The stars who rocked Portman Road over the years

Portman Road, the home of Ipswich Town Football Club, has been a stage for many famous musicians over the years. This iconic venue has seen some of the biggest names in music, and it is gearing up to welcome Ed Sheeran for three shows in July. However, he is not the first superstar to rock the stadium. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, a popular American rock band, performed there in 2006, and their concert was a memorable event for fans. The atmosphere was electric as thousands of fans filled the stands, singing along to their favorite songs. But the Red Hot Chili Peppers are just one of many legendary artists who have graced the stage at Portman Road. Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, was the first artist to perform at the stadium in 1990. Her concert was part of her Foreign Affair tour, which included 121 shows worldwide. The crowd was treated to a fantastic performance, featuring hits like 'What's Love Got to Do With It' and 'Proud Mary. ' This concert marked a significant moment in the history of Portman Road, as it was the very first concert held at the venue. Rod Stewart, another music icon, has performed at Portman Road on three different occasions. His first show was in 1991, where he kicked off the concert by kicking a football into the crowd of 25,000 fans. The excitement was palpable, and even the rain could not dampen the spirits of the audience. Stewart returned to Portman Road in 2007 and again in 2019, each time delivering unforgettable performances filled with his classic hits like 'Maggie May' and 'You Wear It Well. ' Bryan Adams, known for his timeless song 'Summer of '69,' also took the stage at Portman Road in 1992. His concert was part of the Waking Up the World tour, and he was supported by other bands like Squeeze and Extreme. The crowd was thrilled when he performed his encore, which included beloved songs like 'Diana' and 'One Night Love Affair. ' Dire Straits, a rock band that gained fame in the 1970s, performed at Portman Road in 1992 as well. Their concert came shortly after the release of their sixth studio album, On Every Street, which topped the charts. Tickets for the show were priced at £21, making it an affordable option for fans. Sir Elton John has also graced the stage at Portman Road multiple times. His first performance at the venue was in 2004, where he played to a crowd of 23,000 fans. The excitement was palpable as James Blunt warmed up the audience before Sir Elton took the stage. In 2017, he returned for another sold-out show, captivating the audience with hits like 'Rocket Man' and 'Your Song. ' R. E. M. , an American rock band, performed at Portman Road in 2005, just a day after a tragic event in London. Lead singer Michael Stipe opened the show with a heartfelt statement about the importance of community and celebration through music. Their setlist included powerful songs like 'Everybody Hurts' and 'Losing My Religion,' which resonated deeply with the audience. Neil Diamond, famous for his classic 'Sweet Caroline,' also performed at Portman Road in 2005. His two-hour show included many of his greatest hits, although some fans expressed disappointment at the absence of 'Song Sung Blue. ' Nevertheless, the concert was a joyous occasion for many. The Red Hot Chili Peppers returned to Portman Road in 2006, and their performance was described as 'immense. ' The band played a variety of their popular songs, and the crowd was ecstatic. P! nk, known for her high-energy performances, took the stage in 2010 as part of her Funhouse Summer Carnival Tour. She delighted fans with her acrobatic stunts and hit songs like 'Get the Party Started' and 'So What. ' Barry Manilow, the legendary singer behind hits like 'Copacabana' and 'Mandy,' performed at Portman Road in 2014, marking the first show at the venue since P! nk's performance in 2010. Ed Sheeran, a local hero, is set to return to Portman Road for three shows in July. He previously performed there in 2021 as part of a live-streamed event, but this time, fans will be able to enjoy his music in person. Portman Road has a rich history of incredible performances, and it continues to be a beloved venue for music lovers in Ipswich.