No Surrender: Springsteen Cover Band Battles Political Backlash

Mia Reynolds, 5/23/2025In a political storm, the Bruce Springsteen tribute band No Surrender faces backlash after a venue cancellation linked to Springsteen's critical remarks about the government. Amid the controversy, they find a new location to perform, highlighting the ongoing divide in America and the impact of politics on music.

The latest drama unfolded when No Surrender — a nine-piece outfit channeling The Boss's signature sound — got caught in the crossfire between Springsteen and former President Trump. Their $2,500 gig at Riv's Toms River Hub went up in smoke faster than a muscle car on Thunder Road, all because of some choice words Springsteen delivered across the pond.

During his European tour opener in Manchester, The Boss didn't mince words. "The America I love, the America I've written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration." Pretty strong stuff from the guy who gave us "Dancing in the Dark."

The venue owner, Tony Rivoli, wasn't having any of it. "Because Bruce can't keep his mouth shut we're screwed," he texted bandleader Brad Hobicorn. Another message laid bare the local political reality: "Toms River is red and won't stand for [Springsteen's] bulls-t."

Here's where things get really interesting — and kind of absurd. Trump himself jumped into the fray through his favorite megaphone, Truth Social. The former president branded Springsteen a "prune" (seriously?) and dubbed him "highly overrated" and "dumb as a rock." Because nothing says presidential quite like playground insults aimed at rock stars.

Bass player Guy Fleming cut straight to the heart of the matter in a social media post that's been making the rounds. "When you cancel a week in advance, it financially hurts the musicians in the band because they lose a days pay if they can't find another gig," he wrote. "I explained to the owner that he wasn't hurting Bruce, but he was hurting nine New Jersey musicians he booked to play at his club."

Thank goodness for silver linings — No Surrender managed to land on their feet. They've secured a new venue at Headliner Oasis in Neptune Township for the same date. Sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches, especially when you're trying to make a living playing music in these politically charged times.

The whole mess serves up a perfect snapshot of America's current divide. When even cover bands get dragged into the political mud-slinging, you know we're living in strange times. Local venues are stuck walking a tightrope between their bottom line and their community's political leanings — and sometimes there's just no winning.

But hey, the show must go on. No Surrender will keep playing those beloved classics, even if some folks can't separate the art from the artist's politics. Maybe there's a lesson in there somewhere about the power of music to bring people together — or at least there would be if everyone wasn't so busy arguing about it.

In a twist that perfectly captures the bizarre state of American politics circa 2025, even Bruce Springsteen tribute bands can't escape the endless culture wars. Who'd have thought covering "Born in the U.S.A." could become such a political powder keg?The latest drama unfolded when No Surrender — a nine-piece outfit channeling The Boss's signature sound — got caught in the crossfire between Springsteen and former President Trump. Their $2,500 gig at Riv's Toms River Hub went up in smoke faster than a muscle car on Thunder Road, all because of some choice words Springsteen delivered across the pond.During his European tour opener in Manchester, The Boss didn't mince words. "The America I love, the America I've written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration." Pretty strong stuff from the guy who gave us "Dancing in the Dark."The venue owner, Tony Rivoli, wasn't having any of it. "Because Bruce can't keep his mouth shut we're screwed," he texted bandleader Brad Hobicorn. Another message laid bare the local political reality: "Toms River is red and won't stand for [Springsteen's] bulls-t."Here's where things get really interesting — and kind of absurd. Trump himself jumped into the fray through his favorite megaphone, Truth Social. The former president branded Springsteen a "prune" (seriously?) and dubbed him "highly overrated" and "dumb as a rock." Because nothing says presidential quite like playground insults aimed at rock stars.Bass player Guy Fleming cut straight to the heart of the matter in a social media post that's been making the rounds. "When you cancel a week in advance, it financially hurts the musicians in the band because they lose a days pay if they can't find another gig," he wrote. "I explained to the owner that he wasn't hurting Bruce, but he was hurting nine New Jersey musicians he booked to play at his club."Thank goodness for silver linings — No Surrender managed to land on their feet. They've secured a new venue at Headliner Oasis in Neptune Township for the same date. Sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches, especially when you're trying to make a living playing music in these politically charged times.The whole mess serves up a perfect snapshot of America's current divide. When even cover bands get dragged into the political mud-slinging, you know we're living in strange times. Local venues are stuck walking a tightrope between their bottom line and their community's political leanings — and sometimes there's just no winning.But hey, the show must go on. No Surrender will keep playing those beloved classics, even if some folks can't separate the art from the artist's politics. Maybe there's a lesson in there somewhere about the power of music to bring people together — or at least there would be if everyone wasn't so busy arguing about it.