An 88-year-old Bruce Springsteen fan got a surprise birthday gift when she was invited on stage to dance with the Boss during his concert in Toronto.
Springsteen drew cheers from the packed crowd at the Air Canada Centre Tuesday night, when he invited Evelyn Raftery on stage for a dance.
Raftery was at the concert with her two sons and her daughter, who held a homemade sign asking Springsteen for a “birthday dance” with their mother. Evelyn turns 89 on Thursday.
After spotting the sign, Springsteen and some audience members helped lift her onto the stage as the band played “Dancing in the Dark.”
Describing the moment from her Toronto home on Wednesday, Raftery said she “didn’t know at all” that she would be hauled onto stage.
Raftery said her sons and daughter always try to take her to Springsteen’s concerts when he’s in town.
Raftery and the rocker chatted while they took a few spins. “He was amazed that somebody of my age was … at the concert,” she said with a laugh.
After a few whirls, Springsteen helped escort Raftery off the stage.
Her daughter, Eire Clark, said her family had a great time.
“I was just so thrilled for my mom it’s just an opportunity that no one ever gets,” Clark said. “It was just really, really fun.”
Now that she’s danced with the Boss onstage, Raftery says she has one wish: “I hope I remember it for a very long time.”
Springsteen and his E Street Band were at the Air Canada Centre Tuesday as part of their The River Tour, showcasing the landmark 1980 double album of the same name.
