A Bruce Springsteen tribute band lost a planned gig at a New Jersey bar after the rock legend’s latest anti-Trump rant triggered backlash from the venue’s conservative customer base. No Surrender, known for covering Springsteen classics, was scheduled to perform May 30 at Riv’s Toms River Hub—until owner Tony Rivoli pulled the plug following Springsteen’s recent diatribe during a European concert.
Springsteen, now on tour in Europe, blasted President Donald Trump’s administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous.” The remarks, included in a newly released live recording, sparked a swift reaction in Toms River, a Republican stronghold where patrons, according to Rivoli, “won’t stand for his [expletive].”
The band’s leader, Brad Hobicorn, said he offered to substitute Springsteen’s music with classic rock to preserve the booking, but Rivoli declined. “It’s just too much money,” he wrote in a message. “We would have done well, but now because Bruce can’t keep his mouth shut we’re screwed.”
Rivoli noted his clientele’s patriotism, emphasizing, “Whenever the national anthem plays, my bar stands and is in total silence.” He blamed Springsteen’s political outbursts for ruining what could have been a successful event.
No Surrender isn’t the first Springsteen tribute act impacted by politics. In 2017, the B Street Band faced backlash for being scheduled to play a Trump inaugural ball, ultimately backing out after public pressure.
Hobicorn expressed frustration at being caught in the crossfire. “This is not political for us at all. We’re just a cover band trying to make some money,” he said.
