Springsteen cancels NC show over controversial LGBT bill

Bruce Springsteen has canceled his concert scheduled for Sunday night at Greensboro, NC, citing the controversial House Bill 2.

There has been talk of concert cancellations in North Carolina over the measure affecting LGBT rights, but this is a big one. Springsteen broke the news with a Facebook post.

Citing a desire to “show solidarity for those freedom fighters,” the statement offers “deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro” before concluding:

Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.

Greensboro Coliseum management confirmed the cancellation. Springsteen’s statement said that tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.

The show was nearly sold out, with more than 15,000 tickets sold. Fans took the news hard, but most remained philosophical about it.

“As disappointed as I am, this is why we love Bruce Springsteen,” said Steve Eisenstadt of Raleigh, who had tickets to the show. “Not just his music, but his incredible political awareness and common sense. It’s hard to accept that I won’t get to see my favorite artist. But it’s Bruce being Bruce.”

This story was originally published April 8, 2016 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Springsteen cancels NC show over controversial LGBT bill."