Veteran rock star Bruce Springsteen is facing growing backlash after his “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour was largely defined by political messaging and repeated attacks on President Donald Trump. The criticism is not coming solely from fans and commentators, but also from his peers.
During an appearance on The Complete Disaster Network podcast, Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain called Springsteen an “annoying, bitter old man.” He also suggested that overly political celebrities should “shut up” and focus on their art.
Bruce Springsteen Makes Politics Part of the Show
Springsteen has made opposition to President Trump a defining feature of his recent performances. After taking the stage in New Jersey, The Boss opened not with one of his hit songs, but with a list of complaints.
Bruce Springsteen announcing his Land Of Hope And Dreams American Tour – Bruce Springsteen, YouTube
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“The America I love, the America that I’ve written about for 50 years that has been a beacon of hope and liberty around the world is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless and treasonous administration,” Springsteen said.
It is a sentiment that Jonathan Cain does not share.
“I used to be a Democrat back in the old days, but I couldn’t go there anymore, you know?” he said. “I’m a diehard conservative… And guys like Bruce Springsteen should shut up. You know, really, honestly, shut up, Bruce, you know? Him and… who’s the other one? Robert DeNiro. I mean, who cares, guys? Do your art. I try to keep politics out of my music.”
Cain acknowledged that his conservative politics and Christian faith are publicly known. His wife, Paula White-Cain, serves as a senior adviser to the White House Faith Office. However, he argued that he does not spend lengthy portions of concerts promoting his personal beliefs.
Jonathan Cain – BUILD Series, YouTube
“I don’t preach it on stage. I don’t spend 10 minutes talking about it… And Bruce, I mean, what the heck?” Cain said. “I used to like him, and now he’s just annoying. He’s an annoying, bitter old man. I mean, stop it. Really. You were born in the USA, weren’t you, dude? So act like it. But even that song, if you look at the lyrics, I mean, it’s a kind of a diss toward our country.”
Two Different Definitions of Patriotism
For his part, Cain suggested that he uses his music to celebrate a broader love of country rather than promote a particular political party.
Discussing his new solo single, “Winds of Freedom,” Cain said, “I’m releasing this patriotic song because I’m a diehard patriot.” Addressing potential critics, he later added, “And if anybody’s got a problem with me, America and Jesus, then bring it.”
Jonathan Cain – Premiere Collectables, YouTube
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Ironically, Springsteen has identified himself as a “critical patriot.”
“I believe that’s the definition of a patriot, you know, that you love your country so much that you are willing to look at it clearly, recognize its faults, encourage it to be a better place, and believe that you carry in your heart the country that is waiting,” Springsteen explained during a recent PBS special.
Mick Jagger Also Rejects Political Lectures
Cain’s comments follow similar remarks from Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. Earlier this month, Jagger was asked to compare his relationship with concertgoers to Springsteen’s approach.
Jagger argued that audiences attend concerts to temporarily escape their problems—not to receive political lectures. He said his responsibility as a performer is to ensure that fans have the best time possible and can briefly forget about the pressures of the outside world.
While Springsteen views the stage as an extension of his political activism, two of rock music’s other veteran performers now appear united in believing that fans deserve a break from it.
Do you agree with Jonathan Cain that Bruce Springsteen should “shut up”? Sound off and let us know!
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