Bruce Springsteen Performs at No Kings Rally in St. Paul

On Saturday, Bruce Springsteen graced the stage in St. Paul, Minnesota to perform "Streets of Minneapolis" as part of the prominent No Kings rally.

Addressing the audience of thousands gathered outside the Minnesota State Capitol, Springsteen remarked, “This past winter, federal troops brought death and terror to the streets of Minneapolis, but they picked the wrong city. The power and the solidarity of the people of Minneapolis and Minnesota was an inspiration to the entire country. Your strength and your commitment told us that this is still America, and this reactionary nightmare — and these invasions of American cities — will not stand. You gave us hope, you gave us courage.”

He went on to honor the victims of recent violence, stating, “And for those who gave their lives: Renee Good, mother of three, brutally murdered. Alex Pretti, VA nurse, executed by ICE. Shot in the back and left to die in the street without even the decency of our lawless government investigating their deaths. Their bravery, their sacrifice, and their names will not be forgotten.” Following this tribute, Springsteen launched into "Streets of Minneapolis."

In an interview with The Minnesota Star Tribune earlier this week, Springsteen expressed the importance of the No Kings movement at this juncture. “When you have the opportunity to sing something where the timing is essential, and if you have something powerful to sing, it elevates the moment, it elevates your job to another level.”

“Streets of Minneapolis,” penned in response to the tragic ICE shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, was first introduced live on January 30 during a benefit concert at First Avenue in the city.

Reflecting on the importance of seizing the moment, Springsteen noted, “There are certain moments where you’re in the right place at the right time, and something deeply meaningful occurs that is bigger than the band. It all has to do with the events of the day, the moment you’re in,” emphasizing the significance of his earlier concert in Minneapolis.

The protest song was performed live once more earlier this week at Democracy Now!’s 30th anniversary event in New York, marking its third performance during the Saturday rally in St. Paul.

Looking forward, Springsteen and the E Street Band are set to launch their Land of Hope and Dreams Tour this Tuesday in Minneapolis. “The tour is going to be political and very topical about what’s going on in the country,” he stated. “Minneapolis and St. Paul is where I wanted to begin it, and I wanted to end it in Washington.”