The B Street Band has pulled out of its upcoming performance at the Garden State Presidential Inaugural Gala out of “respect and gratitude” for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. In a statement released Monday, the band said founder Will Forte had made the decision to cancel the gig, informing other members that the planned performance “will no longer be happening.” “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 respect and gratitude we have for Bruce and the E Street Band,” the band’s statement said. Last week, Forte told Rolling Stone he was torn, saying the “non-political” band had found itself getting negative publicity about the inauguration performance. “I’ve been beaten down. I haven’t slept. I’ve been up all night,” he said at the time. The cover band was worried about the integrity of its music if it performed the songs of Springsteen, who has expressed contempt for Trump, at the inauguration event. Springsteen has called Trump a “moron” and a “flagrant, toxic narcissist.”
