Music icon Bruce Springsteen delivered a powerful tirade against US President Donald Trump during his opening night in Manchester on Wednesday (May 14). One fan in the crowd remarked after the off-the-cuff rant ‘Wow, Bruce Springsteen just battered Trump.’
The city is currently in the grip of Springsteen-fever, with fans of the rock legend queuing outside the Co-op Arena for days in the hope of meeting him and getting autographs. One devoted fan had even queued since Friday, despite having already seen ‘the Boss’ 101 times before.
The 75-year-old rock legend is in the UK for his ongoing Letter to You tour, which has seen ‘the Boss’ earn around £475 million at the box office from 130 shows across North America and Europe.
As the lights dimmed on Wednesday and fans erupted into thunderous applause, Springsteen expressed his delight at being back in Manchester, welcoming the packed arena to the tour.
The Manchester Evening News reports ‘the Boss’ stating that the E Street band had taken to the stage to ‘call upon the righteous power of music, art and rock and roll in dangerous times’ currently being experienced in the USA.
Springsteen is a fervent liberal who has consistently campaigned for Democratic presidential candidates over the years.
Illuminated by a spotlight, he continued: “In my home, the America I love, the America I’ve written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration.
“Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American spirit, to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism, and let freedom reign.”
The explosive tirade quickly went viral on X, as one fan exclaimed: “Wow #BruceSpringsteen Bruce Springsteen just battered Trump unbelievable moment at start of Manchester tour.
“Bruce #Springsteen kicks off his LOHAD tour with a message to Trump: ‘Incompetent authoritarian…Everyone who believes in democracy rise up,” another fan tweeted.
The legendary musician, famed for anthems like Born in the USA and Dancing In The Dark, is set to hit the stage with the E Street band on May 14, 17 and 20, with additional shows in Liverpool come early June. His European tour will also see him performing in France, Germany, Spain, and Italy in the upcoming months.
The announcement of the concerts sparked a frenzy among the star’s followers as they rushed to secure tickets for the European performances. Over the weekend, music enthusiasts also flocked to Manchester city centre in hopes of spotting the singer, who is currently staying at Gary Neville’s Stock Exchange Hotel.
On Saturday, fortunate fans managed to snap photos with Springsteen as he autographed vinyl and collectables on Sussex Street. The rock icon appeared cheerful as he engaged with fans and posed for photographs before being whisked away by security personnel.
At 75 years old, Springsteen, celebrated by Rolling Stone as ‘the embodiment of rock and roll’, boasts a discography of 21 studio albums, from his 1973 debut Greetings from Asbury Park, NH, to his latest work, Only the Strong Survive, released in 2022.