Popular Artists Cancel Shows Due to New LGBT State Laws
Bruce Springsteen performing live on stage for his fans.
Bryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen recently cancelled their shows in Mississippi and North Carolina due to the newly passed LGBT laws regarding their rights. While many say the stars are helping to bring attention to the new laws, others say that they aren’t having much of an impact, arguing that they would do more good if they came performed their shows as scheduled.
In North Carolina, a new law requires transgender people to use bathroom
Bruce Springsteen performing live on stage for his fans.
s based on their biological sex and bans state lawsuits for any type of workplace discrimination. Mississippi’s new law allows religious groups and some private businesses to refuse service to gay couples.
According to the CNN website, Public relations pro Deirdre Breakenridge says, “Celebrity boycotts help to raise awareness, capturing media headlines.” In addition she added, “When you have high profile music artists shutting down shows, and chiming in on issues, then they have a direct megaphone to their fans through social media. Fans are much more in tune with what their favorite celebrities are doing, which has the potential to create an even stronger voice around an issue. A stronger voice means more pressure.” http://money.cnn.com/2016/04/08/media/bruce-springsteen-north-carolina-show-canceled/
Springsteen and the E Street Band were scheduled to perform at the Greensboro Coliseum on Sunday night as part of their current tour. On Friday afternoon, Springsteen released a statement saying that he would no longer play the show.
“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,” Springsteen said in the message posted on his website (http://brucespringsteen.net/). “It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.”
Adams, who was scheduled to perform on Thursday at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi explained, “I cannot in good conscience perform in a state where certain people are being denied their civil rights due to their sexual orientation.” http://www.bryanadams.com/
He added he found it “incomprehensible that LGBT citizens are being discriminated against”. “Hopefully Mississippi will right itself and I can come back and to perform to all of my man
Singer Bryan Adams performs on stage at the 2016 Juno Awards in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, April 3, 2016.
y fans,” he said.
Adams’ and Springsteen’s actions have led to speculation about whether other artists scheduled to perform in Mississippi and North Carolina may follow their example. Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Pearl Jam and prominent LGBTQ activist Cyndi Lauper are all due to play in North Carolina soon. None have yet released statements on whether they will choose to join Springsteen and Adams in protest.
