Bruce Springsteen’s recent anti-Trump comments have led to a contentious situation at a Jersey Shore bar, where a local bar owner canceled a Springsteen tribute band’s performance due to potential backlash from the establishment’s conservative clientele. The incident, which has sparked discussions about the balance between artistic expression and public sentiment, has brought to light the complexities of hosting events that may be politically sensitive.
The No Surrender band, a 20-year-old, nine-piece Springsteen tribute group based in New Jersey, had been set to perform at Riv’s Toms River Hub on May 30. However, following the singer’s on-stage critiques of Donald Trump, the bar owner, Tony Rivoli, decided to cancel the event. Reports indicate that Rivoli had started receiving concerned messages from the band leader, Brad Hobicorn, shortly after Springsteen’s comments went viral. The bar owner reportedly deemed the gig ‘too risky at the moment,’ citing the conservative nature of the bar’s customer base.
Despite the band’s offer to adjust their performance, playing classic-rock covers instead of Springsteen’s material, Rivoli remained unwilling to pay the increased fee for such an alternative. The bar owner’s text message to the band’s bassist, Guy Fleming, emphasized the importance of national anthem observance, reflecting the establishment’s conservative values. Fleming’s subsequent Facebook post about the situation led to some backtracking from Rivoli, but the opportunity to host the band had already passed.
Hobicorn expressed frustration, stating that the band was primarily interested in performing to earn a living and support their financial obligations. The incident underscores the broader challenges of navigating political expression in public spaces and the impact such decisions can have on local businesses. Meanwhile, the bar’s previous controversies, such as its controversial menu item tied to a right-wing extremist group, have also highlighted its conservative leanings.
Trump’s recent criticisms of Springsteen, including calling him ‘highly overrated’ and ‘dumb as a rock’ for his overseas remarks about the president, have added another layer to the ongoing debate about the musician’s political stance. The bar owner’s decision to cancel the event reflects the broader societal tensions that arise when public figures express their views on political matters, affecting even the local entertainment scene.
The No Surrender band has since decided to play at Headliner Oasis in Neptune Township on May 30, according to the outlet. The incident serves as a microcosm of the broader conversations around political expression, the role of public spaces, and the economic implications of such decisions for local businesses and artists.