Journey keyboardist and guitarist Jonathan Cain criticizes Bruce Springsteen’s political commentary in interviews and calls for outspoken celebrities to stay out of politics. Multiple outlets report that Cain describes Springsteen, who is 76, as an “annoying, bitter old man” and says he “should shut up.” Cain also links his criticism to Springsteen’s song “Born in the USA,” reportedly saying, “You were born in the USA, weren’t you?” and adding, “So act like it.”
The reports characterize Cain’s comments as part of his broader conservative views and as an argument that public political discussion by musicians should be limited. Sources do not indicate any direct policy dispute or specific political statements by Springsteen that Cain is responding to; they focus instead on Cain’s general reaction to Springsteen’s outspokenness. The outlets present the remarks as contentious and framed around whether celebrities should speak politically rather than on any particular legislative or campaign issue.
