Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have released a pair of videos from the opening night of their Land of Hope and Dreams tour, including the full-band live debut of Springsteen’s recent protest track, “Streets of Minneapolis.”
The politically charged tour kicked off in that very city on March 31, with “Streets of Minneapolis” receiving prime placement on the setlist. Along with showcasing the powerful performance, the video features Springsteen’s introduction of the song, which was inspired by ICE’s brutal immigration crackdown in the city, and the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
“This past winter, federal troops brought death and terror to the streets of Minneapolis,” Springsteen said. “Well, they picked the wrong town. The power of solidarity, of the people of Minneapolis, was an inspiration to the entire country. Your strength and your commitment told us this is still America, and this will not stand. Minnesota, you gave us hope. You gave us courage.”
The other video Springsteen and the E Street Band shared captures another fitting tribute to Minneapolis: A cover of Prince’s classic “Purple Rain.” “For the Maestro,” Springsteen said as he launched into the cover, which featured Nils Longfren and Tom Morello tag-teaming the track’s legendary solo.
Springsteen and the E Street Band announced their Land of Hopes and Dreams tour in February and kicked off the tour just over a month later. The quick turnaround seems to reflect the urgency Springsteen felt about convening the E Street Band for what he’s unflinchingly described as a “political and very topical” tour.
“The E Street Band is built for hard times,” he told the Minnesota Star Tribune before the tour kick-off. “It always was. These are the moments when I think we can be of real value and real worth to the community.”
The Land of Hope and Dreams tour is set to continue on April 13 in San Francisco. Springsteen and the E Street band have shows scheduled through the spring, with the closer set for May 27 in Washington, D.C.
