Bruce Springsteen announces protest festival near Washington ahead of midterms
Musician Bruce Springsteen and guitarist Tom Morello announced the Power to the People festival while performing together at Nationals Park in Washington. The one-day, two-stage event is scheduled for Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Headliners include Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard and Joan Baez. Other performers include Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black, Serj Tankian, Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen and the Linda Lindas. The festival is billed as being about “freedom, justice, equality and rock ’n’ roll,” with a portion of proceeds benefiting VoteRiders and HeadCount. At the Wednesday concert, Springsteen played political songs and led the crowd in an “ICE out!” chant while criticizing the administration.
What’s reported
The festival is set for Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, a month before the midterm elections.
Announced by Springsteen and Tom Morello during a concert at Nationals Park in Washington.
Headliners: Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard and Joan Baez.
Other performers: Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black, Serj Tankian, Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen and the Linda Lindas.
Springsteen played “American Skin (41 Shots)” about a fatal police shooting and “Streets of Minneapolis” about killings by federal immigration agents.
Springsteen stated: “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.”
Morello stated the festival is about “the power everyday human beings have when they come together through music, art, community and action.”
A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit VoteRiders and HeadCount.
Springsteen has long criticized President Donald Trump, who has called for a boycott of Springsteen’s shows.
Key figures
Bruce Springsteen: musician, headliner and co-announcer of festival.
Tom Morello: guitarist for Rage Against the Machine, co-announcer.
Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, Joan Baez: headliners.
Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black, Serj Tankian, Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen, Linda Lindas: additional performers.
President Donald Trump: subject of Springsteen’s criticism.
VoteRiders and HeadCount: nonprofit beneficiaries.
Sources: abcnews.com
