the boss

Bruce Springsteen Cancels North Carolina Concert in Wake of Anti-LGBTQ Laws: ‘Some Things Are More Important Than a Rock Show’

Bruce Springsteen In Concert - New York, New York
Photo: Kevin Mazur/2016 Kevin Mazur

Bruce Springsteen has canceled a planned concert in Greensboro, North Carolina following the March passing of a North Carolina law that restricts transgender people’s access to the restrooms of their choice. Specifically, the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act requires transgender people to use the bathrooms whose gender matches the “biological sex” registered on birth certificates. Springsteen, who is currently touring with the E Street Band, explained the decision to cancel the North Carolina show on his website, writing, “Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments … I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters.” Springsteen also apologized to eager fans, but he added, “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 Cancels North Carolina Concert