Bruce Springsteen has never separated his music from his beliefs, and according to those closest to him, he isn’t about to start now.
As criticism from fellow musicians and some fans continues to grow, the legendary rocker is reportedly becoming even more committed to speaking out rather than retreating from the spotlight.
While some believe his political activism has become too prominent, insiders insist Springsteen isn’t reinventing himself at all, but simply continuing a path he has followed for decades.
For Bruce Springsteen, the recent criticism hasn’t changed anything. According to an insider who spoke with the Daily Mail, the rock legend has no plans to tone down his political views despite the debate surrounding them.
“He’s been political since 1978. It’s not like this is new,” the source said. While acknowledging that the singer’s comments have become more direct since Donald Trump’s return to office, the insider insisted Springsteen’s principles have remained exactly the same.
“He went from subtle messages about politics to blatantly saying things, but he’s not more political now than he once was,” they explained.
The source also pointed to Springsteen’s upcoming schedule as proof he has no intention of stepping back.
One month before this year’s midterm elections, the music icon will headline the “Power to the People” music festival outside Washington, D.C., where performers including Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews and Joan Baez will take the stage alongside voter registration efforts.
VIP ticket proceeds will also benefit VoteRiders, a nonpartisan organization that helps Americans overcome voter ID barriers.
Springsteen’s Political Views Continue To Divide Fellow Musicians
Even as Bruce Springsteen presses ahead, not everyone in the music industry agrees with his approach.
Journey guitarist Jonathan Cain recently reignited the debate during an appearance on “The Complete Disaster Network” podcast, revealing that he no longer enjoyed watching Springsteen because of the way politics had become part of his public image.
“Bruce, I mean, what the heck? I used to like him, and now he’s just annoying. He’s an annoying, bitter old man,” Cain said before adding, “I mean, stop it. Really. You were born in the USA, weren’t you, dude? So, act like it.”
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger also echoed the same sentiments, explaining why he took a different approach to performing.
Although he didn’t criticize Springsteen by name, Jagger told The New York Times that concerts should give audiences a break from everyday pressures.
He said he wanted fans “to have the best time they possibly can and for two hours to forget all their problems and the problems of the world and their mortgages.”
Bruce Springsteen Sees No Reason To Change His Approach
4Despite the criticism, those closest to Springsteen say he isn’t interested in arguing with people who disagree.
According to the insider, his wife of 35 years, Patti Scialfa, supports his decision to continue speaking out, although politics isn’t something that dominates their conversations at home.
“People around him encourage him to do what he’s already done,” the source explained, further noting, “He and Patti are not going home and talking about politics at the moment.”
The source also dismissed suggestions that Springsteen felt offended by Jagger’s comments, saying he respected the musician and understood the philosophy behind his remarks.
Jonathan Cain’s criticism, however, came as no surprise. “But for Jonathan to call him out, he finds it amusing because Jonathan is a Trump supporter, so Bruce only expects it from his crowd and the MAGA crowd,” the insider said.
Rather than engaging in public feuds, Springsteen intends to stay focused on the causes he believes in. “He’s going to stay in his lane and if haters, MAGA, and Trump hate him for it, then what he is doing is working in his eyes,” the source shared.
Springsteen Rejects Claims That He’s Anti-American
4Before fellow musicians began criticizing his outspoken political views, Bruce Springsteen had already made peace with the backlash he knew would come.
During a June interview for PBS’s “Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song,” the 76-year-old explained why he believed criticizing President Donald Trump’s leadership didn’t make him any less patriotic.
“I believe in critical patriotism,” he said after being asked how loving America had shaped his music.
Bruce Springsteen continued, “I believe that’s the definition of a patriot, that you love your country so much that you are willing to look at it clearly, recognize its faults, encourage it to be a better place, and believe that you carry in your heart the country that is waiting.”
He added that while his recent work had become more direct, political themes had always been woven into his songwriting.
He also said he enjoyed performing for audiences with different political beliefs, explaining, “I like a big tent,” because his music had never been intended for only one side of the aisle.
Bruce Springsteen Called Donald Trump ‘Reckless’ And ‘Racist’ On Stage
4Before putting a name to his philosophy of “critical patriotism,” Springsteen had already made clear where he stood.
In May, he delivered one of his most forceful political speeches while launching his “Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour” in Minneapolis.
Addressing the crowd, Springsteen declared per The Guardian, “We are here in celebration and defense of our American ideals,” before accusing Trump’s administration of being “corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous.”
He argued that America’s democratic values, Constitution and long-standing global leadership were under threat, criticizing everything from immigration policies to cuts in foreign aid and relations with NATO.
Throughout the nearly three-hour concert, Springsteen urged fans to “fight for the America that we love,” insisting that ordinary Americans, not politicians, would ultimately determine the country’s future.