Bruce Springsteen concert Prudential Centre Newark USA 20.04.2026

One More Time to Springsteen…

The blood will go where it can’t be stopped.

During my trip through the USA, I somehow ended up getting a ticket for Bruce Springsteen at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey — just about twenty minutes from New York City.

Before the concert, while waiting in line, I met a guy from Spain who had flown in especially for this show. Completely on his own. And only 33 years old. Beautiful to see that Springsteen still manages to touch different generations.

My seat was truly fantastic: slightly to the side in front of the stage, on a low level, with a sublime view. Almost like being in the pit, but seated. The sound was excellent as well.

Springsteen walked on stage and immediately kicked things off with “War”, the Edwin Starr cover. An old soul classic, but here it felt first and foremost like a statement.

The tone was set.

Springsteen was on fire and clearly on a mission. He left no doubt that he strongly disagrees with what is currently happening politically in the United States.

The setlist reflected that perfectly. It was filled with sharp, angry songs such as “American Skin — 41 Shots”, “Murder Incorporated” and “The Ghost of Tom Joad”. But there were also songs of hope, including “Chimes of Freedom” and “Land of Hope and Dreams.”

 

The new song “Streets of Minneapolis” came across very strongly live: full band, powerful arrangement and beautiful vocals from the backing singers.

Unfortunately, at least for me, a few of the usual suspects also made their appearance — “Dancing in the Dark,” “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” and that sort of familiar material. To be honest, I could do without those by now. But then again, you know they are coming.

All in all, this was a very strong concert. What struck me most was that Springsteen was in excellent voice: raw, convincing and driven. Much stronger than what I heard last year in Manchester.

For me, this will be my only Springsteen concert this year.

In the spirit of: less is more.

Setlist — Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey — 20 April 2026

  1. War
  2. Born in the U.S.A.
  3. Death to My Hometown
  4. Clampdown
  5. No Surrender
  6. Darkness on the Edge of Town
  7. Streets of Minneapolis
  8. The Promised Land
  9. Two Hearts
  10. Hungry Heart
  11. Youngstown
  12. Murder Incorporated
  13. American Skin — 41 Shots
  14. Long Walk Home
  15. House of a Thousand Guitars
  16. My City of Ruins
  17. Because the Night
  18. Wrecking Ball
  19. The Rising
  20. The Ghost of Tom Joad
  21. Badlands
  22. Land of Hope and Dreams

Encore:
23. American Land
24. Born to Run
25. Dancing in the Dark
26. Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
27. Chimes of Freedom

Outro from tape:
This Land Is Your Land — Woody Guthrie

A setlist like a political pamphlet, a soulful sermon and a rock ’n’ roll wake-up call all in one.

  • Date May 6, 2026
  • Tags Concert, Events