Red Bank, New Jersey – Bruce Springsteen unexpectedly used his Saturday night performance to condemn the Trump administration’s ICE deployments, dedicating a song to a woman killed by the agency earlier this month.
A Call to Action From The Boss
Springsteen, 76, urged fans to oppose what he called “Gestapo tactics” by ICE officers, linking the issue to the enduring promise of American ideals.
- Springsteen criticized the Trump administration’s use of ICE officers in American cities, particularly Minneapolis.
- He dedicated his 1978 song “The Promised Land” to Renee Good, who was fatally shot by ICE officers.
- The performance occurred during the Light of Day Winterfest charity concert at the Count Basie Center for the Arts.
- Springsteen’s set included a mix of classic hits and newer material, lasting 75 minutes.
Nearing the end of his surprise performance in Red Bank Saturday night, Springsteen paused to address the crowd, hoping not to be “out of order” and disrupt the benefit concert’s otherwise convivial atmosphere. He began to explain the origin of his 1978 song “The Promised Land,” noting “I wrote this song as an ode to American possibility, it was (about) both the beautiful but flawed country that we are, and to the country that we could be.”
Springsteen then pivoted to condemnation, urging the audience inside the Count Basie Center for the Arts to stand against the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in American cities, particularly in Minneapolis. “If you believe in democracy, in liberty, if you believe that truth still matters, that it’s worth speaking out, that it is worth fighting for, if you believe in the power of the law and no one stands above it, if you stand against heavily armed masked federal troops invading American cities and using Gestapo tactics against our fellow citizens, if you believe you don’t deserve to be murdered for exercising your American right to protest, then send a message to this president, and as the mayor of that city has said, ‘ICE should get the f— out of Minneapolis,’” Springsteen said, to a roar from the audience of about 1,500.
He then dedicated “The Promised Land” to “mother of three and American citizen” Renee Good, who died after being shot by ICE officers in Minneapolis earlier this month. The performance unfolded during “Bob’s Birthday Bash,” the annual marathon charity concert that anchors the Light of Day foundation’s Winterfest series. The foundation has raised over $7.5 million over the last three decades to fund research into Parkinson’s disease and similar ailments, hosting numerous smaller concerts around New Jersey, especially in Asbury Park.
Springsteen’s appearance wasn’t formally announced, but fans anticipating a possible set were rewarded. He has now joined 14 of the 26 “Birthday Bash” events, often performing with Pittsburgh rocker Joe Grushecky’s Houserockers as his backing band. Saturday’s sold-out show featured a 75-minute set – his longest since wrapping his European tour with the E Street Band last summer – extending well past midnight. The setlist included “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “Atlantic City,” a rare rendition of “Lucky Town,” and a rousing performance of “Johnny 99,” coinciding with the October release of “Electric Nebraska” and his recent biopic, “Deliver Me From Nowhere.”
Beyond his criticisms of the current president, a stance he’s maintained for over a decade, Springsteen appeared in good spirits. He jokingly referenced a CNN report claiming he’s a billionaire, clarifying he’s “got partners,” a nod to the E Street Band. He also alluded to a philosophical point about what truly matters – “what’s in your love account” – before launching into “Savin’ Up,” a 1983 track from Clarence Clemons and The Red Bank Rockers’ album “Rescue.” He playfully engaged with the audience, moving along the stage and making physical contact with fans.
Early in his set, Springsteen shared the stage with Gary U.S. Bonds, the veteran rock and R&B singer whose career Springsteen helped revive in the 1980s. Bonds, 86, remained a commanding presence, leading the group through “Jole Blon” and “This Little Girl,” with Springsteen on guitar and backing vocals.
The night culminated with all performers – including Goo Goo Dolls singer Johnny Rzeznik, Low Cut Connie’s Adam Weiner, and punk-rock artist Willie Nile – joining for a rendition of “Light of Day,” a birthday wish for organization co-founder Bob Benjamin, and a passionate performance of “Thunder Road,” with Springsteen on solo acoustic guitar. The lineup also included Light of Day regulars James Maddock, Joe D’Urso, Williams Honor, and Fantastic Cat, led by Jersey singer-songwriter Anthony D’Amato.
Springsteen wasn’t the only artist to address politics. During a brief solo set, Weiner urged the crowd to be “tough and compassionate at the same f—ing time,” lamenting that checking his smartphone each morning felt like “getting punched in the face.” Rzeznik, a Westfield resident, delivered a charged speech, stating, “we are living in interesting times and that doesn’t mean that they’re good, but that does mean we have each other, and this is a room full of love, and I just want you guys to take all that love and get out in the f—ing street.” He later joked, “I’m worried ICE is gonna kick down my door and send me back to Poland,” eliciting laughter from the crowd, noting he is an American-born citizen of Polish descent.
