At a recent political rally supporting Bernie Sanders, iconic musicians Neil Young, Joan Baez, and Maggie Rogers captivated the audience with a stirring, multi-generational rendition of Young’s renowned protest anthem, “Rockin’ in the Free World.” This remarkable performance highlights the ongoing intersection of music and social activism, emphasizing the artists’ commitment to political change and social justice.

The electrifying moment occurred on Saturday, April 12, during a politically charged rally organized by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the iconic Grand Park in Los Angeles. This event was focused on promoting anti-corporate messages and advocating for grassroots political reform, showcasing the power of music as a catalyst for change. Each artist delivered solo performances, contributing to the rally’s dynamic atmosphere and resonating with the crowd’s desire for social progression.

Young, who concluded the rally with his impactful performance, opened with “Rainbow of Colors,” a track from his 2019 album Colorado. He then transitioned into his iconic anthem “Rockin’ in the Free World,” a song that has become synonymous with the fight against social injustice and corporate greed, drawing on decades of cultural significance and relevance in today’s political climate.

In an inspiring moment during the song, Baez and Rogers joined Young onstage, harmonizing together and alternating lead vocals. They passionately led chants of “Power to the People” and “Take America Back,” empowering the audience and reinforcing the message of unity and resistance against oppression between verses. This collaboration exemplified the strength of collective action in the face of societal challenges.

Baez, who recently celebrated her return to public performance following her prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2023, also delivered an engaging five-song solo set earlier in the evening. Her selections were poignant covers, starting with “Ain’t Nobody Gonna Turn Me ’Round,” a stirring civil rights anthem by the Freedom Singers. She followed with Phil Ochs’ “There But for Fortune” and John Lennon’s “Imagine,” each song echoing themes of hope and social justice.

As her set drew to a close, Baez welcomed Rogers to join her for heartfelt renditions of “America the Beautiful” and Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.” This collaboration marked a rare public musical appearance for Baez, who officially stepped back from extensive touring in 2019, making this event even more special for fans and supporters of her enduring legacy.

Rogers, who unveiled her sophomore album Surrender in 2022, has been actively engaging with her audience on social media, teasing exciting new music while continuing to perform at various benefit concerts and politically charged events. Her dedication to using her platform for advocacy reflects her commitment to social issues and the empowerment of youth through music.

Throughout his career, Sanders has been a staunch critic of the Trump administration’s controversial tariff policies. During a recent CNN town hall with Anderson Cooper, he vehemently criticized Trump’s aggressive approach to foreign policy, stating, “We don’t have to hate China. We don’t have to hate other people. Let’s figure out a way to work together.” His remarks resonate with the themes of collaboration and understanding that are crucial in today’s socio-political landscape.

Young, a steadfast advocate for progressive movements, originally released “Rockin’ in the Free World” in 1989 on his album Freedom. Over the decades, this anthem has been performed at countless political rallies and movements, symbolizing the fight against inequality and injustice. In 2020, Young took legal action against Trump for using “Rockin’ in the Free World” without permission during campaign events, further highlighting his dedication to protecting artistic integrity and supporting social change.