A scheduled New Jersey performance by No Surrender, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, was abruptly canceled following Springsteen's critical comments about President Donald Trump during a concert in England.
According to Breitbart, in response to Springsteen's critique, a local bar owner canceled the band's upcoming show, citing a predominantly conservative clientele.
The controversy began when Bruce Springsteen voiced strong opinions about President Trump at the start of his European tour in Manchester, England. Springsteen described Trump's administration as "corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous," sparking a significant backlash from various supporters of the President.
Tony Rivoli, owner of Riv’s Toms River Hub in Toms River, New Jersey, where No Surrender was scheduled to perform, decided to cancel the gig scheduled for May 30. Rivoli explained that his decision was influenced by the conservative values of his customers and their reaction to Springsteen's comments.
Despite an offer from the band's bandleader, Brad Hobicorn, to play a setlist of non-Springsteen classic rock covers for the agreed fee of $2,500, Rivoli declined. He felt that even the indirect association with Springsteen could alienate his clientele and damage the venue's reputation.
Tribute bands like No Surrender have played a significant role in the music scene, particularly when original bands are no longer performing or their concert tickets become too expensive. For over 20 years, No Surrender has entertained fans with classic rock covers, building a dedicated following of its own.
The decision to cancel the gig has not only affected the venue but also the musicians. "This is not political for us at all. We’re just a cover band that’s trying to make some money, and people rely on it financially. We’re the ones really getting hurt," stated Hobicorn, expressing his disappointment over the financial and professional impact on the band.
Further explaining his stance, Rivoli shared his views on the atmosphere and expectations at his venue. "Whenever the national anthem plays, my bar stands and is in total silence, that's our clientele. Toms River is red and won’t stand for his bullshit," he texted the band's bassist, emphasizing the conservative nature of his patrons. Rivoli's decision reflects a broader tension between entertainment and politics, where artists' political expressions can sometimes lead to unforeseen consequences for others in the industry.
This isn't the first instance where politics have impacted performances related to Bruce Springsteen. In 2017, the B Street Band, another Springsteen tribute group, withdrew from performing at Trump’s inaugural ball, citing similar concerns. Donald Trump responded to Springsteen's remarks by labeling him as "elitist and out of touch," further stirring public discourse around the incident.
The repercussions of Springsteen's statements in Manchester have unfolded across the Atlantic, influencing events and decisions in the quiet town of Toms River. This incident underscores the complex interplay between celebrity political involvement and its impacts on local communities and businesses.
While the immediate fallout has affected No Surrender's short-term plans, it also raises questions about the balance between artistic expression and professional associations in the politically charged climate of today's America.
The cancellation of No Surrender’s performance goes beyond the disappointment of Springsteen fans. It highlights the economic dependencies and challenges faced by tribute bands, which often operate in the precarious gig economy.
As this scenario unfolds, it not only affects the livelihood of the musicians involved but also reflects broader societal divisions, revealing how deeply political loyalty can influence local economic decisions and cultural expressions.
Despite the challenges, No Surrender and other tribute bands continue to navigate the intersections of music, politics, and community preferences, striving to provide entertainment amidst an ever-evolving cultural landscape.