Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band kicked off their latest trek, the Land of Hope & Dreams Tour, on May 14 in Manchester, U.K. Springsteen made news at the concert when he leveled some pointed criticism at the current U.S. president’s administration during the event.
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Now, the Boss has released a new live EP featuring some highlights from the show, including two politically charged speeches he made from the stage. The Land of Hope & Dreams EP is available now as a digital download and via streaming services.
The six-track collection includes Springsteen passionate spoken-word introductions to his songs “Land of Hope and Dreams” and “My City of Ruins,” as well as performances of those tunes. The EP also includes renditions of “Long Walk Home” and a cover of the 1964 Bob Dylan song “Chimes of Freedom.”
The May 14 concert marked the first time Bruce had played “Chimes of Freedom” live since 1988. The performance closed out the show.
Springsteen’s Pre-Song Speeches
“Land of Hope and Dreams” was the first song Springsteen and the E Street Band played at the show. Prior to performing the tune, Bruce declared, “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 experiment to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism, and let freedom ring!”
In his introduction to “My City of Ruins,” Springsteen began by saying, “There’s some very weird, strange, and dangerous s— going on out there right now. In America, they are persecuting people for using their right to free speech and voicing their dissent. This is happening now.” The Boss proceeded to list a variety of other negative actions in which he charged the current U.S. administration of being involved.
Springsteen’s comments at the concert prompted an angry response from President Donald Trump, who posted a message on his social media pages insulting the rock legend, as well as Taylor Swift and former President Joe Biden. In response to the President’s message, the American Federation of Musicians union issued a statement defending Springsteen and Swift.
Springsteen’s Upcoming Tour Plans
Springsteen and the E Street Band’s Land of Hope & Dreams Tour continues on Saturday, May 24, in Lille, France. The European trek is mapped out through a July 3 concert in Milan, Italy.
Land of Hope & Dreams EP Track List:
- “Land of Hope and Dreams” Introduction
- “Land of Hope and Dreams”
- “Long Walk Home”
- “My City of Ruins” Introduction
- “My City of Ruins”
- “Chimes of Freedom”
(Courtesy of Columbia Records)
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