Bruce Springsteen, a leader of the heartland rock genre, announced a rebellious, politically-charged tour on Tuesday.
The “Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour” will feature the E Street Band, Springsteen’s longtime backing musicians, and begin in Minneapolis on March 31. Since January, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Minneapolis have sparked controversy and protests, especially in regard to the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti.
Springsteen released an anti-ICE song called “Streets Of Minneapolis” on Jan. 28, four days after Pretti’s death. He also featured the slogan “NO KINGS” on his tour poster.
“We are living through dark, disturbing and dangerous times, but do not despair — the cavalry is coming,” Springsteen said in an Instagram video about the tour.
Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at Austin’s Moody Center on April 26. It is the only Texas stop on the tour. General ticket sales will begin Friday on Ticketmaster.
“We will be rocking your town in celebration and in defense of America, American democracy, American freedom, our American constitution and our sacred American dream, all of which are under attack by our wannabe king and his rogue government in Washington, D.C.,” Springsteen said.
The 76-year-old singer-songwriter said everyone is welcome to attend his shows “regardless of where you stand or what you believe in.”