There’s a huge legal shitstorm brewing in the State of North Carolina over HB2, a law passed by the North Carolina Legislature that restrict rights to LGBT persons. Get a full understanding of HB2 at the Charlotte Observer. Then fast-forward to today, when Bruce Springsteen made a HUGE move in protest by announcing that he’s canceling his Greensboro, North Carolina show this Sunday out of protest of the oppressive law. Love him or hate him for it, you have to admit it’s a move that’s rock-n-roll as fuck. He announced this on Facebook this afternoon:
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.
Even though this is bound to be a “thing” to pundits and Facebook commenters, it’s true to form for Bruce. Springsteen ain’t afraid to get political and that’s what some of us like about him. Exhibit A: