Bruce Springsteen traveled to Minneapolis on Friday (Jan. 30) to appear as the “very special guest” promised for Tom Morello’s benefit concert supporting families of victims of ICE-related shootings.
The sold-out event, titled A Concert of Solidarity & Resistance to Defend Minnesota!, was announced just two days before taking place at the iconic Minneapolis venue, First Avenue. In a post on Facebook on Jan. 28, Morello stated that the concert would raise funds for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
The 37-year-old Good was shot and killed by a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis. Pretti, also 37, was fatally shot by multiple United States Customs and Border Protection agents on Jan. 24 in the city.
The initial lineup featured Morello, members of the Chicago punk band Rise Against, singer/songwriter Ike Reilly, and flamenco/jazz fusion guitarist Al Di Meola.
Morello had also teased a “very special guest” in the announcement, which turned out to be Springsteen.
Just hours before Morello announced the benefit on Jan. 28, Springsteen released “Streets of Minneapolis,” a song that responds to the killings of Good and Pretti.
Springsteen shared with the audience at First Avenue on Friday that he sent the song to Morello to ask if he thought it was too “soapboxy.”
“He said ‘nuance is great, but sometimes you have to kick them in the teeth,” Springsteen recounted before performing the song.
Bruce Springsteen, “Streets of Minneapolis”
Morello and other performers later joined Springsteen on stage to conclude the show. The former Rage Against the Machine guitarist encouraged attendees to exit the venue and peacefully participate in the protest outside.
Watch Videos of Tom Morello, Rise Against and Others Perform at Minneapolis Benefit
Here are some highlights from the rest of the event at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
Tom Morello, “Killing in the Name” (Rage Against the Machine cover)
Tom Morello, “This Land Is Your Land” (Woody Guthrie cover)
Rise Against, “Savior”
Ike Reilly, “At Least Another Day”
Al Di Meola
Morello and his former Rage Against the Machine bandmates have long been vocal supporters of various social and economic issues (it is reflected in their band’s name).
Here is a look back at some of the most significant Rage Against The Machine activism moments before the band disbanded in 2024.
10 Most Memorable Rage Against The Machine Activism Moments
People should understand what they are getting from a band named Rage Against The Machine. If the lyrics didn’t make it clear, any number of the band’s activism moments would provide clues. Here are ten of the most memorable moments of activism and protest from Rage Against The Machine’s career.
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
