Joni Mitchell made headlines during her recent concert in Los Angeles, where she boldly voiced her opinions on the upcoming US election and the controversial figure of Donald Trump. This marked her first headline performance in the city in 24 years, a rarity that drew attention from fans and political observers alike.
While performing, Mitchell responded to an audience member’s insult aimed at Trump with a spirited “Fuck Donald Trump!” This outburst reflected her passionate stance against the Republican presidential candidate. The iconic singer encouraged her fans, saying, “Everybody get out and vote. This is an important one. I wish I could vote – I’m Canadian. I’m one of those lousy immigrants.” Her comments resonated deeply as the country gears up for a significant election.
Mitchell’s setlist featured rarely performed political songs, including the title track from her 1985 album, Dog Eat Dog. During this performance, she sang poignant lyrics about societal issues, touching on themes of corruption and manipulation by powerful figures. Following a particularly sharp line, she ad-libbed, “like Donald Trump,” highlighting her disdain for the former president’s influence.
The concert, dubbed the “Joni Jam,” took place over two nights at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring collaborations with notable artists such as Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, and Marcus Mumford. Mitchell also introduced newer songs, giving live debuts to tracks like “If I Had a Heart” and “The Sire of Sorrow.” The former delves into dark themes of war and violence, while the latter reflects on existential despair.
These concerts follow Mitchell’s unexpected return to the stage at the Newport Folk Festival in 2022, marking her first live performance after recovering from a brain aneurysm in 2015. Fans were delighted to hear her cover Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing,” during which she cleverly adjusted the lyrics to fit her situation, singing, “I’m still sitting after all this time.”
At 80 years old, Joni Mitchell continues to defy expectations and engage with pressing political issues through her music. Her recent performances are part of a broader effort to highlight her work through an archival reissue project, which showcases remastered and unreleased material from her illustrious career, including the latest release, The Asylum Albums (1976-1980).
As the US prepares for a pivotal election, Mitchell’s call to action and her candid remarks against Trump remind us of the importance of participation in the democratic process.
