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Jonathan Cain Criticizes Bruce Springsteen Over Political Stances
Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain recently expressed his disapproval of Bruce Springsteen, urging musicians to refrain from sharing political views. Cain specifically labeled Springsteen an "annoying, bitter old man" during a podcast discussion.
8/23/2026, 9:03:21 AM
Long-standing Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain has publicly voiced his opinion that musical artists should refrain from discussing political matters. Cain specifically targeted fellow musician Bruce Springsteen in a recent interview, as Variety reports, suggesting that Springsteen should cease his outspoken political commentary.
Cain’s remarks were made during an appearance on a podcast, where he characterized Springsteen as an "annoying, bitter old man." He further challenged Springsteen to "shut up" and "act like" someone "born in the USA," implying a disconnect between Springsteen's heritage and his current political expressions. Despite his plea for musicians to keep their politics private, Cain himself frequently shares his own conservative views in various media.
The keyboardist has a history of publicly aligning himself with conservative political figures and causes. This isn't the first instance where Cain has made headlines for his political commentary, often contrasting with the more liberal leanings of some of his contemporaries in the music industry. His recent statements concerning Springsteen highlight a recurring tension within the entertainment world regarding the role of artists in political discourse.
While Cain advocates for a separation of music and politics, he has actively participated in political events, including performances for conservative leaders. This stance has drawn attention, particularly given his strong opinions on how other artists, like Springsteen, choose to use their platforms. The debate over whether celebrities should engage in political activism continues to be a prominent discussion point in popular culture.