Bruce Springsteen Cancels Greensboro, NC Concert - thanks, HB2

So.


This happened yesterday.


A Statement from Bruce Springsteen on North Carolina

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN·FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

As you, my fans, know I’m scheduled to play in Greensboro, North Carolina this Sunday. As we also know, North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the “bathroom” law. HB2 — known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act — dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. 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. To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress. Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments. 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. As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have canceled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10th. 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.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s Sunday April 10th show is canceled. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.

brucespringsteen.net

Whoa.

Donald and I had tickets for this show.

I'm heartbroken we won't get to see him, but have to admit - I love Bruce Springsteen more now than ever before.

I have always and will always admire and respect someone who will stand up for what's right.

I support him 100% and have never been more proud to be a Springsteen fan. 

HB2 represents things he's been singing to us about for years and years - good to know, I think, that he's willing to walk the walk and stand behind the things he believes.

I am, of course, concerned about what this has done to people who have made plans that will include items that are non-refundable - airline tickets, some hotels, etc.

I do not, of course, have a solution.

But, calling the governor's office to express my unhappiness and to let his office know that I, and many others, place this squarely on his shoulders, I have to admit, did make me feel a little better.

Actions have consequences.

The consequences surrounding the passing of HB2 are only now beginning - it's going to continue, and it's going to be ugly.