Joni Mitchell calls out Trump at Hollywood Bowl concert while celebrating her return to the stage

At 80 years old, Joni Mitchell made a triumphant return to the stage Saturday night at the Hollywood Bowl, delivering a three-hour performance filled with both music and sharp commentary. 

In her first headlining Los Angeles concert since her near-fatal aneurysm in 2015, Mitchell addressed the crowd of 17,000, laughing and spinning in her chair as the evening began. The legendary singer, known for her poetic songwriting, performed a mix of deep cuts and fan favorites, skipping some of her most famous hits.

Midway through the concert, Mitchell delivered a political moment that resonated with many in the audience. After performing "Dog Eat Dog," a song criticizing corporate greed, Mitchell expressed her frustration with the current political landscape. "I wish I could vote in the upcoming presidential election," Mitchell said, reminding the audience that she’s Canadian. She then echoed a comment from the crowd, exclaiming, “F— Donald Trump,” to raucous applause.

Mitchell’s setlist also featured a number of her complex, later-career songs, such as “The Magdalene Laundries” and “Night Ride Home.” Joined by fellow musicians Brandi Carlile, Jon Batiste, and Marcus Mumford, Mitchell demonstrated her continued passion for music and creativity. Carlile, who has been instrumental in Mitchell’s return to performing, told the crowd, “Getting to serve Joni’s ambition tonight is probably one of the proudest moments of all of our lives.”

The concert marked Mitchell’s first full performance in Los Angeles in over 20 years, and it was clear that both Mitchell and her fans were relishing the moment.