Springsteen Tribute Band Cancels Trump Inauguration Gig in DC

WASHINGTON, DC -- A Bruce Springstreen tribute band is the latest to pull out of the Donald Trump presidential inauguration festivities in Washington, D.C. The B Street Band was scheduled to play at the New Jersey State Society's Garden State Inaugural Gala Thursday night, chaired by Gov. Chris Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie.

But the band, which has been a cover band for Springsteen's E Street Band for more than 30 years, is canceling its appearance at the party they say because of their respect for the man whose music they play. Here's their explanation, posted to their Web site:

To our most loyal fans and to Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band community: With deepest apologies to our fans and the New Jersey Inaugural Ball committee, the B Street Band is withdrawing from performing at this year’s inauguration Gala. Our decision is based SOLELY on the and gratitude we have for Bruce and the E Street Band. Bruce’s music has been the foundation of our livelihood. The B Street Band would not exist without the talents of Bruce and our E Street brothers. We are most grateful to these rock legends and look forward to many more years of emulating and performing the Forever Music, of Bruce Springsteen.

The B-Street Band played at both inaugurations for President Obama, the band notes on its Web site.

For now, the New Jersey State Society describes the music for its gala as "classic boardwalk amusement games in the 'Fun Zone' to the music of a DJ playing the Frank Sinatra, Four Seasons, Whitney Houston, and other NJ legends."

Springsteen campaigned for Hillary Clinton, performing three songs at a rally in Philadelphia the night before the election. "The choice tomorrow couldn’t be any clearer," Springstreen told the crowd. "Hillary’s candidacy is based on intelligence, experience, preparation and of an actual vision of America where everyone counts."

"The Boss" also took a few moments that night to talk about Trump: "This is a man whose vision is limited to little beyond himself, who has the profound lack of decency that would allow him to prioritize his own interests and ego before American democracy itself," Springsteen said.

Clinton won New Jersey by 55 percent to Trump's 41.8 percent.

Springsteen was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November by President Obama.

Here's a look at the B Street Band, from a video posted to YouTube:

PHOTO from B Street Band YouTube video