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NO KINGS Land of Hope & Dreams
AMERICAN TOUR
February 18th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
The year was 1984 and music was life. MTV was blowing up and bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Eurythmics and Culture Club were everywhere. For me, I was fascinated by a band out of Ireland called U2. Needless to say, I was elated when the word got out that they would be playing a few shows in Los Angeles later in the year.
What I loved most about that band was how their lyrics represented a theme of fairness to all people and how they stood up to the powers that be. My friends and I pooled our money together and when tickets were available, one of our friends went down at midnight, stood in line and bought them. Little did I know at that time that this show was going to be bigger than seeing one cool band who spoke truth to power.
It was now October 25th, 1984 and we were ready for U2. I was surprised to find out they were playing the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. I was even more surprised to find out they were the opener.
As we arrived, we were all amazed by the gigantic banner as you walked into the enormous edifice that is the Coliseum. The oversized banner said, “Born in the U.S.A. Tour.” I was like what?! Turns out the headliner was Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Still at that point I didn’t realize what a monumental moment this would be for me. The show started and U2 was U2, Bono was fantastic, the band was everything I hoped they would be. I loved them so much I would go on later in life to see them a half dozen times.
But it was the headliner that changed my perspective on what music could be and what it could mean to the masses.
I recall seeing the MTV videos, “Hungry Heart,” “Thunder Road,” and “Born to Run,” and songs from the album, “Glory Days,” “Dancing in the Dark,” and the title song, “Born in the U.S.A.”
As soon as they took to the stage, the drumbeat from Max Weinberg and the sax from Clarence Clemons had the crowd in awe. Then, The Boss came out: the crowd lost its mind. What stood out to me wasn’t just the music, it was the connection Springsteen had with all in attendance. I was enthralled by the stories he told between songs – how much distain he had for war and violence that was happening worldwide.
What impressed me most was how Springsteen delivered a sermon. Nothing over the top, just simply put that there is nothing heroic about watching a person die and how governments worldwide should represent the will of the people. Those words never left me and his passion for humanity left me believing that day that music could move mountains when needed.
Flash forward to 2026 and Springsteen is still Springsteen and he remains a powerhouse behind speaking truth to power. With all the issues we see on the evening news each and every day, Springsteen has not toned down his belief in power to the people and that government should always represent the interest of the people and not their own, or any one person. Hard to believe that after decades of championing causes, he has found another reason to admire his legacy. The Boss is making a point with his latest effort, “Streets of Minneapolis.”
So why be excited about another song? Because Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Gang is taking their message on the road. The tour is simply titled NO KINGS, Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour.
About the tour, Springsteen said, “We are living through dark, disturbing and dangerous times, but do not despair — the cavalry is coming! Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will be taking the stage this spring from Minneapolis to California to Texas to Washington, D.C. for the Land of Hope And Dreams American Tour. We will be rocking your town in celebration and in defense of America — American democracy, American freedom, our American Constitution and our sacred American dream — all of which are under attack by our wannabe king and his rogue government in Washington, D.C. Everyone, regardless of where you stand or what you believe in, is welcome — so come on out and join the United Free Republic of E Street Nation for an American spring of Rock ‘n’ Rebellion! I’ll see you there!”
The tour launches March 31st in Minneapolis, the 21-show run traverses the country landing in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum April 7th and 9th.
If you want to see living history, get tickets wherever he plays. Tickets go on sale this Saturday at Noon (local time).
TO FOLLOW
SID 260217 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
