Bruce Springsteen took to the stage for a rain soaked gig in the North East last night for a long-anticipated gig that drew crowds from across the region - take a look at our gallery below.

The boss was all smiles at Sunderland's Stadium of Light last night (May 22) playing his first gig in the region for 12 years.

Despite fans experiencing heavy delays on transport and issues getting into the stadium, thousands made it for the re-scheduled time of 7.30pm to experience the show which was described by The Northern Echo review as a three-hour "pilgrimage".

Springsteen classics including Born to Run, Dancing in the Dark and I'll See You In My Dreams made an appearance on the setlist, with the 74-year-old appearing full of energy as he moved about the stage in front of the energetic crowd.

The music legend is now set to perform in Marseille, France in the next few days before returning to London for two shows at Wembley Stadium in late July.

Here are just a few pictures of Bruce Springsteen at his Sunderland show - were you there?

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

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The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)

The Northern Echo: Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Bruce Springsteen takes the stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. (Image: DAVE LAWRENCE)