UPDATED: No Springsteen, possible Bon Jovi to perform at Obama speech
By Mark Brown, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published August 24, 2008 at 8:16 p.m.
Updated August 24, 2008 at 8:16 p.m.
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INVESCO FIELD — The Jersey boys are coming, and we ain't talking about Frankie Valli. The Boss and Bon Jovi are ready to perform.
Multiple sources confirmed to the Rocky that Jon Bon Jovi will fly in to perform two acoustic songs before Sen. Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech at Invesco Field on Thursday night. After the speech, Bruce Springsteen will close out the night, presumably solo acoustic (E Street Band member Nils Lofgren told the Rocky last week that the band wouldn't be with Springsteen in Denver).
UPDATE: Springsteen's camp said Monday that he will not attend the acceptance speech in any capacity.
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August 24, 2008
11:05 p.m.
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Rbcc writes:
I'm no big fan of Bon Jovi, but having Springsteen perform is a real coup. He's the most important artistic voice in America today. Welcome to Denver, Bruce!
August 24, 2008
11:48 p.m.
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WestminsterJ writes:
Who's McCain going to get, Ted Nugent?
August 25, 2008
9:06 a.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
westminsterj - YEAH! an acoustic version of 'stranglehold' !
then when he's done, mcsame says "uh, thanks, uh, mr. nougat".
then off-mic he says "who the heck is that guy?"
ted finishes the night with a rousing rendition of 'wango tango'
LMAO
August 25, 2008
9:19 a.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
shaggy, i think you miss the point....
these are musicians first, with political views second, and are in the public eye, so the media asks about their views. they are happy to share. they are happy to use whatever influence they have to contribute to what they believe in. especially bono, who you say you don't like, his activism is mainly about helping in third world countries and nuclear non-proliferation. these are themes that recur in his music, as well. whether or not they 'think they should be acknowledged for their political views' is irrelevant. they do what they can with what they have.... their fame and money.
some politicians have musical skills, too, and are only too happy to whip those out when it suits their needs at the time.....
sort of like you. you have your computer, and you use it to espouse your views. it's just a matter of how many people are listening as to who gets heard more.
kinda silent in your world, eh shaggy?
August 25, 2008
9:53 a.m.
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robtri93 writes:
Let's be honest here, the reason Bon Jovi and the Boss are coming in is to fill seats. The DNC can't afford to have the stadium half empty. The press will report that Obama filled the stadium. Obama did this during the primaries in Seattle with a group called the Decemberists. The people come to see the band and then the press says they are there to see Barack.
August 25, 2008
10:42 a.m.
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Pointyboots writes:
Are the Andrews sisters available to play for McCain? How about Tommy Dorsey?
August 25, 2008
12:12 p.m.
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cassidy22 writes:
Well, Shaggy - I've never seen Bruce running about trying to get into the spotlight. But I have seen him stand up for what he believes in.
Like when Reagan wanted to use his song "Born in the USA" as his campaign song. Bruce shook his head, said "you don't get it, do you?" and told him no.
he didn't then turn around and start slogging for the dems. He was probably asked, and happy to make a statement, which a lot of his music already does. Don't get all judgemental over whether a musician plays a political event. If your favorite candidate asked you, would you say no out of your own principles, or would you be thrilled to use your talent to support something you believe in?
August 25, 2008
12:31 p.m.
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blacksho89 writes:
Actually, I am a registered Republican who got his "community credentials" last week. I've seen Springsteen and Bon Jovi before, and am looking forward to it. My wife is from Jersey, and a Dem, so she'll be thrilled.