Limited Edition Poster for the April 10, 2016, cancelled Greensboro, NC, show

“As you, my fans, know, I’m scheduled to play in Greensboro, North Carolina, this Sunday. As we also know, North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the “bathroom” law. HB2, known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden. To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress. Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments. Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters. As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have canceled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10. 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.”

Bruce has only been known to cancel fewer than ten shows since his touring career took off as a result of his seminal hit; Born to Run. Four contracted shows were cancelled during the Darkness Tour, two for the passing of family and band members, and three cancellations were due to extreme weather conditions. Most of these shows were rescheduled. Bruce does not cancel shows lightly but will raise his voice and take action when the rights of American citizens are impacted by an out-of-touch government. This limited edition poster for the Greensboro concert that never happened sits in the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music.