Bruce Springsteen - Streets of Philadelphia

Bruce Springsteen, one of the most beloved rock stars of the 20th century, experienced a significant shift in popularity during the 2000s. Let's explore why:

1. Early Career and Rise to Fame: In the early 1970s, Springsteen gained a cult following after releasing his first two albums, "Greetings from Asbury Park, New Jersey" and "The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle." However, it was his 1975 album "Born to Run" that catapulted him to global stardom. He graced the covers of both Time and Newsweek magazines in the same week, solidifying his status as a rock icon.

2. Continued Success: Springsteen's subsequent albums, including "Darkness on the Edge of Town" and "The River," further cemented his popularity. His concerts were consistently sold out, leaving fans clamoring for tickets.

3. Political Awareness: As Springsteen matured, his music evolved. The album "Nebraska" hinted at political awareness, but it was "Born in the U.S.A." that truly showcased his engagement with social issues. Unfortunately, the title track was often misinterpreted as a nationalistic anthem, leading to misunderstandings.

4. The campaigning that Bruce Springsteen did for John Kerry did not sit well with Bruce Springsteen’s Republican fans.

5 Controversial Song: The song "American Skin (41 Shots)" added to the divide. It addressed the police shooting of Amadou Diallo and sparked anger among law enforcement personnel and their families.

Over the years, more and more fans got turned off from Bruce Springsteen’s dabbling in politics and social issues. The characters in Springsteen songs — the disillusioned Vietnam vet, the guy who makes his money racing in the streets — they’re likely Trump supporters now. The people who most resemble his characters no longer believe the same things he does.

"Streets of Philadelphia" is a song written and performed by American rock musician Bruce Springsteen for the film Philadelphia (1993), an early mainstream film dealing with HIV/AIDS.