Power To The People Festival Blends Rock Legends with Partisan Activism

Key points

• The festival took place on October 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, with proceeds benefiting VoteRiders and HeadCount.
• Tom Morello revealed in a Rolling Stone interview that he did not vote for Kamala Harris in 2024, citing opposition to 'corporate Democrat' candidates and US policy toward Gaza.
• Bruce Springsteen headlined the final set, covering protest songs including 'Fortunate Son' and 'Rockin' In The Free World' for the first time since 2009 and 2004, respectively.
• Dave Grohl dedicated 'My Hero' to Jack Smith, the former Trump special counsel, who attended the event wearing a Springsteen shirt.
• Fox News reported that the festival featured nonprofits like Indivisible and the ACLU, raising concerns about 501(c)(3) organizations engaging in partisan campaigning.

Background

Tom Morello previously described the festival as an 'anti-racist, anti-fascist' celebration. In 2024, Bruce Springsteen endorsed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, calling Trump the 'most dangerous candidate' in his lifetime. The festival's nonprofit partners, including VoteRiders and HeadCount, have significant annual revenues, with HeadCount reporting approximately $14 million.

How outlets are covering it

Stereogum focused on the musical lineup and historical covers, noting the surprise appearance of Jack Smith and the reunion of Jack Black with young musicians. Fox News emphasized the political implications, arguing that the festival’s alignment with groups like Indivisible and the ACLU violated nonprofit laws by engaging in partisan campaigning. Rolling Stone highlighted Morello’s admission about his 2024 vote, framing it as a surprise given his left-wing reputation. The Baltimore Sun provided no relevant coverage, focusing instead on local sports and crime.

Why it matters

The festival illustrates the growing intersection of celebrity culture, political activism, and nonprofit fundraising in the lead-up to midterm elections. It raises legal and ethical questions about the boundaries of political engagement for 501(c)(3) organizations and highlights the polarized nature of political expression in the music industry.

What to watch

Organizers have encouraged donations to the Power To The People Festival Fund to support civic engagement and social justice organizations. The festival's impact on voter registration and political engagement will be monitored in the coming months.