Springsteen Declares 'War'! Resistance Anthems on Anti-Trump Tour

At the opening night of his 'Land of Hope and Dreams 2026' tour, Bruce Springsteen surprised the audience at the Target Center in Minneapolis by breaking with decades of tradition. The band, in complete darkness, appeared before an expectant crowd. Springsteen, taking the microphone, delivered a speech similar to the one he gave at the 'No Kings' rally days before, setting the tone for the evening.

“I want to begin the night with a prayer for our men and women overseas,” Springsteen declared. “The mighty E Street Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock & roll in dangerous times. We are here in celebration and defense of our American ideals, democracy, our Constitution, and our sacred American promise.” The artist did not hesitate to describe the current administration as “corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous.”

Springsteen continued his speech urging the audience to choose “hope over fear, democracy over authoritarianism, the rule of law over lawlessness, ethics over unbridled corruption, resistance over complacency, unity over division, and peace over war.” The last word, “war,” echoed in the venue just before the stage lights came on and the band burst into an energetic version of Edwin Starr’s “War,” with Tom Morello as a special guest.

This rendition had not been heard since 2003, when the United States started another war in the Middle East. The energy of the moment merged with a passionate performance of “Born in the U.S.A.,” a song that Springsteen allowed the ACLU to use in its fight against Trump’s anti-birthright citizenship executive order.

Springsteen explained that, were it not for the gravity of the current situation, this tour would not have taken place. Following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE officers in January, the musician felt the need to act beyond his new protest song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” and his appearances at the 'No Kings' rallies.

He decided to gather the E Street Band on short notice and book venues across the country, starting in the city that became the epicenter of the resistance movement against ICE. The goal was to channel his outrage into something productive and unifying.

The result was a band with a renewed sense of purpose, offering one of the most inspiring rock concerts. Songs that Springsteen has performed countless times sounded fresh and relevant. A clear example was during the bridge of “No Surrender,” where the lyrics about war resonated with the situation in Iran without the need to alter a single word.

Before performing “Streets of Minneapolis,” Springsteen recalled how “federal troops brought death and terror to the streets of Minneapolis” last winter, but that “the solidarity of the people of Minneapolis was an inspiration to the entire country.” He also honored the memory of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, ensuring that “their bravery, their sacrifice, and their names will not be forgotten.”

Springsteen stopped the song midway to lead a chant of “ICE out now!”, which resonated powerfully throughout the venue. The audience’s response was unanimous, without boos or signs of dissent. Springsteen’s more conservative fans understood that this concert was not for them, a message reinforced by the inclusion of the 'No Kings' logo on the tour posters.

After a brief political pause with “Out in the Street” and “Hungry Heart,” the concert continued with themes such as “Youngstown,” “Murder Incorporated,” and “American Skin (41 Shots),” with the participation of Tom Morello in the latter.

Morello also accompanied Springsteen on “Long Walk Home,” described as “a prayer for our country.” This song, written in response to George W. Bush’s attacks on the constitutional order in 2007, took on new meaning in the current context. Springsteen also performed an acoustic version of “House of a Thousand Guitars,” a song that gained greater relevance with Trump’s return to the White House.

Before “My City of Ruins,” Springsteen lamented that “our American values that have sustained us for 250 years are being challenged as never before” and criticized the lack of independence of the Department of Justice.

Springsteen urged the audience to join in the fight for “the America we love,” giving way to an emotional performance of “My City of Ruins.” The song, originally written about the decay of Asbury Park, New Jersey, has transformed over the years into an anthem of resilience and hope, now applicable to the entire nation.

The concert concluded with “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” “Badlands,” and “Land of Hope and Dreams,” followed by an encore that included “Born to Run,” “Bobby Jean,” “Dancing in the Dark,” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.” The surprise of the night was a version of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” dedicated to the “maestro.”

“These are hard times, but we’ll make it through,” Springsteen affirmed, concluding with a message of hope. “This is a tour that was not planned. We’re here tonight because we need to feel your hope and your strength. We want to bring some hope and some strength to you. I hope we did that. All I can say is God bless Alex Pretti, God bless Renee Good, God bless you, and God bless America.”

Springsteen said goodbye with “Chimes of Freedom,” a song by Bob Dylan that resonates with the hope of a better future, even in times of adversity. The tour will continue for eight weeks, carrying this message of resistance and hope throughout the country.