Bruce Springsteen, known as 'The Boss,' is set to perform two highly anticipated shows at the Kia Forum on April 7 and April 9. Fans anticipating these concerts might want to revisit the extensive catalog of his politically themed music, which is expected to feature prominently in the setlists.

Springsteen's Recent Activism and New Music

The Inspiration Behind 'Streets of Minneapolis'

Minnesota has been heavily on Springsteen's mind this year, as he expressed strong empathy for Minneapolis residents following the January influx of ICE agents. He recently performed an acoustic version of his new song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” during a protest outside the State Capitol building on March 28 in St. Paul.

Springsteen stated that federal troops brought "death and terror" to the city streets this past winter, adding that the "power and the solidarity of Minneapolis, of Minnesota, was an inspiration to the entire country." He wrote and released the song shortly after ICE agents fatally shot Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

During a benefit concert on January 30, Springsteen performed the track, repeating the line, “In our chants of ‘ICE out now,” to the crowd of over 100,000 people. Rehearsals for the current tour suggest that protest material, including this new song, will be central to the upcoming U.S. leg.

Upcoming Tour Rehearsals

Reports from New Jersey rehearsals indicate that Springsteen and the E Street Band are also working up covers of politically charged songs. These include Edwin Starr’s “War” and Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom.”

A Legacy of Social Commentary

Springsteen has a long history of addressing societal and political issues through his songwriting. His work often chronicles the struggles of the working class, veterans, and those affected by economic hardship and injustice.

Ten Essential Springsteen Protest Tracks

Here are ten songs that highlight The Boss's instincts as a protest singer:

  • 1) “Lost in the Flood” (1973): This early track from his debut album captures the disillusionment and danger of modern life, reflecting on the death of 1960s idealism.
  • 2) “Factory” (from Darkness on the Edge of Town): This song exemplifies how personal struggles, like economic inequality, become political issues for blue-collar workers.
  • 3) “Nebraska” (Title Track): From his bleakest album, this song depicts the hopelessness of a factory worker who loses his job and commits a fatal act, lamenting the collapse of the American Dream.
  • 4) “Born in the U.S.A.”: Though often misinterpreted by politicians like Ronald Reagan, this signature song remains a bluesy lament for Vietnam veterans returning to an indifferent nation.
  • 5) “Streets of Philadelphia” (1993): Written for the film Philadelphia, this Oscar-winning single showcases Springsteen’s empathy while tackling the AIDS crisis.
  • 6) “Tom Joad” (from The Ghost of Tom Joad): Inspired by John Steinbeck, this track pairs the Dust Bowl migrant with a modern homeless man, protesting American capitalist cruelty.
  • 7) “American Skin” (41 Shots): Inspired by the police shooting of Amadou Diallo, this sensitive track addresses racial bias and police shootings, even including a verse from the officers' perspective.
  • 8) “Matamoros Banks” (from Devils & Dust): A heartbreaking, reverse-chronological story told with dignity about an immigrant’s tragic quest for a better life across the U.S. border.
  • 9) “We Take Care of Our Own” (from Wrecking Ball): This rousing song addresses the 2008 financial crisis, pointing fingers at bankers whose reckless actions harmed ordinary people.
  • 10) “Death To My Hometown” (from Wrecking Ball): This track delves into the economic damage caused by the Great Recession, focusing on the fallout in small American towns.