Bruce Springsteen Faces Growing Backlash Over Ticket Prices and Political Comments
Bruce Springsteen is under fire for his recent comments during a concert in Minneapolis, where he criticized former President Trump. This has raised eyebrows, especially considering the hefty prices of his concert tickets, some reaching up to $800. Joe Concha, a contributor for FOX News, didn’t hold back, describing it as a “jungleland of hypocrisy” when millionaires talk politics. Many concert-goers expressed their frustration, stating they simply wanted to enjoy the music, not a political lecture.
In a similar vein, it seems 2026 is shaping up to be a year filled with protest music. Shortly after Springsteen’s performance, Bette Midler took her shot against Trump by reworking a classic protest song by Woody Guthrie titled “Hey You Fascist.” Originally penned in 1940, the song tackled issues like poll taxes and racial hatred, but Midler has adapted it to target what she sees as oppressive politics today.
In a conversation with Rolling Stone, Midler shared that her discussion with Jane Fonda about needing a new national anthem inspired her to explore Guthrie’s catalog. While some might find this endeavor refreshing, others may roll their eyes at the thought of another politically charged anthem.
Springsteen, during one of his shows, labeled Trump as a “total loser,” urging fans to boycott his concerts. He conveyed a deep concern for the current state of affairs, which he described as unprecedented madness.
Midler’s lyrics, full of fervor, take aim at ICE and even bring up the infamous Epstein files, declaring that those in power are trying to distract the public. The fervent language raises questions, as some may wonder about the more graphic imagery she employed. Do they imply actual violence? It’s a tangled web of words.
The concept of protest songs is certainly not new, but the quality varies greatly. I mean, I was at a restaurant recently, and a song by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young about the Kent State shootings played. Honestly, I found myself tuning out the lyrics. When I finally looked them up, they didn’t match my expectations—they were just as jarring as Midler’s take on Guthrie, albeit slightly more artful.
I can’t help but question the overall effectiveness of protest songs. Are they truly resonating, or are they often just missing the mark? From here on out, I think I might just start protesting protest songs myself. It seems we all have our limits, and it’s probably time to set them.
