Bruce Springsteen inspires Frankfurt: Political concert against Trump!

Bruce Springsteen inspires Frankfurt: Political concert against Trump!

June 19, 2025 will remain unforgettable for many music lovers in Frankfurt. Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band rocked Deutsche Bank Park with their energetic and politically charged performance. The concert, which lasted almost three hours, offered a gripping mix of sermon, protest and party, during which the star didn't exactly hold back with his criticism of the current political situation in the USA. [Tagesschau] reports that Springsteen did not directly name Donald Trump, but clearly indicated which authoritarian tendencies he spoke out against.

His outfit choice - dark jeans, a shirt, a vest and a tie - not only expressed the rocker look but also seemed to send a subtle message to those in attendance. He opened with the powerful 1984 song “No Surrender,” followed by a full setlist that included hits like “The River,” “Thunder Road” and “Born to Run.” The master of storytelling captivated listeners with his lyrics and called on them to rise up against autocrats.

Political messages and powerful lyrics

The political explosiveness of the concert did not go unnoticed. Springsteen criticized the American government's handling of protesters and migration policies, while emphasizing that despite its challenges, America is a "great country" with "great people." Proof of his clear stance was his dedication of the song “Rainmaker” to Trump. The themes of freedom and democracy also seemed to be present on the big screens, similar to a previous appearance in Berlin, where Springsteen called the US government "corrupt, incompetent and treasonous" and called on fans to stand up for its values. [Francfort] emphasizes that Springsteen wanted to make a statement not only musically but also socially.

The Frankfurt audience responded with loud cheers and applause as the band ended the evening with Bob Dylan's "Chimes of Freedom" after a long encore that included seven songs, including "Born in the U.S.A" and "Dancing in the Dark." Fans went home feeling like they were part of a unique, politically charged moment. Traffic around Deutsche Bank Park was critical, but that didn't stop enthusiastic supporters from looking forward to the spectacle that was unfolding.

A look into the future

Springsteen's current tour entitled "Land Of Hope And Dreams" is moving forward, and Frankfurt was the seventh stop on his European tour. Previous concerts in cities such as Berlin and Manchester also attracted great attention and were characterized by political statements. [AP News] reports that Trump responded to the musician's past criticisms through his Truth Social platform, further heightening the tension between the rock star and the political magnet. Steven Van Zandt, leader of the E Street Band, put it best: “We are not in the Trump camp.”

This concert is valued not only as a musical event, but as an urgent appeal to listeners to stand up for freedom and democracy. At a time when many people around the world are facing similar challenges, Springsteen has managed to bring people together, regardless of political divides. With a clear call for unity and belief in a better future, the message of his performance remains strong: “Rise up!”