The 76-year-old rocker is reportedly set to take the stage at a high-profile “No Kings” anti-Trump rally in Saint Paul on Saturday, joining a lineup packed with prominent progressive figures.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Springsteen plans to perform his latest protest track, Streets of Minneapolis, a 2026 release tied to the controversial fatal shootings of ICE agitators Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
The rally itself is shaping up to be a major political flashpoint. Sen. Bernie Sanders and longtime activist and actress Jane Fonda are also expected to appear, bringing together a coalition of left-wing voices aiming to energize opposition to former President Donald Trump.
Springsteen didn’t hold back when describing the significance of the moment. He told the Star Tribune that the “No Kings movement is of great import right now,” framing the event as more than just a concert appearance. For Springsteen, it’s part of a broader mission — one he’s been leaning into more aggressively in recent months.
“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,” he said, signaling that his performance is meant to carry political weight, not just entertainment value.
The comments follow his recent declaration that his upcoming Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour is effectively a cultural and political campaign.
Springsteen has gone as far as to describe the United States as being “under attack by our wannabe king and his rogue government,” while casting himself and his band as defenders of democracy.
That rhetoric is turning heads — and drawing criticism.
Adding another layer of controversy, Springsteen praised Jane Fonda ahead of the event, a figure who still sparks fierce debate decades after her Vietnam War-era activism earned her the nickname “Hanoi Jane.”
Meanwhile, not all of the backlash is political. Fans are increasingly voicing frustration over soaring ticket prices for Springsteen’s upcoming tour, with some accusing the rock icon of hypocrisy as he positions himself as a champion of the people while charging premium prices.
