The 'surreal' day I sang on stage with Bruce Springsteen

by Jayden

Haydn said he remembered Bruce reaching out towards him.

He added: "Bruce didn't have a choice really, I think he went to shake my hand or ruffle my hair or something, but mum went, 'there you go, you're Bruce's now'."

The next thing, the nine-year-old was on stage in front of a huge crowd singing along to Hungry Heart with the star he had been listening to since he was a baby.

Haydn said he was really nervous, saying: "I remember looking up and seeing like 40,000 people there.

"And I can remember him lifting my hood up, and I remember my ears sticking out of the hood and going, 'right, this is going to be viewed for the rest of your life, sort your hood out, because your ears will be sticking out'.

"Then when he actually gave me the mic, I remember a big panic, because you can't hear yourself at all either.

"But I knew the words. It was all just the most surreal thing, like you actually can't explain, it's so weird."

Family photo
Haydn says despite his parents being superfans and introducing him to Springsteen's music, he has his own reason as to why he loves him

For Sally, it was a dream come true to see her little boy singing with the family's hero.

"I describe it as the happiest day of my life, and I apologise to my husband that it's not our wedding day," she said.

"Bruce Springsteen, singing with my son, the happiest day of my life."

It has been 50 years since the American singer first performed in the UK, giving his new Born To Run album its European premiere.

In the documentary, Springsteen described how much he enjoys children such as Haydn, coming to his concerts.

"Young audiences bring with them a lot of energy. A lot of energy," he said.

Family photo
Haydn's parents have loved Springsteen and passed on that love to him

For Haydn, that childhood encounter with Springsteen has encouraged him to want to perform, and he is now an actor, appearing in the CBBC football drama Jamie Johnson.

He also sings and plays guitar, inspired by his hero.

"I don't just I love him because my parents love him," he said.

"I've got my own path with him now, I've got my own story and it's why I listen to the songs and the albums.

"He's my favourite."

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