Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, U2 Rock Barack Obama's Pre-Inauguration Concert

After distancing himself from celebrity endorsements during his presidential campaign, Barack Obama stood side-by-side with some of music's biggest names at a pre-inauguration concert in Washington DC last night (January 18th).

Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Beyonce – all passionate admirers of the president-elect – were among a host of stars who performed at the We Are One concert on the step's of the Lincoln Memorial.

Billed as the official start to president-elect Obama's inauguration, which will take place tomorrow (January 20th), the event mixed live music with speeches and, in the case of U2's Bono, a hint of politics.

In reference to Martin Luther King's American Dream speech, the singer said Mr Obama's presidency would complete the civil rights pioneer's vision for America – and the world.

"This is not just an American dream, but also an Irish dream, a European dream, an African dream ... an Israeli dream and a Palestinian dream,” he said in between verses of U2's 'Pride (In The Name Of Love)' .

Mr Obama watched yesterday's ceremony from the side of the stage alongside his wife, Michelle, their two children, and vice president-elect Joe Biden.

CLICK HERE to see extensive coverage of the concert, or click through for selected highlights below

We Are One concert