Journey keyboardist criticizes Bruce Springsteen's political commentary
Journey’s Jonathan Cain called Bruce Springsteen’s anti-Trump remarks “annoying” and defended keeping politics out of music, while also promoting his own patriotic song.
Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain, 76, used a recent appearance on The Complete Disaster Network to denounce fellow musician Bruce Springsteen’s frequent criticism of President Donald Trump. Cain said he once identified as a Democrat but now describes himself as a “die-hard conservative,” adding that Springsteen and actor Robert DeNiro should “shut up” about politics.
Cain characterized Springsteen as “an annoying, bitter old man” and argued that the “Born in the USA” song “is a kind of diss toward our country.” He emphasized that he does not discuss his political beliefs on stage, noting that audiences often sing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” regardless of party affiliation.
During the interview, Cain promoted his new patriotic track “Winds of Freedom,” citing inspiration from evangelical author Eric Metaxas and comparing his approach to that of artists such as Ted Nugent and Kid Rock, who he said also incorporate nationalist themes in their music. He stated, “We love our flag, and we love our nation, and we grew up that way.”
The remarks came after Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger warned Springsteen against over-politicizing concerts, saying that live-music audiences primarily seek entertainment and an escape from everyday concerns.