Members of a Bruce Springsteen cover band announced Monday that they will not be taking part in festivities surrounding the inauguration of President-elect Trump, making them the latest act to decide against taking part.
The B Street Band, a top cover band of The Boss, revealed that they will not be performing at the New Jersey Inaugural Gala in Washington out of deference for Springsteen, a well-known Democrat who supported Hillary Clinton last year and President Obama in 2008 and 2012.
“With deepest apologies to our fans and the New Jersey Inaugural Ball committee, the B Street Band is withdrawing from performing at this year’s inauguration gala,” the band said in a statement. “Our decision is based SOLELY on the respect and gratitude we have for Bruce and the E Street Band.”
“Bruce’s music has been the foundation of our livelihood. The B Street Band would not exist without the talents of Bruce and our E Street brothers,” they continued. “We are most grateful to these rock legends and look forward to many more years of emulating and performing the Forever Music, of Bruce Springsteen.”
The band was hired for the event in 2013, well before Trump announced his bid for the presidency and became president-elect. Initially, Will Forte, the founder of the band, had defended the band’s decision to play at the gala, which they performed at in 2009 and 2013 after Obama’s victories.
The cover band is the latest act to decide against performing. Opera star Andrea Bocelli reportedly backed out from his previously scheduled performance, while Tony award winner Jennifer Holliday announced Saturday that she will not be performing either.
Among those still scheduled to perform are country star Toby Keith, Lee Greenwood, 3 Doors Down and The Rockettes.
