Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are set to embark on a North American leg of their 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour. The tour will begin on March 31 in Minneapolis and conclude on May 27 in Washington, D.C., bringing a series of arena and stadium performances to fans across the United States. Tickets for these highly anticipated shows are scheduled to go on sale this Friday.
Springsteen has framed this tour as a call for unity and a defense of American ideals. He released a statement emphasizing the tour's purpose, stating that the band aims to celebrate and defend American democracy, freedom, and the Constitution. This North American tour follows a successful European leg last summer, where Springsteen also highlighted themes of democracy and resistance.
Key Takeaways
- Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are touring North America.
- The 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour begins March 31 in Minneapolis.
- It concludes May 27 in Washington, D.C.
- Springsteen describes the tour as a defense of American democracy.
- Tickets go on sale this Friday.
The Land of Hope and Dreams Tour
The upcoming tour dates mark a significant return for Springsteen and his E Street Band to American stages. The tour's title, 'Land of Hope and Dreams,' reflects its overarching message. Springsteen has been vocal about his concerns regarding the current political climate in the United States.
In a recent statement, Springsteen articulated the tour's mission:
"We are living through dark, disturbing and dangerous times, but do not despair — the cavalry is coming! Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will be taking the stage this spring from Minneapolis to California to Texas to Washington, D.C. for the Land of Hope And Dreams American Tour. We will be rocking your town in celebration and in defense of America — American democracy, American freedom, our American Constitution and our sacred American dream — all of which are under attack by our wannabe king and his rogue government in Washington, D.C. Everyone, regardless of where you stand or what you believe in, is welcome — so come on out and join the United Free Republic of E Street Nation for an American spring of Rock ‘n’ Rebellion! I’ll see you there!"
This message underscores the tour's political undertones and its aim to unite people through music.
Tour Snapshot
- Start Date: March 31
- End Date: May 27
- Number of Cities: 15
- First City: Minneapolis, MN
- Last City: Washington, D.C.
European Leg Set the Tone
The European leg of the 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour last summer provided a preview of what American audiences can expect. During the opening night in Europe, Springsteen addressed the crowd with a powerful message.
"The mighty E Street Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock & roll, in dangerous times," he told the crowd. "In my home, the America I love, the America I’ve written about, and 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 experience to rise with us, raise your voices against the authoritarianism, and let freedom ring. This is ‘Land of Hope and Dreams.’"
This earlier address confirms the consistent political message Springsteen intends to deliver throughout the tour.
Political Activism and Music
Springsteen's recent actions and statements highlight his deep engagement with political issues. His music has often reflected societal concerns, but his recent focus has been particularly sharp.
Earlier this year, Springsteen made a surprise appearance at a concert in Minneapolis. This event, titled 'A Concert of Solidarity & Resistance to Defend Minnesota!', took place at the First Avenue club on January 30. During this appearance, he performed his protest song "Streets of Minneapolis." This song was written in response to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, which occurred after federal agents were deployed to Minneapolis.
Background on Minneapolis Events
The city of Minneapolis experienced significant unrest, leading to the deployment of federal agents. These events prompted widespread protests and drew strong condemnation from various public figures, including Springsteen. The artist's response through music underscores his commitment to using his platform for social commentary.
Statements on American Values
Springsteen also spoke out at the annual Light of Days benefit concert earlier this month. His comments there echoed the sentiments shared in his tour announcement.
"Right now we are living through incredibly critical times," he said. "The United States, the ideals and the value for which it stood for the past 250 years, is being tested like it has never been in modern times. Those values and those ideals have never been as endangered as they are right now."
He continued to challenge the actions of the government, specifically mentioning federal troops and the right to protest.
"If you believe in the power of law and that no one stands above it," he stated, "if you stand against heavily-armed masked federal troops invading an American city, using gestapo tactics against our fellow citizens, if you believe you don’t deserve to be murdered for exercising your American right to protest, then send a message to this president, as the mayor of the city said: ICE should get the f**k out of Minneapolis."
These direct statements reveal Springsteen's strong stance on civil liberties and government accountability.
Expected Setlist and Tour Messaging
Fans attending the 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour can anticipate a setlist that aligns with its political themes. Based on the European leg, songs like "Rainmaker," "Long Walk Home," and Bob Dylan’s "Chimes of Freedom" are likely to be featured. The song "Streets of Minneapolis" is also a near certainty, given its recent debut and relevance to the tour's starting city.
Likely Setlist Inclusions
- "Rainmaker"
- "Long Walk Home"
- "Chimes of Freedom" (Bob Dylan cover)
- "Streets of Minneapolis"
The tour's routing itself carries symbolic weight. Kicking off in Minneapolis, a city that has seen significant political unrest, and concluding near Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, reinforces the tour's message. This geographical progression underscores Springsteen's intention to address issues from a grassroots level up to the seat of national power.
The 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour promises to be more than just a series of concerts. It is presented as a musical and political statement, inviting audiences to reflect on and engage with the current state of American democracy and freedom.
Tour Dates and Locations
The North American leg of the 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour includes dates across the country. Fans will have multiple opportunities to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform live.
- March 31 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
- April 3 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center
- April 7 – Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum
- April 9 – Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum
- April 13 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
- April 16 – Phoenix, AZ @ Mortgage Matchup Center
- April 20 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
- April 23 – Sunrise, FL @ Amerant Bank Arena
- April 26 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center
- April 29 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
- May 2 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
- May 5 – Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena
- May 8 – Philadelphia, PA @ Xfinity Mobile Arena
- May 11 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
- May 14 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
- May 16 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
- May 19 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
- May 24 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
- May 27 – Washington, D.C. @ Nationals Park
These dates offer a comprehensive schedule for fans across various regions to experience the 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour.