JOE WALSH
Bruce Springsteen isn’t the only native New Jerseyan who has recently canceled a concert for political reasons.
Montclair native Joe Walsh — who performed at a benefit concert at his alma mater, Montclair High School, last year — has announced that he has withdrawn from a concert in Cleveland after he found out it has ties to the Republican National Convention, which takes place in that city from July 18 to July 21.
Walsh — famous for his years with The Eagles and The James Gang, as well as for his hits as a solo artist — released the following statement on his Facebook page.
It was my understanding that I was playing a concert which was a non partisan event to benefit the families of American veterans on Monday, July 18 in Cleveland. The admat I approved said this specifically. Today it was announced that this event is, in fact, a launch for the Republican National Convention. In addition, my name is to be used to raise sponsorship dollars for convention-related purposes. Therefore, I must humbly withdraw my participation in this event with apologies to any fans or veterans and their families that I might disappoint.
I am very concerned about the rampant vitriol, fear-mongering and bullying coming from the current Republican campaigns. It is both isolationist and spiteful. I cannot in good conscience endorse the Republican party in any way. I will look at doing a veteran related benefit concert later this year.
No information is available, though, on the exact nature of the concert. (11:50 p.m. update: I have been informed that Walsh mistakenly said the concert was taking place on July 18 in his statement; the show was actually scheduled for July 17.)
Walsh is double billed with Bad Company at the PNC Bank Arts Center, June 11, and the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, June 12.
