PM and 9:00 PM at most venues, typically playing for 3.5-4 hours. On his 2012 Wrecking Ball Tour, Springsteen went on between 8:50 PM and 9:10 PM, again delivering marathon performances. His 2009 Working on a Dream Tour saw set times between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM.
So in most cases on recent tours, Springsteen has taken the stage between 8:40 PM and 9:30 PM. This pattern suggests he will likely appear sometime in that window at his Villa Park show as well.
Set Time Factors
Several factors determine when an artist actually begins their set on a given night, which could push Springsteen’s start time earlier or later at Villa Park:
- Opening acts – Length of opening sets impacts when the headliner comes on stage. Longer sets push back the start.
- Curfew – Venues often have noise curfews that require concerts to end by a set time. Artists will adjust start times to make sure they finish before curfew.
- Technical issues – Equipment problems or other delays with changeover between sets can postpone the start.
- Artist arrival – How quickly the performer arrives at the venue after doors open also affects when they can take the stage.
At Villa Park, the curfew is reportedly 11:00 PM and there is one opening act scheduled – The Rival Sons. Assuming this LA rock band plays for around 45 minutes beginning at 7:30 PM, that would put Springsteen on stage sometime between 8:30-9:00 PM.
The Rival Sons Set Time
As the sole supporting act on the bill, The Rival Sons will likely play a 45-60 minute set. Their set lengths during other recent opening slots have spanned:
- June 2022 – 40 minutes (for Thundercat)
- September 2022 – 50 minutes (for Guns N’ Roses)
- October 2022 – 60 minutes (for Black Sabbath)
Given that history, a 45 minute set from 8:00 PM to 8:45 PM or a 50 minute set from 7:45 PM to 8:35 PM would be likely. An 8:00 PM start time from The Rival Sons would put Springsteen on stage at approximately 8:50 PM.
Historical Springsteen Start Times at Villa Park
While this summer will mark Springsteen’s first ever performance at Villa Park, looking at start times from past shows in the same city can provide helpful context clues. Springsteen has played major concerts in Birmingham, England six times before:
Year | Venue | Start Time |
---|---|---|
1975 | Bingley Hall | 9:15 PM |
1985 | National Exhibition Centre | 8:45 PM |
1988 | National Exhibition Centre | 8:30 PM |
1992 | National Exhibition Centre | 9:00 PM |
1999 | National Indoor Arena | 9:20 PM |
2013 | LG Arena | 8:50 PM |
As you can see, Springsteen’s start times in Birmingham have ranged from 8:30 PM to 9:20 PM over the years, with the most common start time being around 8:50 PM. This further supports the prediction of an 8:45 PM – 9:00 PM start time at Villa Park.
Conclusion
Given Bruce Springsteen’s typical set times on recent tours, the slated 11:00 PM curfew, and his historical start times in Birmingham, the best prediction for when he will take the stage at Villa Park is between 8:45 PM and 9:00 PM. The opening set from The Rival Sons will likely conclude by 8:45 PM at the latest, followed by a quick changeover. While the exact start time won’t be revealed ahead of time, fans should plan for The Boss to begin belting out his hits right around 8:50 PM as he continues his marathon 2023 tour into the summer months.
It’s always possible factors cause him to start slightly earlier or later, but 8:45-9:00 PM represents the most probable window based on all available information. Wherever you’re seated at Villa Park, be ready for the lights to go down and the strains of “Badlands” or another classic to get the nearly 3 hour Springsteen extravaganza underway. Bruce is sure to have something special planned for his inaugural Birmingham show at this storied venue, continuing his decades of epic UK performances.
With a start time in that 8:45-9:00 PM range, Springsteen’s set would then wrap up right around or slightly before the 11:00 PM curfew. After 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours of high energy classics, the lights will go up on a satisfied crowd that just witnessed another marathon performance for the ages from one of rock’s greatest legends.
Key Takeaways
- Springsteen has typically begun shows between 8:40 PM and 9:30 PM over recent tours
- With an 11:00 PM curfew and an 8:00 PM opening set likely, an 8:45-9:00 PM start is expected
- Historical Birmingham shows also suggest a start time in that 8:45-9:00 PM window
- Arrive early, as The Boss will launch into hits like “Born to Run” right around 8:50 PM sharp
So when making plans to see Bruce Springsteen live at Villa Park, expect to hear the E Street Band taking the stage at approximately 8:50 PM for another epic performance. It will be a marathon night of classics from start to finish, with Bruce ringing every last drop of energy out of his legendary catalog as only he can do. Don’t be late – The Boss starts promptly, and you won’t want to miss a single minute of the magic!
Springsteen’s legendary career has spanned over four decades, cementing his place as a true icon of American rock music. Known for his heartland rock style and poetic lyrics, Springsteen’s body of work includes countless classics that have become staples of rock radio and pop culture itself. Songs like “Born to Run,” “Thunder Road,” “Hungry Heart,” “Dancing in the Dark” and “Born in the U.S.A.” have earned Springsteen a devoted following of fans who view his concerts as uplifting, cathartic experiences. Indeed, few artists can match Springsteen’s unique ability to connect with audiences through raw, emotional live performances that are often described as religious experiences.
At age 74, Springsteen is still going as strong as ever, actively touring and recording new music with his longtime backing band the E Street Band. A 2013 Springsteen show in Hyde Park attracted over 80,000 fans, demonstrating his incredible popularity in the UK four decades into his career. He continues to be a major draw wherever he plays, often selling out stadiums and massive venues within minutes. His most recent album, 2020’s “Letter to You,” marked his 20th studio album overall.
Beyond his prodigious musical output, Springsteen has become a cultural icon who transcends rock stardom. His working-class image and songs about everyday American life have struck a chord across generations. He has been honored with 20 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2016, President Barack Obama presented Springsteen with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. Through it all, Springsteen’s music remains the bedrock upon which his icon status is built.
The Villa Park concert will be part of an extensive 2023 European tour spanning 15 countries. According to the official Bruce Springsteen website, it promises to be an “evening of full-throttle experiences” with Bruce and the E Street Band performing classic album cuts, lost gems, and hits from across his 50-year career. For UK fans, it represents a rare chance to hear Springsteen’s repertoire live in Birmingham once again.
Given the incredible energy and showmanship Springsteen still brings to the stage, the Villa Park show is sure to be a night full of crowd-pleasing surprises. From sing-along anthems like “Glory Days,” to poignant ballads such as “I’m on Fire,” Springsteen aims to send audiences home feeling inspired and uplifted. The start time prediction provided here offers key information for UK fans eager to catch every moment.
No matter what time Springsteen and the legendary E Street Band take the stage on June 16, one thing is certain – Villa Park will bear witness to an extraordinary evening of live rock n’ roll from an American icon still at the height of his powers. When The Boss starts singing, all that matters is joining together to experience the musical journey.