Bruce Springsteen on Broadway – heralded as a welcome antidote to President Donald Trump’s America. This was especially notable as it represented the strongest shot he had yet fired in this long trajectory across bows of the administration. Famed for his politically charged music and activism, Springsteen has been a loud protestor against Trump these last few years. His “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour, which will span two months across Europe, began with a passionate call for democratic values.
At the concert, Springsteen encouraged concertgoers to fight back against what he called authoritarianism. He challenged all who care about preserving democracy to stand with him this evening. He encouraged them to speak out in opposition to tyranny and make freedom ring. This declaration launched a night filled to the extreme with music and activism. It presented a searing performance of his song of lament “My City of Ruins.”
No matter what it looks like, throughout his career, Springsteen has matured into a 20-time Grammy winner. Music legend Bruce Springsteen is known for having written the classic anthems “Born in the U.S.A,” “The River,” and “My Hometown.” His art has always been a clear reflection of his view of what America should look like, for more than 55 years running. Most recently, he supported Kamala Harris against Trump in the presidential race last fall, cementing his political identity.
Beyond youth voter turnout, Springsteen went further in his criticism of the administration. He lamented the U.S. failure to remain a leader in addressing major challenges, particularly climate change and energy transition. He continued, blaming the response on “a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration.” Above all, he stressed the need for healing a divided country. Maybe not since the Civil War has this big deep strong great nation felt as politically, spiritually and emotionally divided as it does right now.
Springsteen did get to address what was happening to American workers under Trump’s rule. He lamented the sadistic glee with which people apparently enjoy hurting these committed public servants. He pointed out that historic civil rights legislation is going in the opposite direction. This rollback imperils all the progress we’ve made in creating a more just society.
“In America, the richest men are taking satisfaction in abandoning the world’s poorest children to sickness and death.” – Bruce Springsteen
Seems like a great time to have this tour, which vividly showcases Springsteen’s music. It serves as a potent delivery vehicle for his corrosive political messages. He urged the very talented audience that they could and should use their power and abilities through art and music to turn these troubling tides.
“The mighty E Street Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock and roll, in dangerous times.” – Bruce Springsteen
