Bruce Springsteen launched his “Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour” Tuesday night at the Target Center in Minneapolis, delivering a defiant yet optimistic performance. The concert served as both a celebration and a protest against the Trump administration’s policies.

A Night of Protest and Remembrance

Springsteen opened the nearly three-hour show with a pointed message, criticizing the current administration as “corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous.” He urged the audience to choose “hope over fear, democracy over authoritarianism,” before launching into a powerful rendition of “War.”

“Streets of Minneapolis” – A Tribute to Courage

A central moment of the evening was a solo performance of “Streets of Minneapolis,” a song penned in January following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal officers. Thousands in the audience illuminated the venue with their phone lights in a moving tribute.

After the E Street Band joined him, Springsteen led the crowd in four chants of the song’s signature line, “ICE Out Now.” He previously performed the song at a rally in St. Paul, praising the solidarity of Minneapolis and Minnesota.

Feud with Trump and a Message of Hope

Springsteen has a well-documented history of conflict with President Trump, previously calling his administration a “rogue government.” Trump has responded with personal attacks, dismissing Springsteen as a “dried-out prune of a rocker.”

Despite the political climate, Springsteen’s message remained focused on hope and unity. He lamented the state of the country and the world before performing “My City of Ruins.”

A Prince Tribute and Tour Plans

The concert also included a tribute to Prince, with a performance of “Purple Rain” featuring a searing guitar solo by Tom Morello. Springsteen concluded the show by again honoring Pretti and Good before performing “Chimes of Freedom.”

Springsteen announced the tour will continue to Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, cities also impacted by ICE enforcement, before concluding on May 27 in Washington, D.C., where he intends to deliver a message to the White House.

Audience members like Becky Stunc, who traveled from Idaho, expressed their support for Springsteen’s message. Peter Somers, attending with his son, called Springsteen a “legend” and a voice for America and democracy.