Springsteen closer to playing Rome's Circus Maximus

The May 14th gig is looking increasingly likely now that the aual Race for the Cure, which was due to take place on the same date, was moved to May 22nd, Ansa reported.

Concert plaers have asked to use the venue in the days leading up to the concert for the set-up, and then from May 15th-19th for dismantling equipment, Ansa said.

The last band to be granted permission to perform among the ancient ruins was The Rolling Stones, who attracted more than 60,000 fans to their gig in June 2014.

But the concert sparked controversy after it was revealed that the rockers paid just €8,000 for the privilege.

The decision to charge such a low price was defended by ex-Mayor Ignazio Marino, who argued that the event brought €25 million to the city’s coffers in just one day.

Still, as a result the city’s authorities upped fees for “occupying public land”, bringing the cost of hiring Circus Maximus to €200,000.