Stevie Van Zandt criticized the cast of the musical “Hamilton” for singling out Vice President-elect Mike Pence for scolding when Pence saw the show on Broadway Friday.
“This sets a terrible precedent,” Van Zandt, an inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his role in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, tweeted Saturday.
Lin-Manuel is a genius. He has created the greatest play since West Side Story. He is also a role model. This sets a terrible precedent>
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) November 19, 2016
He argued that precedent ought to be overturned by a personal apology to Pence by “Hamilton” playwright and public face Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“When artists perform the venue becomes your home. The audience are your guests. It is nothing short of the same bullying tactic[s] we rightly have criticized Trump for in the past. It’s taking unfair advantage of someone who thought they were a protected guest in your home,” he explained.
When artists perform the venue becomes your home. The audience are your guests. It is nothing short of the same bullying tactic we rightly>
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) November 19, 2016
In calling for an apology Van Zandt found himself, on this issue only, on the same side as President-elect Donald Trump. The musician defended both his political bona fides and his point against all comers.
“There never has been a more outspoken politically active artist than me” Van Zandt wrote. In case people missed the point, he added, “Everyone who is sane disagrees with [Pence’s] policies.”
All that said, “He was their guest. You protect your guests. Don’t embarrass them.”
Van Zandt also defended his use of the politically charged word “bullying.”
“A guy comes to a Broadway show for a relaxing night out. Instead he gets a lecture from the stage! Not a level playing field. It’s bullying,” he insisted, even if that guy happens to be the next vice president.
