MINNEAPOLIS—Attendees at Bruce Springsteen’s latest tour kickoff were reportedly surprised to discover that the two-hour set was, according to event organizers, ‘now being officially classified as a sustained political rally lightly interspersed with E Street Band instrumentals.’ Fans expecting classics like ‘Thunder Road’ instead found themselves chanting ‘ICE Out Now’ as Springsteen delivered a 14-minute condemnation of ‘the corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous administration’ before remembering to play a verse of ‘Born to Run.’

‘I’ve never felt so politically engaged and yet disappointed in my karaoke skills,’ remarked Minneapolis resident Sandy Klein, who came dressed as Rosalita but left chanting for prison reform. ‘I didn’t realize Democracy could have this many saxophone solos.’

Tour manager Ray ‘The Jersey Falcon’ Molinaro confirmed that the new format was intentional. ‘We’re pushing the boundaries of activism and musical patience,’ Molinaro explained, noting that the setlist now includes ‘Greetings from Asbury Park’ and a full reading of the Bill of Rights between encores.

Some fans, like local plumber Jerry Dunst, embraced the new approach. ‘Bruce just spoke for 45 minutes about the dangers of executive overreach and then launched into ‘Dancing in the Dark.’ I feel ready to vote and also to dance, possibly at the same time.’

Reached for comment, President Trump tweeted, ‘Never heard of Springsteen. Sad! Not a boss!’—which Springsteen immediately sampled into a seven-minute harmonica solo.