Bruce Springsteen opened his Manchester concert on May 14 with a fierce speech against U.S. President Donald Trump. One fan summed it up after the moment: “Wow, Bruce Springsteen just battered Trump.”
Manchester is deep in Springsteen fever. Fans queued outside the Co-op Arena for days hoping to catch a glimpse of the rock icon. One fan even waited since Friday, despite already having seen him 101 times.
Springsteen, now 75, is in the UK for his Letter to You tour. So far, the tour has earned around £475 million across 130 shows in North America and Europe.
“A Corrupt, Incompetent, and Treasonous Administration”: Bruce Springsteen
As the lights dimmed and the crowd roared, Springsteen greeted Manchester warmly. He said he and the E Street Band were there to call on “the righteous power of music, art and rock and roll in dangerous times.”
Then, under a single spotlight, Springsteen launched into a direct attack on Trump.
“In my home, the America I love… is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration,” he said.
“Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American spirit to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism, and let freedom reign.”
Must watch as Bruce Springsteen opens his European Tour eviscerating Trump: "My home, the America I love that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration." pic.twitter.com/4SFQFecjZB
— Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) May 15, 2025
The speech went viral on X (formerly Twitter). One fan posted: “Wow #BruceSpringsteen just battered Trump. Unbelievable moment.”
Springsteen, known for hits like Born in the USA and Dancing In The Dark, will perform again in Manchester on May 17 and 20. More UK shows are planned in Liverpool in June, followed by gigs in France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
Fans swarmed Manchester city centre over the weekend, hoping to meet him. Some lucky fans got autographs and photos on Sussex Street, where Springsteen was staying at Gary Neville’s Stock Exchange Hotel.
At 75, Springsteen continues to tour and record. He has released 21 studio albums, from his 1973 debut Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. to his latest, Only the Strong Survive, in 2022.
