Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band Kick Off Politically Charged Tour

The Boss and his band launch 'Land of Hope and Dreams' American tour with a message of defending American ideals.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band launched their politically charged 'Land of Hope and Dreams' American Tour in Minneapolis, opening the show with a 'prayer for our men and women in service overseas' and declaring they are there 'in celebration and defense of our American ideals, democracy, our Constitution and our sacred American promise.' The concert featured politically-charged songs like 'War' and 'Born in the U.S.A.', as well as classics like 'Born to Run' and 'Dancing in the Dark'.

Why it matters

Springsteen has long used his music to comment on social and political issues, and this tour is expected to continue that tradition, with the Boss speaking out against the 'corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless and treasonous administration' currently in power. The tour comes at a time of deep political divisions in the U.S., making Springsteen's message and platform all the more impactful.

The details

The Minneapolis show kicked off with Springsteen offering 'a prayer for our men and women in service overseas,' before declaring the band was there 'in celebration and defense of our American ideals, democracy, our Constitution and our sacred American promise.' The setlist featured politically-charged songs like 'War' and 'Born in the U.S.A.', as well as classics like 'Born to Run', 'Hungry Heart', and 'Dancing in the Dark'. Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello joined the band on guitar for several songs. The show also included a cover of Prince's 'Purple Rain' and ended with a rendition of Bob Dylan's 'Chimes of Freedom'.

  • The tour kicked off on March 31, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
  • The first two songs of the show were streamed live on YouTube.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

American singer-songwriter who is the leader of the E Street Band.

The E Street Band

Springsteen's longtime backing band.

Tom Morello

Guitarist for the band Rage Against the Machine, who joined Springsteen and the E Street Band for several songs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The mighty E Street Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock and roll in dangerous times.”

— Bruce Springsteen

“We are here in celebration and defense of our American ideals, democracy, our Constitution and our sacred American promise.”

— Bruce Springsteen

What’s next

The 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour is expected to continue across the United States throughout 2026, with Springsteen and the E Street Band bringing their politically-charged message to audiences nationwide.

The takeaway

Bruce Springsteen has long used his music and platform to address social and political issues, and this tour is no exception. By opening the show with a call to defend American ideals and democracy, and performing politically-charged songs, Springsteen is using his voice to speak out against the current administration and rally fans around the country.