According to a statement on his website, Bruce Springsteen will not be performing in Greensboro on Sunday, April 10.
"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."
A spokesperson for the Greensboro Coliseum says ticket holders will be refunded. Andrew Brown says they stand to lose about 100 thousand dollars in parking and concession revenue. He adds that about half of the expected 15 thousand fans were coming from outside the Triad.
On a message from her Twitter account, Greensboro mayor Nancy Vaughan said the news was "bad for Greensboro" and would likely affect future negotiations with other acts.
The North Carolina GOP is also responding to the news. In a statement, Executive Director Dallas Woodhouse called the news "bizarre."
"The Greensboro Coliseum has men's restrooms, women's restrooms and presumably family restrooms. The policy passed by the General Assembly, rolled back the radical change in bathroom policy, by the Charlotte City Council and maintained the status quo," says Woodhouse. "For years young girls have safely used the restrooms at ACC Tournament games and other events at the Greensboro Coliseum separated from grown men. The legislature and Governor simply secured the long standing common policy of safety and security and privacy."
300x250 Ad
300x250 Ad