Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello and other major artists will headline a one-day “Power to the People” protest festival on Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland—about a month before the midterm elections. The announcement came as Springsteen
WASHINGTON — Bruce Springsteen stepped onstage at Nationals Park on Wednesday, and the concert quickly became something else: a direct challenge to the White House.
As he and Tom Morello performed together. Springsteen played songs built around politics and punishment. including “American Skin (41 Shots)” about a fatal police shooting and “Streets of Minneapolis. ” responding to the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents. He then turned to the crowd with a warning aimed at President Donald Trump and his administration.
“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?”
A month later, the argument turns into an event. Springsteen and Morello announced a protest festival set for the Washington, D.C., area—staged one day, with two stages, about a month before the midterm elections.
The “Power to the People festival” is scheduled 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.
Morello said in a statement, “It’s about the power everyday human beings have when they come together through music, art, community and action. 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 lineup spans major names from across rock and beyond. Alongside Springsteen. Foo Fighters. Dave Matthews. Brittany Howard and Joan Baez are set to headline. and additional performers include Dropkick Murphys. Jack Black. Serj Tankian. Killer Mike. Taylor Momsen and the Linda Lindas. among others.
During the same Wednesday show. Springsteen urged the crowd to make their voices heard all the way to the White House. leading an “ICE out!” chant. “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. ” Springsteen said.
Before the final song of the night, “Chimes of Freedom,” he added: “God bless Alex Pretti, God bless Renée Good, God bless you and God bless America.”
Springsteen’s criticism of President Donald Trump has been longstanding. Trump, in turn, has called for a boycott of Springsteen’s shows, describing him as a “total loser who spews hate.”
The event announcement lands in that same charged space—music as a rallying point, politics as the backdrop, and an explicit call for people to show up and act.
Bruce Springsteen Tom Morello Power to the People festival Merriweather Post Pavilion Columbia Maryland midterm elections VoteRiders HeadCount Nationals Park ICE out Renée Good Alex Pretti Foo Fighters Dave Matthews Brittany Howard Joan Baez Rage Against the Machine