ECNETNews reports that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band kicked off the final leg of their extensive tour in Manchester, England, yesterday. During the opening of the show, Springsteen delivered a powerful address highlighting concerns about the current political climate. He called upon the audience to harness the “righteous power of art, of music, of rock’n’roll in dangerous times,” expressing his discontent with the current administration and urging support for democracy and liberty. His rallying cry resonated as they transitioned into the impactful song “Land of Hope and Dreams.”
Before performing “My City of Ruins,” Springsteen candidly remarked on the prevailing challenges in America, noting, “There’s some very weird, strange, and dangerous things happening right now.” He emphasized the importance of free speech and dissent, asserting, “The America that I’ve sung to you about for 50 years is real, and, regardless of its faults, is a great country with great people. So we’ll survive this moment.” He concluded with a hopeful note, quoting the renowned American writer James Baldwin.
Springsteen’s stance has been clear against the former president, and he publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Recently rebranded as the Land of Hope and Dreams Tour, this segment will take the band across the United Kingdom and Europe through May, June, and July, culminating in a final performance in Milan, Italy, on July 3. Details of the tour dates will follow.
Ahead of this tour, Springsteen released his latest album, *Only the Strong Survive*, in February 2023. Fans can also look forward to a new collection titled *Tracks II: The Lost Albums*, featuring unreleased music.
