TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The Latest on a Bruce Springsteen tribute band that had been scheduled to perform at a gala ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration (all times local):
3:30 p.m.
A Bruce Springsteen tribute band has canceled its plans to perform at a Washington gala before Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration.
B Street Band leader Willie Forte (FOR’-tay) said Monday that the decision is based “solely on the respect and gratitude we have for Bruce and the E Street Band.” He tells The Associated Press that “this whole thing just got blown out of proportion.”
The group had signed a contract to appear Thursday with the New Jersey State Society, but it had drawn criticism for the show because of Springsteen’s distaste for Trump.
Springsteen has called Trump a “flagrant, toxic narcissist.” Springsteen performed during Obama’s inaugural in 2009.
The New Jersey State Society said Sunday it was “very disappointed” by the cancellation but understood the group’s decision.
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10 a.m.
Six hard-working guys from New Jersey who make up a Bruce Springsteen tribute band are drawing criticism because they’re going to perform at a Washington gala before Republican Donald Trump’s inauguration.
B Street Band leader Willie Forte (FOR’-tay) says the group signed a contract to appear Thursday with the New Jersey State Society after performing for the group’s party during President Barack Obama’s inaugural in 2013.
Springsteen called Trump a “flagrant, toxic narcissist” during a pre-election night rally for Democrat Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia. Springsteen performed during Obama’s inaugural in 2009.
The cover band also entertained at the New Jersey gala in 2009 and performed during the Democratic National Convention.
Forte believes much of the criticism arose because people mistakenly thought the group was going to perform at Trump’s inaugural.
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