Speculation is rife in Norway that “The Boss” could play a set at Utøya after “senior sources in AUF”, the Labour Party’s youth wing, told TV2 on Wednesday they had received positive feedback from the American star when the suggestion was put to him.

When asked about the reported plans, AUF leader Eskil Pedersen stressed that no deal had been signed. However, he did not rule out the possibility of a Springsteen concert on the island where 69 people, most of them AUF members, were gunned down by right-wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik.

“Obviously it’s an honour if it’s true that Springsteen is positive to the idea of playing for AUF, but it’s far too early to comment on that since we haven’t yet decided what sort of event we’ll hold at Utøya next summer, or how we’ll mark July 22nd,” said Pedersen.

He added that AUF planned to get in touch with a support group for the victims of the terrorist attack before reaching a decision.

“The most important thing for us is to have a good, dignified gathering for our members and everybody else affected,” said Pedersen.

From a practical perspective, an Utøya concert would fit in well with Springsteen’s schedule. The 62-year-old singer, who enjoys enormous popularity across Scandinavia, is already booked in to play at Oslo’s Valle Hovin stadium on July 21st, before moving on to Bergen for two dates on July 23rd and 24th.