Bruce Springsteen Under Fire for Ticket Prices and Political Remarks

Bruce Springsteen is facing increasing backlash over his high concert ticket prices and critical comments about former President Donald Trump during his performances. Joe Concha, a contributor at FOX News, highlighted the “jungleland of hypocrisy” concerning millionaire musicians, while fans expressed frustration that they attended for the music rather than political speeches or steep $800 tickets.

Vini Lopez, Springsteen’s former drummer, has publicly criticized his ex-boss for denouncing Trump during the “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour. Since starting the tour on March 31 in Minneapolis, Springsteen, now 76, has regularly lambasted the Trump administration, labeling Trump as “corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and a traitor.” He also mocked Trump as “a president who can’t handle the truth.”

Lopez, 77, stated in a recent interview that respect should be given to the president, insisting, “Trump is the President of the United States, and everyone should respect him.” He added that if he were to meet Trump, he would approach the situation with respect, although he doesn’t engage in discussions about political matters.

Lopez was a member of the original lineup of the E Street Band and performed on Springsteen’s first two albums before leaving in 1974. He noted that he found Springsteen’s style to be “too jazzy” for his taste. However, he has reunited with him on occasion, including at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2014.

Despite Lopez’s criticisms of Springsteen’s political stance, he acknowledged his right to express himself. He also pointed out that his own music, with his band the Wonderful Winos, intentionally avoids the political themes that Springsteen has embraced during his tour.

In contrasting political sentiments, Trump recently called for a boycott of Springsteen’s “expensive” tour, labeling the singer as a “complete loser” who “spews hate against his opponents.” Trump’s remarks suggested that under Democratic leadership, America has declined.

Lopez, while acknowledging he has voted Republican, maintains a more moderate stance and hopes for positive outcomes from current and future policies. Reflecting on the divisive nature of politics today, he expressed a desire for unity, remarking that it is challenging for him to navigate these discussions as he gets older.

Ultimately, Lopez shared that he has no plans to attend Springsteen’s current tour. He admitted to being a quiet audience member at a previous concert, believed to be unnoticed by Springsteen himself.