WASHINGTON — Rock icon Bruce Springsteen has revealed plans for a major protest festival featuring top musical acts, scheduled to take place in the Washington area just weeks before the midterm elections.
The legendary musician, joined by Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, made the announcement Wednesday during a performance at Nationals Park in Washington as part of Springsteen’s Land of Hope and Dreams American tour.
During Wednesday’s show, Springsteen delivered many of his most politically charged songs, including “American Skin (41 Shots)” which addresses a deadly police shooting and “Streets of Minneapolis,” written in response to the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal immigration agents. “The Gestapo tactics of this president and this administration will not stand here,” Springsteen declared.
“This American tragedy can only be stopped by the American people: you. There is no one coming to save us. We’ve got to do it ourselves,” he told the audience. “So join us and let’s fight for the America that we love. Do you hear me, Washington?”
The single-day event, dubbed the Power to the People festival, is scheduled for Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, featuring two stages and being promoted as celebrating “freedom, justice, equality and rock ‘n’ roll.” Part of all ticket revenue will support VoteRiders and HeadCount organizations.
“It’s about the power everyday human beings have when they come together through music, art, community and action,” Morello stated. “We’re honored to bring this incredible lineup to the DC area for a day that celebrates the spirit of activism, creativity, and hope.”
The lineup will also feature Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, Joan Baez, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black, Serj Tankian, Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen and the Linda Lindas, among other performers.
The veteran rocker has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, who has responded by calling for boycotts of Springsteen’s concerts, labeling him a “total loser who spews hate.”
During Wednesday’s performance, Springsteen guided the audience in chanting “ICE out!” while urging them to make their voices heard at the White House.
“Our democracy, our constitution, our rule of law are being challenged right now as never before by a reckless, racist, incompetent, treasonous president and his ship of fools administration,” Springsteen proclaimed.
“God bless Renée Good, God bless Renée Good, God bless you and God bless America,” he concluded before performing the evening’s final number, “Chimes of Freedom.”
