Bruce Springsteen has just released a surprise four-track live EP Land of Hope and Dreams, captured during his much-talked-about concert in Manchester, England, on May 14 as part of his ongoing European tour with the E Street Band. Springsteen told the crowd during that performance: “tonight, the legendary E Street Band is here to summon the soulful force of music, art, and rock ‘n’ roll during these turbulent times.”
The surprise EP features the song “Land of Hope and Dreams” alongside “Long Walk Home,” “My City of Ruins,” and a live rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom.”
Springsteen first introduced “Land of Hope and Dreams” ahead of his 1999 reunion tour with the E Street Band; and “My City of Ruins,” written before the events of September 11th, was reimagined as a spiritual closing track on The Rising (2002), which explored themes of resilience in post-9/11 New York. “Long Walk Home” was initially released on Springsteen’s 2007 album Magic; and “Chimes of Freedom” was featured during Springsteen’s Tunnel of Love Express Tour alongside the Miami Horns.
Springsteen’s “Land of Hope and Dreams Tour” currently consists of dates across the UK and Europe running through early July. On June 27th, he’ll release his new archival box set, Tracks II: The Lost Albums.
Stream ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ Live EP- HERE.
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