Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello Rock First Ave for Anti-ICE Benefit

Surprise guest Springsteen joins Morello and friends for high-energy show supporting immigrant rights.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:47pm

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In a last-minute surprise, rock legends Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello headlined a sold-out benefit concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Friday. The show, which was announced just 48 hours in advance, featured a cadre of hard-rocking friends delivering a high-energy musical call-to-action in support of immigrant rights and to defend Minnesota.

Why it matters

The impromptu concert was a powerful display of solidarity and resistance from some of music's biggest names, shining a spotlight on the ongoing fight for immigrant justice in Minnesota and across the country.

The details

Morello, the former Rage Against The Machine guitarist, organized the benefit show to raise funds and awareness for local immigrant rights groups. Springsteen, a longtime activist, joined Morello and the other performers for a set of protest anthems and classic rock songs.

  • The concert was announced just 48 hours in advance and took place at noon on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Tom Morello

Former guitarist for the band Rage Against The Machine, known for his political activism and protest music.

Bruce Springsteen

Legendary rock musician and longtime social justice advocate.

First Avenue

Iconic music venue in Minneapolis that has hosted many influential artists over the decades.

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What they’re saying

“This concert is a call-to-action to defend Minnesota and stand up for immigrant rights.”

— Tom Morello, Organizer

The takeaway

The surprise benefit show at First Avenue underscores the power of music to galvanize support for social justice causes. Springsteen and Morello's star power helped draw attention to the ongoing fight for immigrant rights in Minnesota and beyond.