During the opening night of his 2025 European tour in Manchester, England, Bruce Springsteen delivered a powerful and emotionally charged speech condemning former President Donald Trump and his administration. Addressing a crowd of 23,500 fans at the Co-op Live Arena, the 75-year-old rock legend labeled the Trump administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous,” expressing deep concern over threats to American democracy and civil rights .The Times of India+5The Irish Sun+5The Times of India+5
Springsteen’s critique was not limited to his speech; he curated his setlist to reflect his political stance. He opened the concert with “Land of Hope and Dreams,” a song symbolizing resilience and unity, and concluded with Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom,” a nod to protest and solidarity with the underprivileged . Throughout the performance, he emphasized the importance of resisting authoritarianism and upholding democratic values, urging the audience to speak out against what he perceives as a dangerous political climate.Breaking News+11The Irish Sun+11Ultimate Classic Rock+11
This outspoken stance is consistent with Springsteen’s long history of political activism. In October 2024, he performed at a rally for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in Georgia, where he called Trump an “American tyrant” and endorsed Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz. He articulated his desire for leadership that reveres the Constitution, protects democracy, and fights for the rights of all citizens .Wall Street JournalThe Guardian+8India Today+8Rolling Stone MENA+8AOL+7The Times of India+7India Today+7
Springsteen’s comments have sparked varied reactions. While many fans praised his courage and the emotional depth of his performance, others expressed concern over the potential for political backlash. Despite this, Springsteen remains undeterred, continuing to use his platform to advocate for the values he holds dear .
As his European tour progresses, Springsteen’s message resonates with audiences, reflecting the deep cultural and political divisions currently shaping U.S. public discourse. His commitment to speaking out against what he views as threats to democracy underscores the role artists can play in political activism.The Times of India+4Wall Street Journal+4ElHuffPost+4
For more information on Bruce Springsteen’s tour and his political statements, you can visit his official website at BruceSpringsteen.net.
