Bruce Springsteen’s concert in Brooklyn last week was unlike any I have attended in decades. It was far more than a fabulous, joyous concert; it was an inspiring resistance event. From the start, the Boss made clear that this would be part of the anti-Trump resistance. It was a three-hour ode to the fight for democracy against authoritarianism. In this way, Springsteen serves as a model for how celebrities can stand up against Trump.
As in other concerts on his Land of Hope and Dreams tour, Springsteen began with patriotic words: “We begin tonight with a prayer for our men and women in service overseas. We pray for an end to this conflict and for their safe return.” But he quickly shifted to resistance mode: “The E Street Band is here tonight in celebration and defense of the American ideals and values that have sustained our country for 250 years. We call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock’n’roll in these dangerous times.”
He continued: “Our democracy, our constitution, our rule of law are being challenged right now as never before by a reckless, racist, incompetent, treasonous president and his ship of fools administration. So tonight we ask all of you to join with us in choosing hope over fear, democracy over authoritarianism, the rule of law over lawlessness, ethics over unbridled corruption, resistance over complacency, truth over lies, unity over division and peace over war.”
As soon as Springsteen uttered the word war, the band began playing War (What Is It Good For), a diss of Trump’s war against Iran. Next, he belted out Born in the USA. One of the final numbers was Bob Dylan’s Chimes of Freedom, flashing for refugees and the underdog. Tom Morello joined in an amped-up version of The Ghost of Tom Joad. Springsteen’s energy was phenomenal, seeming more like 26 than 76.
Springsteen said: “Honesty, honor, humility, character, truth, compassion, humanity, thoughtfulness, morality, true strength and decency – don’t let anybody tell you that these things don’t matter any more… So many of our elected leaders have failed us that this American tragedy can only be stopped by the American people – by you. So join us and let’s fight for the America that we love.” He shouted: “Are you with us?” The crowd thundered back.
In another jab at Trump, Springsteen said: “Our museums are being told to whitewash American history of any unpleasant or inconvenient facts, like the full history of the brutality of slavery. You want to talk about snowflakes? We have a president who can’t handle the truth.”
Springsteen has championed the working class throughout his career, while Trump has delivered to billionaires. That has given him extraordinary cred with average Americans. Other celebrities have stood up to Trump, but Springsteen takes him on with greater abandon. His resistance is unflinching, giving a broadside about the White House destroying the American idea.
Every resistance movement needs an anthem, and Springsteen wrote The Streets of Minneapolis, denouncing Trump’s deployment of masked agents. At song’s end, he led a chant: “ICE out now!” He has carried this message across the nation, telling the crowd at the No Kings rally: “The power and solidarity of the people of Minneapolis and Minnesota was an inspiration… Their bravery, their sacrifice, and their names will not be forgotten.”
Springsteen does what celebrities should do. He uses his star power to fight the good fight. He talks to people, not at them or down to them. He voices common concerns, rallies, and inspires. Let’s hope his tour inspires other celebrities to speak out. Long live the Boss.
