Bruce Springsteen Kicks Off U.S. Tour with Tribute to Minneapolis

Springsteen's 'Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour' opens with emotional performance of 'Streets of Minneapolis'

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:04am

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Bruce Springsteen launched his 'Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour' at the packed Target Center in Minneapolis, delivering a nearly three-hour show that included a powerful solo performance of his new song 'Streets of Minneapolis.' The song pays tribute to the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers, with Springsteen leading the crowd in chants of 'ICE Out Now.' The concert also featured a cover of Prince's 'Purple Rain' and ended with Springsteen honoring Good and Pretti before performing 'Chimes of Freedom.'

Why it matters

Springsteen's tour and his pointed political statements reflect the continued national reckoning over issues of police brutality, immigration, and the state of American democracy. His decision to open the tour in Minneapolis, where the police killings of Good and Pretti sparked widespread protests, underscores the artist's commitment to using his platform to address social and political issues.

The details

During the show, Springsteen stood alone on stage to perform 'Streets of Minneapolis,' a new song he wrote in January in response to the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers. The crowd held up their lit-up phones in tribute, and Springsteen led them in four chants of the song's signature line, 'ICE Out Now,' as the house lights came up. Later in the show, Springsteen delivered a soliloquy lamenting the state of the country and the world, using it as a lead-in to 'My City of Ruins.' The concert also featured a cover of Prince's 'Purple Rain,' with guitarist Tom Morello delivering a searing rendition of the late Minneapolis-born superstar's concluding guitar solo.

  • Springsteen kicked off his 'Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour' at the Target Center on April 1, 2026.
  • Springsteen performed a solo version of 'Streets of Minneapolis' on Saturday during the national 'No Kings' rally at the state Capitol in St. Paul.
  • Springsteen told a New York City audience last week that the tour will next head to Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

A legendary American singer-songwriter who is known for his socially conscious lyrics and political activism.

Renee Good

A Minneapolis resident who was shot and killed by federal officers, sparking nationwide protests.

Alex Pretti

A Minneapolis resident who was also shot and killed by federal officers, along with Renee Good.

Steve Van Zandt

A member of Springsteen's E Street Band.

Max Weinberg

A member of Springsteen's E Street Band.

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What they’re saying

“The solidarity of the people of Minneapolis, of Minnesota, was an inspiration to the entire country.”

— Bruce Springsteen

“This is a tour that was not planned. We're here tonight because we need to steal your hope and your strength. And we wanted to bring some hope and some strength to you. I hope we did.”

— Bruce Springsteen

“I really want to make my voice known for what Bruce represents. And our country.”

— Becky Stunc, 75-year-old attendee from Sandpoint, Idaho

“He's a legend. And it's Jack's first concert ever. What better first concert to ever have than Springsteen?”

— Peter Somers, 46-year-old attendee from Rochester, Minnesota

What’s next

Springsteen told the New York City audience last week that the tour will next head to Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, 'two other cities where they had to deal with ICE, ICE's terror.' The tour ends on May 27 in Washington, D.C., where Springsteen said he'll have a 'few choice words for the White House.'

The takeaway

Springsteen's powerful performance of 'Streets of Minneapolis' and his broader political messaging during the tour reflect his longstanding commitment to using his platform to address social and political issues. His decision to open the tour in Minneapolis, the site of the police killings that sparked nationwide protests, underscores the artist's desire to stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice and against injustice.