Bruce Springsteen promised his ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ tour would be political, and he delivered on the opening night in Minneapolis.
As reported by Variety, the Boss took aim at President Donald Trump and his administration during the concert.
“We are living through some very dark times,” he began. “Our American values that have sustained us for 250 years are being challenged as never before.”
He went on to slam Attorney General Pam Bondi, stating, “Our Justice Department has completely abdicated its independence, and our Attorney General Pam Bondi takes her marching orders straight from a corrupt White House.”
He also criticised the President directly: “You want to talk about snowflakes? We have a president who can’t handle the truth.”
The tour also featured guest guitarist and fellow activist Tom Morello. The political statements weren’t just reserved for speeches, with Springsteen’s set including his new protest song, “Streets of Minneapolis”.
The track, released on January 28th, was inspired by recent fatal shootings by ICE agents during protests in the city, with the lyrics referencing the death of Renée Nicole Macklin Good. Springsteen and Morello first performed the song together publicly at a ‘Defend Minnesota’ benefit concert on January 30th.
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Last week, Springsteen described that first performance at First Avenue as one of the most significant of his career.
“There are certain moments where you’re in the right place at the right time and something deeply meaningful occurs that is bigger than the band. It all has to do with the events of the day, the moment you’re in,” he explained. “And so being in Minneapolis [in January] goes way up to the top of the list as far as meaningful shows I’ve played.”
He continued: “The No Kings movement is of great import right now. When you have the opportunity to sing something where the timing is essential and if you have something powerful to sing, it elevates the moment, it elevates your job to another level.”
