Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are in Manchester for three huge gigs, but ‘the Boss’ had to take a moment to savage the Trump administratio
Music legend Bruce Springsteen delivered a damning of President Donald Trump during his opening night in Manchester on Wednesday (May 14), slamming the US leader and “urging the crowd to raise your voices against authoritarianism.”
The 75-year-old singer-songwriter is in the UK for his ongoing Letter to You tour, which has seen ‘the Boss’ take on 130 shows across North America and Europe, with an estimated box office total of £475 million.
Manchester is buzzing with Springsteen-fever, with fans of the Born to Run artist queuing outside the Co-op Arena for days, hoping to snag autographs. One woman, who had been queuing since Friday, said the gig would be her 102nd Springsteen concert.
As the lights dimmed on Wednesday and fans erupted into thunderous applause, Springsteen expressed his delight at being back in Manchester, welcoming the packed arena to the sold-out tour.
READ MORE: Vladimir Putin ‘makes decision’ on if he’ll attend Ukraine peace talks in TurkeyREAD MORE: Donald Trump’s ex-Russia adviser warns world is heading for ‘WWI-type scenario’
The Manchester Evening News reports ‘the Boss’ stating that the E Street band had taken to the stage to ‘call upon the righteous power of music, art and rock and roll in dangerous times’ currently being experienced in the USA. Springsteen is a fervent liberal who has consistently campaigned for Democratic presidential candidates over the years.
Illuminated by a spotlight, he continued: “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.
“Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American spirit, to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism, and let freedom reign.”
Bruce Springsteen’s impassioned outburst swiftly garnered attention on X, with one fan posting: “Wow #BruceSpringsteen Bruce Springsteen just battered Trump unbelievable moment at start of Manchester tour.”
Another user chimed in: “Bruce #Springsteen kicks off his LOHAD tour with a message to Trump: ‘Incompetent authoritarian…Everyone who believes in democracy rise up.'”
The American music legend, famous for hits such as ‘Born in the USA’ and ‘Dancing In The Dark’, is set to perform alongside the E Street band at the venue on May 14, 17, and 20. He will also play dates in Liverpool in early June, followed by shows in France, Germany, Spain, and Italy in the coming months.
The announcement of the tour was met with immense excitement as fans clamoured to secure tickets for the European gigs. Over the weekend, fans flocked to Manchester city centre to catch a glimpse of the singer, who is currently staying at Gary Neville’s Stock Exchange Hotel.
On Saturday, fortunate fans snapped photos with Springsteen as he signed vinyl records and memorabilia on Sussex Street. The rock star appeared to be in high spirits, posing for pictures and chatting with those who had queued up before being escorted away by security.
The 75-year-old, hailed by Rolling Stone as ‘the embodiment of rock and roll’, has released 21 studio albums, including his 1973 debut ‘Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ’ and his most recent effort, ‘Only the Strong Survive’, from 2022.