Bruce Springsteen has released a new live EP titled Land of Hope & Dreams, recorded during the opening night of his European tour with the E Street Band in Manchester, England, on May 14. The release features not only live performances of four songs, but also two of Springsteen’s politically charged onstage speeches criticizing the Trump administration.
The EP, available on all major streaming platforms starting Wednesday, includes performances of “Land of Hope and Dreams,” “Long Walk Home,” “My City of Ruins,” and a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom.” Notably, it also features Springsteen’s fiery introductions to “Land of Hope and Dreams” and “My City of Ruins,” in which he calls for resistance against what he described as a “corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration.”
Springsteen’s remarks sparked backlash from former President Donald Trump, who responded on his Truth Social platform. After first mocking Springsteen—shortly after targeting Taylor Swift—Trump shared a doctored video of himself hitting a golf ball, followed by a clip of Springsteen tripping onstage, making it appear the ball had knocked the musician over. Trump also repeated a baseless conspiracy theory suggesting Springsteen and others were paid to appear at campaign events for Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris, and even called for a federal investigation.
During his Manchester performance, Springsteen said:
“The mighty E Street Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock ‘n’ roll, in dangerous times. In my home, the America I love, the America I’ve written about… 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 experience to rise with us… and let freedom ring.”
Tracklist for Land of Hope & Dreams EP:
- Land of Hope and Dreams (Introduction)
- Land of Hope and Dreams (Live)
- Long Walk Home (Live)
- My City of Ruins (Introduction)
- My City of Ruins (Live)
- Chimes of Freedom (Live)
The EP continues Springsteen’s long-standing tradition of using his music and platform to engage with political and social issues.
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