A packed First Avenue in Minneapolis erupted with energy as a star-studded lineup of musicians took the stage for an anti-ICE benefit concert. The sold-out show, announced just 48 hours prior, was a last-minute call to action to defend Minnesota families affected by the recent ICE shootings that killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
The setlist kicked off with Ike Reilly Assassination frontman Ike Reilly, who delivered a heartfelt acoustic performance that showcased his son Shane's impressive harmonies. The opening act seamlessly transitioned into Rise Against, whose two-man band brought a much-needed dose of punk-rock enthusiasm to the show. However, it was Tom Morello who truly stole the spotlight.
Morello brought his signature rage and politics to the stage, referencing Prince's legacy at First Avenue as a catalyst for revolution. His setlist featured a mix of Rage Against the Machine classics, solo material that echoes the band's iconic sound, and songs from his folk project The Nightwatchman. The show was filled with energy, and Morello's performance served as a call to action against ICE.
The pièce de résistance came when Bruce Springsteen took the stage, delivering the live debut of his protest song "Streets of Minneapolis." Despite initial fatigue, Springsteen was fully energized by the time Morello joined him for a high-octane rendition of "The Ghost of Tom Joad." The show concluded with an epic cover of John Lennon's "Power to the People," as all performers came together in defiance of ICE.
Morello and Springsteen's performance was the highlight of the event, but it was clear that this concert went far beyond a musical performance. As Springsteen declared during his set, "F— ICE" became an anthem for the crowd, who were united in their resistance against the federal immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
The setlist kicked off with Ike Reilly Assassination frontman Ike Reilly, who delivered a heartfelt acoustic performance that showcased his son Shane's impressive harmonies. The opening act seamlessly transitioned into Rise Against, whose two-man band brought a much-needed dose of punk-rock enthusiasm to the show. However, it was Tom Morello who truly stole the spotlight.
Morello brought his signature rage and politics to the stage, referencing Prince's legacy at First Avenue as a catalyst for revolution. His setlist featured a mix of Rage Against the Machine classics, solo material that echoes the band's iconic sound, and songs from his folk project The Nightwatchman. The show was filled with energy, and Morello's performance served as a call to action against ICE.
The pièce de résistance came when Bruce Springsteen took the stage, delivering the live debut of his protest song "Streets of Minneapolis." Despite initial fatigue, Springsteen was fully energized by the time Morello joined him for a high-octane rendition of "The Ghost of Tom Joad." The show concluded with an epic cover of John Lennon's "Power to the People," as all performers came together in defiance of ICE.
Morello and Springsteen's performance was the highlight of the event, but it was clear that this concert went far beyond a musical performance. As Springsteen declared during his set, "F— ICE" became an anthem for the crowd, who were united in their resistance against the federal immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
i'm literally shook after watching that anti-ICE benefit concert!!! 
the energy at First Avenue was electric and Tom Morello's performance was INSANE!!! 
he brought so much passion and politics to the stage and it was clear he was there to stir up some change. i loved how Bruce Springsteen showed up unannounced and delivered a live debut of his protest song - genius!! 
and can we talk about the moment when Morello joined him for "The Ghost of Tom Joad"?? 
the crowd was SO into it! 
i'm still buzzing from this amazing show - can we get a sequel concert ASAP? 
and bruce springsteen joining him for that live debut of "streets of minneapolis" was pure magic 
I mean, to see all those talented artists come together like that, using their platform for good... it gave me chills 
It was more than just a concert, it was a call to action - and I'm so grateful for it 
I'm still reeling from that sick concert at First Avenue last night!!! 
Tom Morello is a total boss on stage, his energy is infectious & he brought so much passion to the performance 
I'm so hyped to see how music can bring people together like that! The energy at this concert was incredible 
. It just goes to show you, music has the power to move us and inspire change 
. I love how Rise Against brought that punk-rock vibe too 
What's even more inspiring is seeing how the community came together in support of those affected by ICE 
. It just goes to show we're all in this together 
.
. I mean, Tom Morello is a total legend on stage, his setlist was so powerful and inspiring 
. And Bruce Springsteen's performance with "Streets of Minneapolis" was mind-blowing 
! I loved how all the performers came together at the end for that epic cover of "Power to the People" - it really felt like a call to action against ICE 
. I think what really got me, though, was how they framed the whole thing as a community-driven effort 
).
. The fact that Renee and Alex's families were able to be in the audience and know that their loved ones' deaths are still sparking change is just heartbreaking 
. It's moments like these that remind us of the power of music and community to drive real change 
. It's clear the show wasn't just about music but about making a statement against ICE. And let's be real, that final cover of John Lennon's "Power to the People" was pure MAGIC 
.
, 48 hours is super tight for a sold-out show like that!
The energy at that concert was pure determination - everyone there knew what they wanted to stand up against and it showed!
The energy was ELECTRIC