Bruce Springsteen Releasing Opening Songs on New Concert Film

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have announced the release of the initial segment of their latest concert film, documenting the closing performance of their 2026 United States tour. The film captures the band’s final show at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena, a city deeply symbolic in American history, and will be available to stream starting September 9.

The preview features the opening seven songs from the setlist, which include a powerful blend of Springsteen classics and covers, spotlighting the collaboration with guitarist Tom Morello. Morello, who joined the band for the entire tour, appears prominently on the first four tracks, which include the iconic "Born in the U.S.A." and the politically charged cover of The Temptations’ "War."

The selection also includes Springsteen’s "Darkness on the Edge of Town," "Death to My Hometown," and The Clash’s "Clampdown," illustrating the tour’s consistent mix of rock staples and socially conscious material. Another notable inclusion is "Street of Minneapolis," a song written in response to recent events involving federal agents in the city, underscoring Springsteen’s engagement with contemporary political issues.

Directed by Chris Hilson and Thom Zimny, the concert film not only presents the music but also features Springsteen’s opening monologue, setting a reflective and urgent tone that resonates throughout the performance. The film’s title, "Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour (Philadelphia Freedom Cut)," ties directly to the themes of freedom and democracy that permeate the show.

Springsteen has been vocal about the tour’s broader message, emphasizing a defense of constitutional rights and democratic values amid what he describes as significant political challenges. This ideological framework is woven into the setlist and the filmed performance, capturing a moment where music and activism intersect.

The release plan for the full concert is divided into multiple installments, with the remainder of the 27-song set scheduled to be shared in several parts over the course of the year. The initial seven-song preview is dedicated to Dave Marsh, a longtime music journalist and Springsteen biographer, highlighting the artist’s recognition of those who have chronicled his career.

Beyond the concert film, Springsteen’s collaboration with Morello will continue with an upcoming appearance at the Power to the People Festival hosted by Morello, set for October 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. This ongoing partnership further emphasizes the tour’s fusion of classic rock energy with contemporary political expression.

The full setlist from the Philadelphia performance is extensive, featuring a mix of Springsteen’s most celebrated songs alongside select covers and solo acoustic moments. Songs such as "The Promised Land," "My City of Ruins," and "Land of Hope and Dreams" are interspersed with covers like Patti Smith Group’s "Because the Night" and Bob Dylan’s "Chimes of Freedom," showcasing the breadth of influences and messages delivered throughout the concert.

This release marks a significant addition to Springsteen’s visual and live legacy, offering fans and new listeners alike a chance to experience the climactic energy of his latest tour, set against the backdrop of a city known for its foundational role in American independence. As details remain limited regarding the full scope of the film’s distribution, the initial preview provides a compelling introduction to what promises to be an important live document of Springsteen’s ongoing artistic and political journey.