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In the music world, Bruce Springsteen’s influence and respect among fellow artists is no secret; he has consistently garnered admiration from both his peers and fans alike. However, his recent remarks in Manchester, England, about Donald Trump—labeling the administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous”—and his concerns regarding the increasingly authoritarian climate in the U.S. have ignited a response from the president. Trump has even threatened a “major investigation” into Springsteen due to his backing of Kamala Harris. In response to these attacks, many musicians have openly voiced their support for the New Jersey icon. Below is a summary of the growing list of supporters.
Pearl Jam
Though Springsteen’s brand of deeply-rooted rock & roll might have seemed to contrast sharply with punk and grunge when Pearl Jam emerged in 1990, any doubt vanished as early as 2004 when Eddie Vedder joined Springsteen on stage to perform “Better Man.” A decade later, they collaborated on a cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” during a Springsteen concert in Australia.
At Pearl Jam’s performance on May 16 in Pittsburgh, Vedder made his stance clear in the ongoing Bruce-Trump debate by performing Springsteen’s “My City of Ruins.” Two days later, at the same venue, Vedder emphasized his views even further, echoing Springsteen’s criticisms of Trump with a reminder that “part of free speech is open discussion” and asserting that “the name-calling is beneath us.” He stated, “Bruce has always stood for American values, and I say this now to ensure that this freedom to speak remains long into the future.”
If anyone missed the message earlier, Vedder shared a social media post featuring a photo of himself wearing a “United States vs. Bruce Springsteen” baseball cap.
Robert Plant
On the same night Vedder expressed his support for Springsteen, former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant echoed those sentiments during a performance with his band, Saving Grace, in Finland. He remarked, “Bruce Springsteen is currently touring the U.K., producing some powerful work, so make sure to pay attention to him.” In light of the U.S.-U.K. tensions, Plant added, “Let’s hope for a future of unity…,” before launching into a rendition of “Friends.”
Neil Young
The mutual admiration between Springsteen and Young began in the mid-1980s when both participated in the inaugural Bridge School benefit shows hosted by Young and his late wife, Pegi, in California. Since then, they have often shared the stage, performing favorites like “Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Down by the River.”
Directly addressing Trump, Young posted on May 19: “Bruce and so many musicians believe you are harming America. Focus on that instead of the children in Gaza. You shut down FEMA when we needed assistance. This is your issue, Trump. STOP WORRYING ABOUT ROCKERS’ OPINIONS. Think about restoring America.” His previous remarks about Trump, including a 2020 letter where he labeled him “a disgrace,” have underscored his ongoing criticism.
Tom Morello
Musically and politically, the former Rage Against the Machine guitarist aligns closely with Springsteen. He joined the E Street Band during their “High Hopes” tour in 2014. At the Boston Calling Music Festival on May 25, Morello declared, “Bruce is targeting Trump because he stands for truth, justice, democracy, and equality. And it irks Trump because Bruce attracts a larger crowd. Screw that guy.” He then performed Springsteen’s “The Ghost of Tom Joad.”
Mike Ness (Social Distortion)
In a 2018 interview, Ness expressed surprise that Springsteen admired his band, Social Distortion, which is featured in the new book Tearing Down the Orange Curtain. “I became a Springsteen fan later in life, not in my youth. His live performances drew me in. To my surprise, he supported Social Distortion in the early ’90s. I wondered how he even learned about us.”
The two have shared several stages, including a Social D show in New York in 2019. At the Punk Rock Bowling Festival in Las Vegas on May 26, Ness reaffirmed his admiration for Springsteen, pointing out how “freedoms are being eroded” and stating, “I’m friends with Bruce Springsteen… Just pay attention.” He also warned the audience about “T-rump,” calling him “the worst president ever.” (Check around the 31:00 mark above.)
Bono
The U2 frontman and Springsteen share a long history, beginning when Springsteen joined U2 onstage in Philadelphia in 1987. In 2002, Bono performed “Because the Night” during a Springsteen concert in Miami, and Springsteen subsequently inducted U2 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
During an interview with Jimmy Kimmel on May 27, when asked about the unfolding Trump drama, Bono delivered a clear verdict: “There’s only one boss in America.”
Jason Isbell
The Americana singer-songwriter has been outspoken regarding political and social issues, often citing Springsteen as a significant influence on his work. Thus, it’s no surprise that Isbell stands firmly with Springsteen in this matter.
On social media, he voiced his support, taking a jab at Trump’s childishness, stating, “Just want everyone to know Bruce Springsteen is an incredibly nice and generous person who has produced some of the greatest albums ever; sorry, big baby, but there’s only one Boss.”
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