Archive · 24 May 2025
NJ Bar Drops Springsteen Tribute Band Following Political Remarks
A bar in New Jersey, Riv’s Toms River Hub, canceled a Bruce Springsteen tribute band's performance.
The bar owner was worried about customer reactions to Springsteen’s criticism of Donald Trump.
The band, No Surrender, was supposed to play on May 30th, but the owner felt it was too risky given the political comments.
The band's leader offered to play a different set, but the offer was rejected.
The band moved the show to another venue.
The bar owner mentioned his customer base is conservative.
This is not the first controversy for the bar.
The band is simply a cover band trying to make money and was negatively impacted by the cancellation.
A Bruce Springsteen tribute band was dropped from a New Jersey venue due to Springsteen's anti-Trump comments.
The bar owner cited concerns about the reaction from a conservative customer base as the reason for canceling the show.
The band offered to perform a different set, but the offer was rejected.
The band will perform at a different venue on the same date.
The former bar owner wrote that "Toms River is red and won’t stand for his bull—."
- Who
- Riv’s Toms River Hub canceled the Springsteen tribute band, No Surrender, due to Bruce Springsteen’s anti-Trump comments.
- What
- Riv’s Toms River Hub canceled a scheduled performance by a Bruce Springsteen tribute band following Springsteen’s public criticism of Donald Trump.
- When
- The cancellation happened after Bruce Springsteen made anti-Trump comments during his European tour
- Where
- Riv’s Toms River Hub, Toms River, New Jersey
- Why
- The bar owner cited the band's show as "too risky" due to Springsteen's comments and potential backlash from a conservative customer base.
Musicians' Rights
Bar's Business Interests
Freedom of Expression
Musicians' Rights
Musicians should be free to express their political views without repercussions.
Bar's Business Interests
Venues have the right to choose performers who align with their business interests and customer base, and the First Amendment provides for freedom of association, not the guaranteed ability to play for any venue.
- Band Name
- No Surrender
- Original Venue
- Riv’s Toms River Hub
- New Venue
- Headliner Oasis
- Location of Original Venue
- Toms River, NJ
- Reason for Cancellation
- Springsteen's political comments