Bruce Springsteen on Friday cancelled a planned concert in Greensboro, North Carolina, over opposition to that state's new law that has been condemned as an attempt to roll back protections for gay and transgender people.
"Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them," Springsteen wrote in a statement posted on his website. "It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards."
The concert had been scheduled for Sunday. Springsteen joins a growing list of companies and artists who have said they won't do business in the state over objections to the controversial law.
Last month, Republican Gov. Pat McCrory signed a bill into law that prevents cities and counties from passing their own anti-discrimination rules. The law blocked several anti-discrimination measures, including a measure in Charlotte that allowed transgender people to use bathrooms that match the gender they identify with.
Related: North Carolina Starts to See Economic Damage From Anti-Bias Law
Many companies and artists have pulled out of doing business with North Carolina, while leaders in other states have even banned publicly-funded travel to the state. Famed director Rob Reiner said he won't film in the state while the law is in place, and urged other filmmakers to do the same.
Paypal has nixed a $3.6 million global operations center in Charlotte, and other companies have said they don't plan to invest in projects in the state until the law is repealed.
Related: North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory Calls LGBT Criticism 'Political Theater'
"Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments," Springsteen said. "I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters."
