Bruce Springsteen cancels North Carolina concert because of HB2
GREENSBORO (WTVD) -- Bruce Springsteen canceled Sunday's concert in Greensboro, citing HB2 and the rights of LGBT citizens.
Springsteen wrote in a statement to fans that the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act is "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."
Springsteen apologized to his fans on his website and tweeted a link to his entire statement. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.
More than 15,000 tickets were sold for this show.
"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," Springsteen wrote.
Springsteen's full statement is below:
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.
Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan says she's disappointed and this cancellation is the first direct economic hit HB2 has on Greensboro, worth thousands.
The mayor is also worried the cancellation won't be the last for Greensboro.
"I'm very concerned about the NCAA. We have quite a few tournaments over the next few months, those are in jeopardy," Vaughan said. "But what's more is we are also bidding on tournaments for the future, and my concern is that we are going to be discounted right off hand."
Friday evening, the Alliance Defending Freedom organization released a statement criticizing Springsteen's actions.
"Bruce Springsteen is really singing out of both sides of his mouth. He refuses to perform in North Carolina because the state protects the privacy and safety of women and girls, but is perfectly willing to perform in other areas of the world with terrible track records on these issues."
At least 15,000 tickets will have to be refunded.
