Music has always been a powerful way of expression. It has always been a method for people to speak their mind. Through history, and especially during the 20th century, it has helped shaped it, as the mind of generations.
One of the artists that made a great influence in his time and nowadays is Bruce Springsteen. As he represented, not only through his lyrics, the feel of the American Spirit. This has also granted him the “Presidential Medal of Freedom” two months ago.
The Gig at the White House.
Besides being a part of Rock & Roll history Springsteen has been a great supporter of the Obama administration. So he decided to play a private gig for the presidential couple and 250 staff members. Playing a 15 setlist on the East Room of the White House.
The motive behind the secret concert was to thank ex-President Obama for his hard work during his 8 years in the charge. The concert on the White House was done two days after Barack Obama’s farewell address to the nation.
Protest songs.
The 15 songs that Springsteen played included some of his most political works. As he often used the time between songs to comment about politics and Obama’s impact on it. Springsteen played many of his hits like 80’s one “protest song” complaining that it has been misinterpreted and will continue to be. Also, he played “Born in the U.S.A.,” “My Hometown,” “My Father’s House” and “Long Walk Home.”
He dedicated to the Obamas his song “Tougher Than the Rest,” featuring his wife Patti Scialfa. To show his appreciation for their hard work in the White House The concert ended with the classical songs “Dancing in the Dark” and “Land of Hope and Dreams.”
Obama’s time at the mic.
After the singer’s performance, Obama thanked him for his support. “He’s been with us for some time now, performing his craft to show his support,” Also Springsteen was part of the famous personalities that attended the White House in the Obama’s goodbye party.
Finally, the former president of the U.S. thanked his staff for all the support and sacrifices they had to do in like “missing kids’ soccer games, etc.” in order to keep the White House running.
Bruce Springsteen White House setlist in order. (via Backstreets):
“Working on the Highway”
“Growin’ Up”
“My Hometown”
“My Father’s House”
“The Wish”
“Thunder Road”
“The Promised Land”
“Born in the U.S.A.”
“Devils & Dust”
“Tougher Than the Rest” (with Patti Scialfa)
“If I Should Fall Behind” (with Patti Scialfa)
“The Ghost of Tom Joad”
“Long Walk Home”
“Dancing in the Dark”
“Land of Hope and Dreams”
Source: The Rolling Stones