by Bruce Springsteen Shocks First Avenue With First Live Performance of Protest Anthem “Streets of Minneapolis”
MINNEAPOLIS — In a moment that stunned music fans and activists alike, Bruce Springsteen delivered the live debut of his newly released protest song “Streets of Minneapolis” at the legendary First Avenue club on Friday during a benefit concert organized by Tom Morello. The performance came amid a charged political climate following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renée Good, casualties of a controversial federal immigration enforcement operation in the city.
The intimate, packed venue erupted as Springsteen took the stage unannounced, introduced by Rage Against the Machine guitarist and longtime friend Tom Morello—who called him a “good friend and fellow freedom fighter.”
Before launching into the song, Springsteen paused to acknowledge the purpose behind the gathering and why Minneapolis was the place for this moment. “This is for the people of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the people of our good country, the United States of America,” he told the energized crowd.
A Song Born of Outrage and Loss
“Streets of Minneapolis” was written and released by Springsteen within days of the shootings, capturing both grief and political outrage. The lyrics directly name Pretti and Good, mourn the loss of life on snowy city streets, and sharply criticize federal immigration enforcement and political leadership tied to the controversial operation in Minneapolis.
The song’s title evokes Springsteen’s earlier work “Streets of Philadelphia,” underscoring the emotional and historical weight the artist intended. Its narrative weaves images of protest, struggle, and collective perseverance while calling for solidarity with immigrant neighbors and communities affected by the operation.
Morello’s Advice: “Hit Them Hard”
Before the first note, Springsteen shared a candid moment about the creative process, recounting advice from Morello. Springsteen had worried the song might be “soapboxy,” to which Morello famously replied, “Nuance is wonderful, but sometimes you just have to kick them in the teeth.” That blunt mantra seemed to inform the performance’s raw energy.
The crowd responded with fervor, with chants of “ICE out now!” echoing through First Avenue and beyond—a line that mirrors the song’s explosive chorus and call for change.
A Benefit With Purpose
The concert was more than just a show—it was a fundraiser. All proceeds from the “Concert of Solidarity and Resistance to Defend Minnesota” went to the families of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, two Minneapolis residents killed during federal immigration enforcement operations that have sparked widespread protest and debate.
Alongside Springsteen and Morello, acts including Rise Against, Al Di Meola, and others performed, emphasizing music’s role as a rallying tool for community activism.
A Moment of Unity and Protest
What unfolded in Minneapolis was more than a surprise performance—it was a convergence of art and activism at a fraught moment in American civic life. Springsteen’s impassioned delivery of “Streets of Minneapolis” at First Avenue won cheers, tears, and chants, showing how deeply music can intertwine with movements for justice and remembrance.
