Springsteen Releases Live Videos of 'Streets of Minneapolis' and 'Purple Rain'

The E Street Band performs protest song and Prince cover during tour opener in Minnesota.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:00pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shimmering, glittering sequins illuminated by dramatic studio lighting, conveying the high-energy and glamour of a live concert performance.Springsteen's live performances of protest anthems and iconic covers capture the raw power and emotional resonance of his music.Minneapolis Today

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have released live performance videos of 'Streets of Minneapolis' and Prince's 'Purple Rain' from the opening night of their current Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour at Minneapolis' Target Center. The 'Streets of Minneapolis' performance marked the first time Springsteen has played the protest song with the full band, while the Prince cover was the first time he's performed it live in over a decade, dedicating it to 'the maestro'.

Why it matters

Springsteen's politically-charged 'Streets of Minneapolis' reflects the ongoing social unrest and protests in the state, while his cover of Prince's iconic 'Purple Rain' pays tribute to the late music legend in his home state of Minnesota.

The details

The live performance videos were shot during the opening night of Springsteen and The E Street Band's Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour at the Target Center in Minneapolis on March 31, 2026. The 'Streets of Minneapolis' performance marked the first time the protest song has been played with the full E Street Band, after Springsteen released the track in late January noting it was written in response to recent events in Minnesota. The Prince cover was the first time Springsteen has performed 'Purple Rain' live in over a decade, and he dedicated the song to 'the maestro'.

  • The videos were released on April 10, 2026.
  • The Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour opened on March 31, 2026 in Minneapolis.
  • Springsteen released the 'Streets of Minneapolis' protest song in late January 2026.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

American singer-songwriter, known as 'The Boss', who has released the live performance videos with his E Street Band.

The E Street Band

Springsteen's long-time backing band, who performed with him on the live videos.

Prince

The late legendary musician whose song 'Purple Rain' was covered by Springsteen and The E Street Band during the tour opener.

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What’s next

Springsteen and The E Street Band will continue their Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour, with the next stop scheduled for San Francisco on April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Springsteen's politically-charged performance of 'Streets of Minneapolis' and his tribute to Prince with 'Purple Rain' demonstrate the artist's continued commitment to using his platform to address social issues and honor musical icons, resonating with fans across the country.