Springsteen Cover Band Dropped by NJ Bar After Boss’ Anti-Trump Comments Spark Political Firestorm
The fallout from Bruce Springsteen’s latest political commentary has reached the tribute scene. No Surrender, a Springsteen cover band with over 20 years on the road, has been dropped from a May 30 gig at Riv’s Toms River Hub, following Springsteen’s outspoken criticisms of Donald Trump.
The band was set to play a $2,500 show at the Toms River venue until owner Tony Rivoli pulled the plug, calling the performance “too risky” in light of the Boss’s recent remarks. In a text to frontman Brad Hobicorn, Rivoli stated: “Because Bruce can’t keep his mouth shut, we’re screwed.”
Hobicorn offered to shift to a non-Springsteen set, but Rivoli declined, citing financial concerns. “This is not political for us at all,” Hobicorn told NJ Advance Media. “We’re just a cover band trying to make some money.”
The Fallout — Yelp Bombs and Relocation
The decision didn’t go unnoticed. Yelp was forced to temporarily disable reviews on Riv’s Toms River Hub after a flood of 1-star ratings and backlash, citing political bias and even referencing past controversies at Rivoli’s now-closed former restaurant.
One image attached to a review showed a patron in a Trump-themed sombrero with the phrase “Deport Illegals!”, while others called out the bar’s “dry, flavorless food with a side of racism.”
Rivoli’s past is resurfacing too: a 2014 sign at his previous restaurant that read “I can breathe I obey law” in response to the death of Eric Garner has once again drawn ire in light of current events.
Meanwhile, No Surrender quickly found a new venue — The Headliner Oasis in Neptune City, just 20 miles away — where they’ll perform on May 30 as planned.
How It All Started
The drama traces back to Springsteen’s May 14 tour kickoff in Manchester, England, where he called Trump’s administration “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous.” Trump lashed back on Truth Social, calling the rocker a “dried up prune of a rocker” and a “pushy, obnoxious JERK.”
Springsteen responded with action: he rush-released a new live EP titled Land of Hope & Dreams, packed with anti-authoritarian commentary and messages of resilience.
In solidarity, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder also blasted Trump at a recent show in Pittsburgh, calling Springsteen a “hero” and warning against threats to free speech. “That is not allowed in this country that we call America,” Vedder declared.
As cultural lines harden, even tribute acts are getting caught in the crossfire — proof that in 2025, politics and rock ‘n’ roll are louder than ever.
