‘Springsteen’ look forward to bringing their energetic tribute Cookstown’s Burnavon Theatre

The band is managed by Magherafelt man Stephen Quinn, son of legendary country singer Brendan who is celebrating 60 years in the music business.

Fronted by American singer Monte Thompson, 'Springsteen' have just kicked off a tour of Ireland which will continue until next March.

The six-piece band is made up of top session musicians – keyboard player Chris Carney, guitarist Steve Boston, saxophonist, Ken Hinchey, and bass player Plunkett McComb – have all worked with leading artists.

As well as managing the group, Stephen plays drums. The local musician is best known for his live performances and recordings with Henry McCullough, Tanya McCole, The Wildcats, Linley Hamilton, Arty McGlynn, The Drifters, Soul Truth and many more.

He said they were all looking forward to performing their “high energy” show in The Burnavon.

“We first got together in 2019 and then Covid came along and we didn’t get our first full year together until 2022,” said Stephen. “But now things are picking up and this will be our debut in Cookstown.”

‘The Boss’ Monte is an American but now lives in Ballygawley with his wife Pauline, who was a singer in the 1980s group ‘The Rascals’.

"I met Monte, who has the uncanny ability to replicate Bruce Springsteen’s vocal power and mannerisms, and asked him if he wanted to join the group and he said yes,” said Stephen. “And that was the beginning.”

Brought up in Colorado, Monte went from busking in the streets to touring in original rock bands and has shared stages with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Wallflowers and Smashmouth.

For him the fans come first and his portrayal of Springsteen is essential to their enjoyment. "It's because of them, and for them - those people are what drives me, that and the fact that I want to honour what the music of Bruce and the E-Street band have done for me,” he said.

Tickets can be booked by visiting The Burnavon website.