Springsteen, R.E.M., Dave Matthews and Others Urge Support for Kerry at Vote for Change Tour Finale

Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M. and others urged voters to support Senator John Kerry in his presidential bid during the Vote for Change tour finale in Washington, D.C., last night. The five-hour concert featured performances by Pearl Jam, the Dixie Chicks, James Taylor, Dave Matthews Band, Springsteen, R.E.M. and others. Roughly 15,000 people attended, and the entire event was broadcast live on the Sundance Channel with behind-the-scenes footage from filmmakers Albert Maysles and DA Pennebaker.

The tour has been described by the artists involved as a mission "to make a change in the direction of our country." Launched on October 2, the tour visited states designated as swing states in an attempt to swing voters to support John Kerry.

During his performance of "Mary's Place," Springsteen told the crowd, "We've got some work to do between now and Election Day. I want to say to the swing voters, what the hell are you waiting for? Halliburton?"

Springsteen later added, "Civil rights, a living wage that won't force people to work two jobs, protection of the environment, I believe Senator Kerry and Senator Edwards understand these are important issues."

The concert's finale featured all of the musicians joining Springsteen and the E Street Band in a rousing version of Nick Lowe's "What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding?" and Patti Smith's "People Have the Power." Earlier in the evening, Springsteen join R.E.M. to perform the group's song "Man on the Moon," and John Fogerty joined Springsteen for a blistering version of "Fortunate Son."