Bruce Springsteen is the latest entertainer to join in the backlash following George Zimmerman’s acquittal for the shooting of Trayvon Martin. During a concert in Limerick, Ireland, on Tuesday night, The Boss included a rendition of American Skin (41 Shots) into the setlist, after seeing a sign in the crowd, requesting the song earlier in the evening. According to The Star Ledger, the singer had an impassioned interaction with the fan, who had originally brought the sign.
The Boss has never shied away from sharing his feelings on Trayvon Martin's death.
"He said, 'Where is that sign?' and grabbed it,” said a fan who attended the concert. “He then said, 'I want to send this one out as a letter back home. For justice for Trayvon Martin.'"
The song was written for another tragic occasion, when social tensions were running high. Springsteen penned American Skin in 1999 after Amadou Diallo was shot by police in New York. Springsteen performed it the following year at Madison Square Garden for the final shows of the E Street Band Reunion Tour in 2000, recording it for the subsequent Live in New York City CD released in 2001.
He originally wrote the song in honor of Amadou Diallo.
Tratvon Martin died on February 26th 2012, after a confrontation with police officer George Zimmerman in a gated Florida community. Martin was 17 at the time. Springsteen has repeatedly expressed his position since the event and performed American Skin several times on his Wrecking Ball tour.
The Boss performed it on numerous occasions throughout the tour.
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