Bruce Springsteen kicked off Joe Biden’s inaugural concert as the first performer in Tom Hanks’ “Celebrating America.”
Accompanied only by a guitar on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial – with the National Mall lighting and the Washington Monument marking in front of him – Springsteen, 71, offered a “little prayer” for the country before serenading his song. “Land of Hope” from 1999 and Dreams. ”
Hanks – who and his wife, Rita Wilson, battled coronavirus earlier this year – have spoken of “deep division” and “resentment” across the country in recent years.
“Tonight we think about the United States, the practice of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of the constitution,” and the “dreams we share,” said Hanks, 64.
After Springsteen and Hanks, 58-year-old Jon Bon Jovi, a native of New Jersey, and his band performed the hopeful Beatles song “Here Comes the Sun” in Miami.
After a herald of US Army trumpets, President Joe Biden offered his own salute from the base of the Lincoln statue.
“I learned again that democracy is precious, and because of you, democracy prevailed,” he said. He went on to list the problems facing the nation – the coronavirus pandemic, economic crises, racial injustice and more – and called for “unity” to overcome obstacles.
“The question is: Are we up to it? Will we meet the moment as our ancestors did? ” he said. “I think we should and I think we will.”
Biden’s speech was followed by Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake, who joined a pre-recorded duet of soul song “Better Days” with Kirk Franklin, as well as Black Pumas who performed “Colors” from Austin, Texas.
Dave Grohl, 52, of Foo Fighters, paid tribute to “steadfast teachers,” such as his mother, Virginia, who “faces unprecedented challenges,” but still manages to “enlighten our children.” perform a slow “Times Like These”.
Broadway stars Betty Buckley, Vanessa Williams, Anthony Rapp, Wayne Brady and many more also joined in for a hectic mashup of “Seasons of Love” (from “Rent”) and “Let the Sun Shine.” .
Later, from Los Angeles, 28-year-old singer Demi Lovato – wearing her new short pink pixie cut – offered an energetic approach to “Lovely Day”, with the help of celebrities and everyday Americans, who participated in the role of background vocalist.
And finally, pop star Katy Perry – elegantly wrapped in white – threw her 2010 hit “Firework”, while the pyrotechnics lit up the Washington Monument.