Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band are set to embark on their ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ American tour this spring, and they’ll have a very special guest joining them for every show: guitarist Tom Morello. The announcement, made last week, promises a politically charged run of concerts, blending Springsteen’s signature storytelling with Morello’s innovative and often rebellious musical style.
The 19-date tour kicks off March 31 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and concludes May 27 in Washington, D.C. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster here. Morello’s inclusion on the entire tour builds on a collaborative history with Springsteen, dating back to a 2008 performance of “The Ghost of Tom Joad” in Anaheim, California, and continued with Morello filling in for Steve Van Zandt during an E Street Band tour in 2013.
The pairing isn’t simply musical; it’s rooted in shared political convictions. Morello, known for his work with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, organized a benefit concert in Minneapolis on January 30, billed as “a concert of solidarity and resistance to defend Minnesota.” Springsteen unexpectedly appeared at the show, debuting a novel protest song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” directly addressing then-current political issues. Footage of the performance shows the two artists performing together, foreshadowing the extensive collaboration to come.
Springsteen himself framed the tour as a response to the current political climate. “We are living through dark, disturbing and dangerous times, but do not despair – the cavalry is coming!” he stated in a press release. “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.” He invited audiences of all political persuasions to join “the United Free Republic of E Street Nation” for what he described as “an American spring of Rock ‘n’ Rebellion.”
Morello echoed this sentiment, stating, “I was reminded how important our platform is, and how crucial the resistance work is that our music can do together at this dangerous historical juncture.” He added that he, Springsteen, and The E Street Band intend to “turn a spotlight on the current threats to democracy and human rights” throughout the tour, all “in the spirit of freedom, justice and rock n roll.”
The collaboration extends beyond the stage. Morello contributed to Springsteen’s albums “Wrecking Ball” and “High Hopes,” while Springsteen appeared on Morello’s 2021 album, “The Atlas Underground Fire.” Their musical connection is clearly a long-standing and mutually respectful one.
The tour has already drawn attention from outside the music world. According to reports, a spokesperson for former President Donald Trump criticized Springsteen, calling him a “loser” and predicting the tour would be unsuccessful. The statement, delivered by Steven Cheung, dismissed Springsteen’s political views and attacked his relevance.
Here’s a complete list of dates for the ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ tour:
- MARCH
- 31 – Minneapolis, Target Center
- APRIL
- 3 – Portland, Moda Center
- 7 – Inglewood, Kia Forum
- 9 – Inglewood, Kia Forum
- 13 – San Francisco, Chase Center
- 16 – Phoenix, Mortgage Matchup Center
- 20 – Newark, Prudential Center
- 23 – Sunrise, Amerant Bank Arena
- 26 – Austin, Moody Center
- 29 – Chicago, United Center
- MAY
- 2 – Atlanta, State Farm Arena
- 5 – Belmont Park, UBS Arena
- 8 – Philadelphia, Xfinity Mobile Arena
- 11 – New York, Madison Square Garden
- 14 – Brooklyn, Barclays Center
- 16 – New York, Madison Square Garden
- 19 – Pittsburgh, PPG Paints Arena
- 24 – Boston, TD Garden
- 27 – Washington, Nationals Park
Morello will also be appearing at Download Festival 2026 in the UK this summer, and has a solo European tour scheduled. Tickets for his London show are available here.
As the ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ tour approaches its March 31st kickoff, anticipation builds not only for the musical synergy between Springsteen and Morello, but also for the potential for politically charged performances that reflect the artists’ outspoken views. The tour is expected to be a significant cultural moment, blending rock and roll with social commentary.
The next confirmed date is the tour’s opening night in Minneapolis on March 31. Further details regarding setlists and specific collaborations are expected to emerge as the tour progresses.
What are your thoughts on this collaboration? Share your excitement in the comments below and spread the word!
