Bruce Springsteen opened his 2025 Land of Hope and Dreams European tour on May 14, 2025, with a politically charged performance at Manchester’s (UK) Co-op Live arena. During the performance, he strongly criticized President Donald Trump.
The 75-year-old musician promptly expressed his political views to the audience, stating that the United States is “currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration.” He urged those who “believe in democracy” to “raise your voices against the authoritarianism.”
Springsteen kicked off the concert with “Land of Hope and Dreams,” the song that inspired the tour’s name, followed by “Death to My Hometown,” a critique of corporate greed from his 2012 album “Wrecking Ball.”
While known for his progressive political views, having supported Democratic candidates for over 20 years, Springsteen’s comments at the concert represented an escalation in his criticism of the current administration.
The setlist included several politically themed songs, such as “Rainmaker” from 2020’s Letter to You, which critiques demagogues who offer simplistic solutions to complex issues. The lyrics resonated in the current political context.
Springsteen also performed “My Hometown” and “Youngstown,” examining the impact of industrial decline on American communities, a theme prevalent in his career.
Before “My City of Ruins,” Springsteen expanded his critique of American politics, addressing what he described as attacks on free speech and civil liberties.
He highlighted concerns about the persecution of dissenting voices and criticized policies affecting vulnerable populations, mentioning wealthy individuals abandoning the poorest children globally.
Springsteen accused the administration of “taking sadistic pleasure in the pain that they inflict on loyal American workers” and alleged that the government is “abandoning our great allies and siding with dictators.”
Referencing the Trump administration’s immigration policies, Springsteen claimed that people are being deported without due process.
Springsteen concluded with a message of resilience, stating, “The America I’ve sung to you about for 50 years is real and regardless of its faults is a great country with a great people. So we’ll survive this moment.” He quoted James Baldwin, emphasizing the enduring humanity despite challenges.
The tour, initially an extension of Springsteen and the E Street Band’s Letter to You tour from 2023, was renamed to reflect a shift toward political messaging following Trump’s return to office.
The concert included classics like “Badlands,” “Thunder Road,” “Born to Run,” and “Bobby Jean.” For the closing number, Springsteen chose Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom,” which he last performed live in 1988.
Springsteen thanked the Manchester audience, saying, “I’m always a little nervous on that first night. It takes a little getting used to, even after all this time. Take this home with you.”
The Land of Hope and Dreams Tour will continue across Europe through July, with stops in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and other countries. Springsteen maintains his political commentary throughout the tour.
