Performing in Manchester, England, on the Co-Op Live stage, Springsteen addressed the crowd early in the show with a message rooted in defiance and hope.
“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,” he said. “In my home, the America I love… is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration.”
He continued, urging fans to stand against authoritarianism and support the ideals of democracy:
“Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experience to rise with us, raise your voices, and let freedom ring.”
A Return to Political Outspokenness
Later in the performance, the 20-time Grammy winner doubled down on his criticism:
“In America, the richest men are taking satisfaction in abandoning the world’s poorest children to sickness and death… They are rolling back historic civil rights legislation… siding with dictators against those struggling for their freedom,” he said, just before performing his 2002 ballad “My City of Ruins.”
Springsteen’s comments continue a long history of vocal opposition to Donald Trump. He previously endorsed President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, calling Trump “the most dangerous candidate for president in my lifetime.” In a past interview with The Atlantic, Springsteen warned, “I don’t know if our democracy could stand another four years of his custodianship.”
Speaking Through His Music
The rock icon — known for songs like “Born in the U.S.A.,” “The River,” and “My Hometown” — has often used his platform to reflect his vision of America: one of inclusion, justice, and compassion.
“The Democratic ticket reflects the vision of America I’ve been writing about for 55 years,” he said during his endorsement last fall. “Perhaps not since the Civil War has this great country felt as politically, spiritually, and emotionally divided as it does now. It doesn’t have to be this way.”
Springsteen’s Land of Hope and Dreams tour will continue across Europe through the summer, offering the artist more opportunities to blend music and message for thousands of fans.
