Bruce Springsteen opened the Celebrating America television special on Wednesday night (Jan. 20) following President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic inauguration.
The Boss performed his 2012 Wrecking Ball cut, “Land of Hope and Dreams” on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, with a guitar in hand. The song’s lyrics fit perfectly with the hopeful nature of the new presidential administration, with Springsteen assuring, “Leave behind your sorrows / Let this day be the last / Tomorrow there’ll be sunshine / And all this darkness past.”
Following the performance, the event’s host Tom Hanks shared, “Tonight, we ponder the United States of America, the practice of a democracy, the foundations of a republic, the integrity of our Constitution, the hopes and dreams we all share for a more perfect union.”
Other performers slated to perform during the TV special include Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Ant Clemons, John Legend, Foo Fighters and many more.
Watch Springsteen’s performance below:
