Glory Days: How Bruce Springsteen’s 1985 concert at Slane changed my life

Decades-long obsession with The Boss helped our reporter find happiness and love

Ralph Riegel outside Villa Park, Birmingham, with his wife Mary, who he met at Slane Castle during a Bruce Springsteen concert 39 years ago

Ralph Riegel

My life changed for ever on that glorious day at Slane Castle in June 1985. Even though I was due to sit my Leaving Cert a week later, two things happened on that magical sun-kissed afternoon to ensure the summer of 1985 was not defined by the exams.

I attended my first Bruce Springsteen gig – and the brilliant E Street Band were with him.