The legendary musician began his three-date residency in Manchester on Wednesday night and had a few choice words for the US President before getting into his set
Bruce Springsteen issued a scathing critique of US President Donald Trump as he kicked off his first performance in Manchester on Wednesday (May 14), signalling a fiery start to his tour.
Springsteen-mania has well and truly taken over the city, with hoards of the Born to Run singer’s fans queuing outside the Co-op Arena for days in anticipation, each vying for a chance at nabbing an autograph from the star.
As Springsteen took the stage on Wednesday to thunderous cheers, he expressed his delight at returning to Manchester, heralding the arrival of his tour to the brimming arena, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The rocker and the E Street band united on stage, he proclaimed, to invoke “the righteous power of music, art and rock and roll” amid the troubling times engulfing the USA. Known for his unwavering liberal views, Springsteen has notably supported Democratic presidential candidates across his career.
With the spotlight illuminating him, Springsteen declared: “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 powerful tirade quickly caught attention on social media, with one fan posting: “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 added.
He later said, according to the Manchester Evening News: “There’s some very weird, strange and dangerous s*** going on out there right now in America.”
He went on to attack the Trump administration for “inflicting pain on loyal workers… abandoning our allies and siding with dictators… removing residents off American streets and without due process or law deporting them”.
Bruce continued: “A majority of our representatives aren’t protecting the people from an unfit president and rogue government – they have no concern or idea of what it means to be American.”
However in a defiant message, he finished: “The America of what I have sung to you for 50 years is real and regardless of its fault is a great country with great people. We will survive this.”
The American legend, famed for hits such as Born in the USA and Dancing In The Dark, is set to perform alongside the E Street band at the venue on May 14, 17 and 20, with further dates in Liverpool in early June. He’s also scheduled to play a series of gigs in France, Germany, Spain and Italy in the coming months.
News of the concerts was greeted with great excitement as fans rushed to secure tickets for the European shows. Over the weekend, music enthusiasts flocked to Manchester city centre hoping to spot the singer, who is currently staying at Gary Neville’s Stock Exchange Hotel.
On Saturday, fortunate fans snapped photos with Springsteen as he autographed vinyl and memorabilia on Sussex Street. The rock icon appeared cheerful as he posed for pictures and chatted briefly with those who had queued before being ushered away by security.
The 75 year old, dubbed “the embodiment of rock and roll” by Rolling Stone, has released 21 studio albums, including his 1973 debut Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ and his latest work, Only the Strong Survive, from 2022.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
