Springsteen and Grohl unite for historic 'Rockin' in the Free World' at Maryland protest festival
Bruce Springsteen performed Neil Young's 'Rockin' in the Free World' with Dave Grohl at the Power to the People Festival in Columbia, Maryland, marking the first live performance of the song since 2004. The event, organized by Tom Morello, combined rock performances with voter registration drives ahead of the midterm elections.
Key points
- Springsteen's set included 'Streets of Minneapolis,' 'Chimes of Freedom' with Joan Baez, and 'Fortunate Son' with Dave Matthews and Nathaniel Rateliff.
- The festival featured surprise collaborations, including Jack Black's Black Sabbath tribute with Geezer Butler and Morello's set with Serj Tankian and DMC.
- Proceeds from ticket sales benefited VoteRiders and HeadCount, organizations focused on voter registration and civic engagement.
- The event concluded with a collective performance of John Lennon's 'Power to the People' and Woody Guthrie's 'This Land Is Your Land.'
Background
The Power to the People Festival was announced in May 2026, following several artists' withdrawals from the 'Great American State Fair' due to its ties to President Trump. The festival, held at Merriweather Post Pavilion, was designed as a counter-narrative to promote peace, justice, and voter turnout ahead of the November midterms.
How outlets are covering it
Rolling Stone emphasized the historic nature of Springsteen's performance of 'Rockin' in the Free World,' noting it was his first live rendition since 2004. CBS News highlighted the political messaging, including Springsteen's response to federal immigration actions in Minneapolis and the presence of former DOJ special counsel Jack Smith. WMAR 2 News focused on the civic engagement aspect, detailing the involvement of nonprofits like VoteRiders and the festival's sold-out status. NJArts.net provided a detailed setlist and noted Dave Matthews' altered lyrics during 'Rockin' in the Free World,' which included references to school shootings and environmental issues.
Why it matters
The festival demonstrated the intersection of music and political activism, using high-profile performances to drive voter registration and civic engagement ahead of the midterm elections. The event's success, including its sold-out status and widespread media coverage, underscores the potential for cultural events to influence political discourse and voter participation.
What to watch
The proceeds from the festival will be directed to VoteRiders and HeadCount, with VoteRiders aiming to reach 10 million voters ahead of the November midterms. The festival's impact on voter registration and civic engagement will be monitored in the coming weeks.
- See Bruce Springsteen Cover Neil Young With Dave Grohl at Power to the People Fest Rolling Stone
- Tom Morello's Power to the People Festival: Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Foo Fighters and More Rock for Democracy Rolling Stone
- Inside the "Power to the People" festival headlined by Bruce Springsteen at Merriweather Post Pavilion CBS News
- 'Power to the People Fest': Crowds head to Merriweather Post Pavilion for 'once-in-a-lifetime' show WMAR 2 News Baltimore
- Bruce Springsteen sings with Joan Baez and others at Power to the People festival (WATCH VIDEO) NJArts.net
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