Bruce Springsteen Debuts Protest Song 'Streets of Minneapolis' at Benefit Concert

The surprise performance was part of an event organized by Tom Morello to support the families of two protestors killed in Minneapolis.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance in Minneapolis on January 30th, performing at a benefit concert organized by Tom Morello. The concert was held for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, protestors who were killed. Springsteen debuted his newly released song, 'Streets of Minneapolis,' during the event, which directly addresses the deaths of Good and Pretti. He also performed an electric version of his 1995 song, 'The Ghost of Tom Joad,' accompanied by Morello and other musicians.

Why it matters

The rapid organization of this benefit concert, and Springsteen's swift composition of 'Streets of Minneapolis,' underscores the power of music as a direct response to current events and a vehicle for expressing dissent. Such events often serve as focal points for communities grappling with loss and seeking avenues for advocacy.

The details

The concert at First Avenue, with a capacity of 1,550 people, was announced by Tom Morello just two days before it took place. Morello's event, titled the Concert of Solidarity & Resistance To Defend Minnesota, featured performances from Rise Against, Ike Reilly, and jazz guitarist Al Di Meola. Morello himself performed songs from Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, including 'Killing in the Name' and 'Like a Stone.' The concert concluded with a performance of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 'Power to the People,' followed by a recording of Prince's 'Let's Go Crazy.'

  • Springsteen debuted his newly released song, 'Streets of Minneapolis,' during the event on January 30, 2026.
  • Springsteen performed an electric version of his 1995 song, 'The Ghost of Tom Joad,' on January 30, 2026.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

A legendary American singer-songwriter and musician known for his socially conscious lyrics and powerful performances.

Tom Morello

A musician and activist, known as the guitarist for the bands Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, who organized the benefit concert.

Renee Good

A protestor who was killed, and the concert was organized to benefit her family.

Alex Pretti

A protestor who was killed, and the concert was organized to benefit his family.

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What they’re saying

“Ain't nobody coming to save us except us and it's now or never.”

— Tom Morello, Musician and Activist

What’s next

The concert's rapid organization and Springsteen's swift composition of 'Streets of Minneapolis' suggest this event could spark further artistic responses to the events in Minneapolis, or inspire similar benefit events in other communities facing similar circumstances.

The takeaway

Music has the power to be a direct response to current events and a vehicle for expressing dissent, as demonstrated by Springsteen's surprise performance and the broader Concert of Solidarity & Resistance To Defend Minnesota. Such events can serve as focal points for communities seeking avenues for advocacy and healing in the wake of tragedy.