Bruce Springsteen kicked off Joe Biden’s inauguration concert as the first artist in the “Celebrating America” special hosted by Tom Hanks.
Accompanied alone by a guitar on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial – with the illuminated National Mall and Washington Monument beckoning to him – Springsteen, 71, uttered a “ little prayer ” for the country before serenading his 1999 song Land of Hope and Dreams. “
Hanks – who fought the coronavirus with his wife, Rita Wilson, earlier last year – spoke of witnessing “deep divisions” and “resentment” across the country in recent years.
Tonight we reflect on the United States of America, the practice of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of the constitution, as well as the “dreams we share,” said Hanks, 64.
After Springsteen and Hanks, Jon Bon Jovi, 58 years old from New Jersey, and his band played the hopeful tune “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles from Miami.
After a herald of the US military’s trumpets, President Joe Biden offered his own greeting from the base of Lincoln’s statue.
“We have learned again that democracy is precious and that thanks to you democracy has triumphed,” he said. He went on to list issues facing the nation – the coronavirus pandemic, economic crises, racial injustice and more – and called for “unity” to overcome obstacles.
“The question is: are we ready? Will we meet the moment as our ancestors did? he said. “I believe we should and I think we will.”
Biden’s speech was followed by Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake, who came together for a pre-recorded duet of soulful melodies “Better Days,” with Kirk Franklin and Black Pumas performing “Colors” from Austin, Texas.
Dave Grohl, 52, of Foo Fighters paid tribute to ‘staunch teachers’ like his own mother, Virginia, who ‘face unprecedented challenges’ yet manage to ‘enlighten our children’ before slowing down ‘Times Like These’ to carry out.
Broadway stars Betty Buckley, Vanessa Williams, Anthony Rapp, Wayne Brady and more also competed in a rousing mashup of ‘Seasons of Love’ (from ‘Rent’) and ‘Let the Sun Shine’.
Later, from Los Angeles, 28-year-old singer Demi Lovato – with her new short, pink pixie cut – served up an energetic take on “Lovely Day” with help from celebs and everyday Americans beaming in as her backing singers.
And for the finale, pop star Katy Perry – elegantly dressed in white – blew out her 2010 hit “Firework” as pyrotechnics lit up the Washington Monument.