Bruce Springsteen is taking a stand against the controversial new law passed in North Carolina .
The rocker – who has never shied away from political commentary – has canceled his Sunday, April 10, concert in Greensboro to "show solidarity."
In a statement released Friday afternoon, Springsteen said:
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.
If you were planning to make the drive, refunds are available at point of purchase.
Springsteen brought his “River” tour to a sold-out Philips Arena in February.
Springsteen is not the only member of the entertainment industry to refuse to perform in the state. Stephen Schwartz, the composer behind such smashes as "Wicked" and "Pippin'" said he would not allow productions of his shows in North Carolina.
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