His actions speak just as loudly as his words. Bruce Springsteen took a bold stance on Friday, April 8, by announcing his decision to cancel the North Carolina stop of his tour in reaction to the state’s recent passage of House Bill 2, otherwise known as the “bathroom” law.
The music legend and his E Street Band were originally slated to perform at the Greensboro Coliseum on Sunday, but in his statement, Springsteen, 66, said he wanted to “show solidarity” for those fighting the newly enacted law.
“HB2 — known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act — dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use,” the “Born in the U.S.A.” singer wrote. (He also announced his decision via SiriusXM’s E Street Radio.) “Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden.”
The Boss further pointed out that he was taking action the best way he knew how to — by canceling the North Carolina leg of his The River tour.
“Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments,” he continued. “Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters. … Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.”
Though the New Jersey native is the first artist to cancel a show over the passing of the controversial bill, other organizations have taken action to express their distaste.
Earlier this week, PayPal canceled plans to open an operations center in Charlotte that would have provided 400 jobs to the community.
Tickets to Springsteen’s show will be refunded through their original point of purchase.
