Christchurch is abuzz ahead of tonight's sold-out Bruce Springsteen show.
Bruce Springsteen Photo: AFP
Bets are on as to whether Springsteen will play 'My City of Ruins'.
The song, written in 2000 to promote New Jersey's revitalisation, has become an anthem for disaster-struck cities. Tomorrow marks the sixth anniversary of the devastating 2011 earthquake.
Springsteen is set to play to 30,000 fans at his only South Island concert at AMI Stadium.
Some fans have queued since Friday for the best spot at the show. Springsteen will perform with the E Street Band.
The band's management organised a roll call system, so people did not camp out overnight.
People put their name on a list and, as long as they turn up at four designated times a day for roll call, they can keep their spot.
Tresca Forrester was number four in the queue. She started queuing on Friday.
"Christchurch, we've been through a hell of a lot... it's just going to be a really special occasion. We need an excuse to party."
Organisers hoped the concert would boost spirits after the Port Hills fire.
Events management company Vbase manager Darren Burdern said the concert would add at least $10 million to the local economy.
He said it would be a boost for the city's hospitality industry, bringing thousands of extra visitors to Christchurch.
Springsteen and the E Street Band last performed for New Zealanders in Auckland in March 2014, where Springsteen dedicated a song to Christchurch.
Mr Burdern says 600 Vbase staff will work tonight, along with 110 contractors and an additional 220 security personnel.
Campaign started four years ago
As far back as 2013, Christchurch local Wendy Davie started campaigning to bring The Boss to the city and will be one of the devoted fans at AMI stadium.
After seeing him in Melbourne, she started a social media campaign for Christchurch to be included in his tour.
"I thought, we need him to come to Christchurch.
"Christchurch is a city that had been missing out on so many big acts and big shows."
Sydney fan Chris O'Hearn went to three Springsteen concerts last week. Tonight's will be his 22nd all up.
He has been a fan since age 11, when he was given a copy of Born to Run by mistake for Christmas - his aunt having put the wrong card on the present.
"I opened up this album - I had no idea what it was, but I played it the next morning and fell in love with it and have been a fan ever since," he said.
"I'd be kind of surprised if he didn't open with 'My City of Ruins' tonight."
Wendy Davie would love to hear 'My Hometown', which she heard Springsteen sing in Auckland.
"It was brilliant.
"But I'm going to be happy whatever the set list is."
