Photo: Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance in Minneapolis on Jan. 30, joining Tom Morello for a last-minute benefit concert supporting families affected by recent ICE-related shootings.
The sold-out event, titled A Concert of Solidarity & Resistance to Defend Minnesota!, took place at the iconic First Avenue and was announced just two days before the show. All proceeds were designated for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed during federal immigration enforcement operations earlier in January.
The original lineup included members of Rise Against, along with Ike Reilly and Al Di Meola. Morello had teased a “very special guest,” later revealed to be Springsteen.
Just days before the concert, Springsteen released “Streets of Minneapolis,” a protest song written in response to the killings. At the show, he shared that he had asked Morello whether the song was too political.
“He told me, ‘Nuance is great, but sometimes you have to kick them in the teeth,’” Springsteen said before performing the track live.
The performance marked the song’s debut. Later in the night, Springsteen, Morello, and other musicians returned to the stage for a collaborative finale, including renditions of “The Ghost of Tom Joad” and Power to the People by John Lennon.
Morello, best known for his work with Rage Against the Machine, encouraged attendees to continue supporting peaceful demonstrations outside the venue after the show.
In a social media post, Springsteen explained that he wrote and recorded “Streets of Minneapolis” within days, dedicating it to the victims, their families, and immigrant communities in the city.
The song later drew criticism from officials in the administration of Donald Trump, who dismissed it as politically motivated and inaccurate.
The concert coincided with a national day of protests against immigration enforcement. Despite freezing temperatures, fans lined up early, with some even tracking Springsteen’s travel to Minneapolis ahead of the show.
SOURCE: Loudwire