Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance in Minneapolis on January 30th, performing at a benefit concert organized by Tom Morello. The concert was held for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, protestors who were killed.
A New Protest Song and Familiar Refrain
Springsteen debuted his newly released song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” during the event. The song directly addresses the deaths of Good and Pretti, referring to those responsible as “federal thugs” and promising remembrance of the victims. He also performed an electric version of his 1995 song, “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” accompanied by Morello and other musicians.
Morello’s event, titled the Concert of Solidarity & Resistance To Defend Minnesota, featured performances from Rise Against, Ike Reilly, and jazz guitarist Al Di Meola. Morello himself performed songs from Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, including “Killing in the Name” and “Like a Stone.”
A Call to Action
The concert concluded with a performance of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Power to the People,” followed by a recording of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.” Morello stated the event was “a celebration of resistance” and emphasized the need for collective action, saying, “Ain’t nobody coming to save us except us and it’s now or never.”
Springsteen and Morello have a history of collaboration, with Morello previously filling in for E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt during tours in 2013 and 2014. Morello and his bandmates from Rage Against the Machine have also covered “The Ghost of Tom Joad” in the past, releasing their version in 2000 on the album Renegades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Renee Good and Alex Pretti?
Renee Good and Alex Pretti were protestors who were killed, and the concert was organized to benefit their families.
When was “Streets of Minneapolis” written?
Bruce Springsteen wrote “Streets of Minneapolis” last Saturday, just days before its debut performance at the benefit concert.
What other artists performed at the concert?
The concert featured performances by Rise Against, Ike Reilly, Al Di Meola, and Tom Morello, who performed songs from Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.
Will this concert spark further artistic responses to the events in Minneapolis, or inspire similar benefit events in other communities facing similar circumstances?
Worth a look