Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain is taking aim at fellow rock legend Bruce Springsteen, criticizing the singer for using his concerts to deliver political messages about President Donald Trump and arguing that musicians should leave politics off the stage.
Cain, who described himself as a committed conservative, made the remarks during an appearance on the “Complete Disaster Network” podcast, according to Variety. Reflecting on his own political views, the longtime Journey member said he had once identified as a Democrat but no longer felt aligned with the party.
“I used to be a Democrat back in the old days, but I couldn’t go there anymore,” Cain said.
The veteran musician made it clear that he strongly disagrees with Springsteen’s decision to speak about politics during live performances.
“I’m a diehard conservative,” Cain said. “And guys like Bruce Springsteen should shut up. You know, really, honestly, shut up, Bruce.”
Springsteen, 76, made headlines earlier this year while launching his “Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour” in Minnesota, where he sharply criticized the Trump administration during his concert. The “Born to Run” singer described the administration as “reckless and treasonous” and warned that the nation’s founding principles were under pressure.
“Our American values that have sustained us for 250 years are being challenged as never before,” Springsteen said during the performance. He also referenced what he described as “our young men and women’s lives at risk in an unconstitutional and illegal war.”
Cain rejected the idea that concerts should become platforms for political speeches, regardless of which political party or ideology is being promoted. While acknowledging his own conservative beliefs and Christian faith, he stressed that he does not use his performances to discuss politics or preach to audiences.
“Now, people say, ‘Well, you’re a Christian and you’re conservative,’ and I’m like, ‘So what?’” Cain said. “I don’t preach it on stage. I don’t spend 10 minutes talking about it.”
The Journey keyboardist contrasted his own approach with what he sees as Springsteen’s habit of addressing political issues during concerts. Cain said he once enjoyed Springsteen’s music but believes the singer’s public commentary has changed how he views the iconic performer.
“I used to like him, and now he’s just annoying,” Cain said. “He’s an annoying, bitter old man. I mean, stop it. Really.”
Cain also questioned one of Springsteen’s most recognizable songs, suggesting that the message behind “Born in the USA” is often misunderstood. According to Cain, a close reading of the lyrics reveals what he described as criticism of the United States rather than a straightforward patriotic anthem.
“You were born in the USA, weren’t you, dude? So act like it,” Cain said. “But even that song, if you look at the lyrics, I mean, it’s a kind of a diss toward our country.”
The comments add to the ongoing debate over whether entertainers should use their public platforms to weigh in on political issues, with Cain arguing that audiences come to concerts for music rather than political lectures.
