When Bruce Springsteen strode onstage Friday night at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center for the kickoff of the Vote for Change Tour, he made his strongest statements without saying a word.

First, the Boss blasted through a ragged take on "The Star-Spangled Banner," and then was joined onstage by his E Street Band for a version of "Born in the U.S.A.," a song he wrote more than 20 years ago but one whose anti-war message is certainly applicable to events today.

"We're here tonight to fight for a government that is open, rational, forward-looking and humane," Springsteen finally said to the crowd. "And we plan to rock the joint while doing so."

Springsteen headlined the Vote for Change concert in Philadelphia, on a bill that also featured R.E.M., John Fogerty and Bright Eyes. It was one of six stops that the tour — organized by pro-John Kerry political action committee MoveOn — made on Friday in Pennsylvania, a swing state seen as a must-win for Kerry if he is to take the White House.

"Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Springsteen, Others Join Vote For Change Tour"). The final concert of the tour, from Washington, D.C., will be broadcast live on the Sundance Channel.

For more sights and stories from concerts around the country, check out MTV News Tour Reports.

For more political news, insight into the 2004 presidential election and information on registering to vote, check out Choose or Lose.

.