Bruce Springsteen did not hold back during his recent concert in Manchester, England, delivering a powerful critique of the current U.S. administration. The legendary rock musician, known affectionately as “The Boss,” used his stage to call out what he described as a government plagued by corruption, incompetence, and betrayal of American values.
Performing with the E Street Band at Co-op Live, Springsteen took a moment to address the crowd before launching into the song “Land of Hope and Dreams.” He expressed deep concern about the state of the nation he has long celebrated through his music. “In my home, the America I love, the America I’ve written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration,” Springsteen said.
His remarks did not stop there. He urged fans and listeners to stand united in defense of democracy, warning against the rise of authoritarianism. “Tonight we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experiment to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring,” he proclaimed.
Later in the show, before performing “House of a Thousand Guitars,” Springsteen emphasized the importance of citizen action when government checks and balances fail. “The last check on power after the checks and balances of government have failed are the people, you and me,” he said. “It’s in the union of people around a common set of values now that’s all that stands between a democracy and authoritarianism. At the end of the day, all we’ve got is each other.”
Springsteen also touched on controversial topics such as recent corporate decisions and government policies. Referencing figures like Elon Musk and issues such as the cutting of funding for humanitarian aid and deportation practices, he painted a grim picture of current events. “There’s some very strange and dangerous things going on right now,” he stated. “In America, people are being persecuted for exercising their right to free speech. The richest men are turning their backs on the world’s poorest children, and American workers are suffering under policies that roll back decades of civil rights progress.”
He went further to criticize the treatment of immigrants, calling attention to deportations without due process and what he described as a failure of elected officials to protect the American people from government abuses. “This is happening now,” he repeated for emphasis.
Despite his strong criticism, Springsteen also offered a message of hope. Drawing on the words of writer James Baldwin, he reminded his audience that even in troubled times, there remains enough humanity to overcome challenges. “The America I’ve sung about for 50 years is real,” he said. “It’s a great country with great people. So we will survive this moment.”
Springsteen has long been outspoken against former President Donald Trump, having endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. In an Instagram video last year, he described Trump as “the most dangerous candidate for president in my lifetime” and criticized his disregard for the Constitution, democracy, and the peaceful transfer of power.
As one of America’s most influential musicians, Springsteen’s words carry significant weight, especially at a time when political division and social unrest continue to challenge the nation. His Manchester concert remarks serve as a reminder of the role that artists can play in speaking truth to power and inspiring civic engagement.
Whether fans agree or disagree with his views, Springsteen’s call to action reflects the urgency many feel about preserving democratic ideals and ensuring justice for all Americans.
Source: independent.co.uk
