Bruce Springsteen classic 'Born in the U.S.A.' rocks DNC and Tim Walz in Chicago

Bruce Springsteen's “Born in the U.S.A.” rocked the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, Aug. 22 as vice presidential nominee Tim Walz and his family entered the United Center in Chicago.

The Boss' 1984 classic, played by DJ Metro, had the entire arena dancing, singing and waving American flags.

“Watching Tim Walz singing to Bruce Springsteen right now and just looking like a guy I would love to hang out with,” commented a viewer on X.

The “Born in the U.S.A.” spin was not broadcast on the networks but viewers online and those watching C-Span saw the moment.

The song “Born in the U.S.A.” is one of Springsteen’s greatest artistic and commercial successes, and his most misunderstood work. The track is about the mistreatment Vietnam veterans received back home in the ’70s and early ’80s, and the inequitable attainment of the American dream.

“Born in the U.S.A.” was also played during New Jersey roll call declaration on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Springsteen's “Land of Hope and Dreams” was played following the speech of former President Barack Obama, also on Tuesday.

Walz is a Springsteen fan who called the Boss' 1980 album “The River” a “transformational piece of music” for him in a campaign video released on Aug. 15.

More: A track-by-track look to celebrate 40th anniversary of Springsteen's 'Born in the U.S.A.'

Rise up: Asbury Park roots of Bruce Springsteen's other song at the Democratic Convention

It's not the first time Springsteen's music has been featured at the Democratic National Convention. A video featuring Springsteen's “The Rising” called “Rise Up” was shown during the virtual 2020 DNC, and “My City of Ruins,” originally written about Asbury Park, was used as interstitial music during all three nights of that year's convention.

Springsteen and the E Street Band, currently on tour, play the second of two shows in Philadelphia on Friday, Aug. 23.

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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Springsteen classic 'Born in the U.S.A.' rocks DNC, Tim Walz