Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Friday, delivering the live debut of his newly released protest song “Streets of Minneapolis” during a benefit concert organized by Rage Against The Machine‘s Tom Morello.
The sold-out Defend Minneapolis benefit featured performances from Ike Reilly, guitarist Al Di Meola, and Rise Against before Morello headlined the afternoon show. When Morello announced a special guest, the packed venue erupted as Springsteen walked on stage carrying an acoustic guitar.
Before performing the track—released just one day earlier—Springsteen shared the story behind its creation with the audience:
“So I write this song, and I record it the next day. And I send it to Tom Morello. Now I know Tom is an excitable man. I say ‘Tom, what do you think? It’s kind of soapboxy.’ And he says ‘Bruce, nuance is wonderful, but sometimes you have to kick them in the teeth.’ So this for the people of Minneapolis, the people of Minnesota, and the people of our good country, the United States of America.”
Springsteen remained on stage afterward to perform “The Ghost Of Tom Joad” alongside Morello. The afternoon concluded with all the performers joining together for John Lennon‘s “Power To The People”.
Watch Bruce Springsteen debut “Streets of Minneapolis” and more highlights from the Defend Minneapolis benefit concert below.
Bruce Springsteen – “Streets Of Minneapolis” – 1/30/26
[Video: Kyle Matteson]
Bruce Springsteen & Tom Morello – “The Ghost Of Tom Joad” – 1/30/26
[Video: Kyle Matteson]
Tom Morello, Bruce Springsteen, Ike Reilly, Al Di Meola, Rise Against – “Power To The People” (John Lennon) – 1/30/26
[Video: Kyle Matteson]
Defend Minneapolis Benefit – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN – 1/30/26 [Video Playlist]
[Video: Kyle Matteson]