Country singer Eric Church enjoyed a huge hit with “Springsteen” from his 2011 album, Chief. Springsteen never publicly reacted to the song, and until now, hasn’t reached out to Eric Church either. But as Church tells Billboard, it turns out Bruce really liked the song. 

When Springsteen learned that his assistant and road manager Wayne LeBeaux was going to see Eric Church in concert, he gave him a copy of his latest setlist with a note written on the back. Before signing the letter, Springsteen wrote, “I hope we cross paths somewhere.”

“It’s a pretty incredible note,” Church said. “It’s the first time I’ve officially heard from him. I had heard he was a fan of the song, but it’s the first time I officially heard. It means the world to me.”  Church also noted that the setlist represented over three and half hours of music, the average length of Springsteen’s latest shows.

Church is currently on his “Blood, Sweat and Beers” tour, but will be performing alongside Gregg Allman, Joe Walsh and John Mayer at a tribute to Levon Helm at New Jersey’s Izod Center on October 3.  Springsteen, meanwhile, has just kicked off his latest U.S. tour. The tour has a few weeks off in late September and early October, and Springsteen, a frequent surprise guest at New Jersey concerts, is a noted fan of The Band. So maybe their paths might cross in the very near future. 

If you haven’t experienced Eric Church’s “Springsteen” yet, here’s your chance:

Brian Ives, CBS Local