A rock legend is set to take the stage for his first-ever concert in Winnipeg Wednesday night.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at the Canada Life Center from 7:30 p.m.

Music historian and author John Einarson said it was a “huge” moment for Winnipeg.

“Musicians and rockstars come and go, but (Springsteen) is solid,” he said Wednesday in an interview with CTV Morning Live.

“It’s been around for about 45 years and has always been at the top of the rock and roll pantheon.”

Einarson said Springsteen’s concerts focused solely on the music.

He added that his songs are aimed at ordinary people, with an emphasis on lyrics that tell stories.

“Yes, he’s a multi-millionaire now, but he still has that connection with the everyday people who connected with his music in the first place,” he said.

“He was kind of like the hero of the working class of New Jersey.”

As for what audiences can expect from the Winnipeg show, Einarson thinks it might pay homage to The Guess Who.

“Just to recognize the importance of Winnipeg in music history,” he said.

Springsteen was originally scheduled to play Winnipeg in November 2023; however, the concert was postponed for a year due to a peptic ulcer.

• With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagace.