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Springsteen and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello
announced the festival Wednesday while performing together at
Nationals Park in Washington as Springsteen winds down his Land
of Hope and Dreams American Tour.
At the concert Wednesday, Springsteen played many of his most
political songs, including “American Skin (41 Shots)” about a
fatal police shooting and “Streets of Minneapolis,” in response
to the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal
immigration agents. “The Gestapo tactics of this president and
this administration will not stand here,” Springsteen said.
“This American tragedy can only be stopped by the American
people: you. There is no one coming to save us. We’ve got to do
it ourselves,” he said. “So join us and let’s fight for the
America that we love. Do you hear me, Washington?”
The one-day, two-stage Power to the People festival is set for
Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, and
is being billed as about "freedom, justice, equality and rock
’n’ roll.” A portion of the proceeds from all ticket sales will
benefit the organizations VoteRiders and HeadCount.
“It’s about the power everyday human beings have when they come
together through music, art, community and action," Morello said
in a statement. "We’re honored to bring this incredible lineup
to the DC area for a day that celebrates the spirit of activism,
creativity, and hope.”
The festival will also include Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black,
Serj Tankian, Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen and the Linda Lindas,
among others.
Springsteen has long criticized President Donald Trump, who in
turn has called for a boycott of Springsteen’s shows, calling
him a “total loser who spews hate.”
On Wednesday, Springsteen led the crowd in an “ICE out!” chant,
encouraging the audience to make their voices heard all the way
to the White House.
“Our democracy, our constitution, our rule of law are being
challenged right now as never before by a reckless, racist,
incompetent, treasonous president and his ship of fools
administration,” said Springsteen.
“God bless Alex Pretti, God bless Renée Good, God bless you and
God bless America,” he said before launching into the final song
of the night, “Chimes of Freedom.”
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