Recommendations of the Editorial team
Bruce Springsteen took the stage in St. Paul, Minnesota on Saturday to play at the central No Kings “Streets of Minneapolis” rally.
“This winter, federal authorities brought death and terror to the streets of Minneapolis — but they picked the wrong city,” Springsteen told the thousands of people outside the Minnesota State Capitol. “The strength and solidarity of the people of Minneapolis and Minnesota has been an inspiration to the entire country. Your strength and commitment have shown us that this is still America, and that this reactionary nightmare – and these attacks on American cities – will not last. You have given us hope, you have given us courage.”
Springsteen continued, “And to those who gave their lives: Renee Good, mother of three, brutally murdered. Alex Pretti, VA health worker, executed by ICE. Shot in the back and left dying on the street – without our lawless government even having the decency to investigate their deaths. Their bravery, their sacrifice and their names will not be forgotten.” Then Springsteen started “Streets of Minneapolis.”
Springsteen on No Kings
“The No Kings movement is hugely important right now,” Springsteen told the Minnesota Star Tribune earlier this week. “When you have the opportunity to sing something where timing is crucial, and you have something powerful to sing, it takes the moment to another level – and your work with it.”
Springsteen wrote and recorded “Streets of Minneapolis” in the aftermath of the ICE shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The song made its live debut on January 30 at a benefit concert at the city’s First Avenue.
“There are certain moments when you’re in the right place at the right time and something deeply meaningful happens that’s bigger than the band. It has everything to do with the events of the day, the moment you’re in,” Springsteen told the Minnesota Star Tribune of the First Avenue performance. “And that’s why Minneapolis stands [im Januar] Top of the list of the most meaningful shows I’ve ever played.”
Third time live
Springsteen performed the protest song a second time earlier this week at the 30th anniversary of “Democracy Now!” in New York – and now for the third time on Saturday in St. Paul.
Springsteen and the E Street Band kick off their Land of Hope and Dreams Tour this Tuesday in Minneapolis. “The tour is going to be political and very relevant to what’s going on in the country right now,” Springsteen told the Star Tribune earlier this week. “Minneapolis and St. Paul — that was where I wanted to start it, and Washington was where I wanted to end it.”
