Springsteen Rumored to Perform Free Show During Inauguration
Yesterday, the Presidential Inaugural Committee sent out a release announcing that a deal had been struck with HBO that would allow the pay cable network to broadcast exclusively an event being called the "Opening Celebration for the 56th Presidential Inaugural," a free concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial planned for Sunday, January 18. The release boasted that event will feature "some of the biggest acts in the world of entertainment." Today, WTOP reported they've heard that Bruce Springsteen is expected to headline.
Now, the key word here is "expected." Rumors were rampant that Springsteen was also "expected" to perform at Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco Field in Denver at the end of the Democratic Nation Convention last August, but the Boss never materialized (Stevie Wonder and Michael McDonald played instead). We're sure WTOP has what they think is reliable information, but when it comes to Bruce Springsteen, we don't recommend betting that he'll follow through, though of course we'd love to pleasantly surprised. Given the involvement of HBO, though, we can at least be sure that some big name act will be performing a free concert in Washington on January 18. So stay tuned. Full release from the PIC on the HBO deal after the jump.
HBO to Exclusively Televise the Celebration of America to Kick Off Inaugural Opening Festivities at the Lincoln MemorialWashington, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is pleased to announce that HBO will exclusively televise the Opening Celebration for the 56th Presidential Inaugural, a celebration of America to be held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, January 18th. HBO will televise the event that evening on an open signal, working with all of its distributors to allow Americans across the country with access to cable or satellite television to join in the Opening Celebration for free.
The Opening Celebration will be a marquis event, featuring some of the biggest acts in the world of entertainment to celebrate our common heritage and our new direction. President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden will both attend the event, which will be free and open to the public.
"We are very excited that HBO will be televising the kick-off event for our Inaugural," said PIC Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau. "Their proven track record as a leader in television will help ensure an event that reflects President-elect Obama's commitment to holding an inauguration that is open, accessible and reflects America's spirit of unity. The Presidential Inaugural Committee is committed to staging an Opening Celebration that reflects the best of our nation, and we are pleased that millions of people across the country will be able to share in this historic experience."
"We are honored to be broadcasting an event of this national significance featuring some of the leading talent from the music and entertainment industry," said Bill Nelson, Chairman & CEO, Home Box Office. "HBO is proud to work with all of our distributors to make this event accessible to as many citizens as possible."
Televised to the nation, the Opening Celebration will be a declaration of common purpose and new beginnings. The Sunday afternoon performance will be grounded in history and brought to life with entertainment that relates to the themes that shaped Barack Obama's campaign and which will be the hallmarks of his administration.
For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.