A BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN tribute act has pulled out of a ball at this week’s inauguration of Donald Trump ‘out of respect for Bruce’.
The B-Street Band were slated to play the New Jersey Ball honouring the man Springsteen called a “flagrant, toxic narcissist”, prompting anger from many fans of The Boss.
Singer Will Forte told Rolling Stone that playing the event wasn’t a political decision.
“We’re hired to do things and we don’t look at what the repercussions are of playing an event at all.
It’s really just a New Jersey party and that’s how we look at this event.
“We never, ever thought this would happen four years ago. The way it’s portrayed in the media is that Trump hired us for the inauguration. I don’t have any dealings with Trump at all! It’s just a New Jersey gala.”
Tonight, however, the group contacted Springsteen fansite Backstreets to say they would not be playing the gala.
“With deepest apologies to our fans and the New Jersey Inaugural Ball committee, the B Street Band is withdrawing from performing at this year’s inauguration Gala.
Our decision is based SOLELY on the respect and gratitude we have for Bruce and the E Street Band.
“Bruce’s music has been the foundation of our livelihood. The B Street Band would not exist without the talents of Bruce and our E Street brothers.
“We are most grateful to these rock legends and look forward to many more years of emulating and performing the Forever Music, of Bruce Springsteen.”
The band were booked to play the gig after playing the 2009 and 2013 galas.
On Saturday, Broadway star Jennifer Holliday pulled out of performing a concert in Trump’s honour ahead of Friday’s inauguration.
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