This May, the BBC pays tribute to a half-century of Bruce Springsteen's musical journey with the UK in a special television event. Airing on BBC Two and iPlayer, When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain captures the unique bond between the American rock legend and his devoted British fans—marking 50 years since his very first UK performance.

At the heart of the evening lies a brand-new documentary by Wise Owl Films, featuring a rare, exclusive interview with Springsteen himself. The film revisits his iconic 1975 show at London’s Hammersmith Odeon—a night that left the then 26-year-old overwhelmed despite the sold-out crowd and Born to Run’s growing acclaim. “I had PTSD from that night,” Springsteen confesses in the film, offering an unfiltered glimpse into his early doubts.

The documentary weaves together rare archival footage and firsthand accounts from longtime collaborators like Stevie Van Zandt of the E Street Band, as well as music legends including Sting, Peter Gabriel, and Rob Brydon. Prominent voices such as legendary promoter Harvey Goldsmith, longtime manager Jon Landau, and Monty Python’s Sir Michael Palin—who documented that night in his personal journal—add rich layers to the story.

The narrative extends beyond that first performance. From the 1981 River Tour to unforgettable stops in Newcastle and Brighton, and the electrifying Born in the USA tour of 1985, Springsteen’s UK legacy has only grown. The film brings us up to the present day with footage from his sold-out 2024 concerts and his historic recognition as the first non-British Fellow of the Ivors Academy.

But this story isn’t just about the music—it’s about its impact. The documentary spotlights lives changed by Springsteen’s art, like Juliana Heron, whose community received a personal donation from him during the miners’ strike—a gesture of solidarity that speaks volumes about the man behind the music.

As part of the tribute, fans will also get to relive the full 1975 Hammersmith Odeon concert and enjoy a curated selection of Springsteen’s BBC appearances, from Top of the Pops to The Old Grey Whistle Test.

As BBC Pop Music’s Rachel Davies notes: “Bruce Springsteen isn’t just a global icon—he’s one of ours. This tribute reveals the extraordinary journey he’s taken with Britain, and fans are in for something truly special.”