Springsteen Apologizes to Bono for Refusing Song for Gap Commercial
7 reported
Bruce Springsteen apologized to U2 frontman Bono for refusing to license his song “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” for a Gap commercial tied to Bono’s AIDS foundation (RED). The apology came during the Tribeca Festival, where Bono presented Springsteen with the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award. Bono recalled asking Springsteen to use the 2008 song for a clothing line supporting his nonprofit, and Springsteen initially said no. Springsteen called the refusal a “big mistake” and said he should have agreed, noting the song is a personal favorite that the audience does not care about. The event also featured remarks from Tribeca Festival founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal, a performance by Patti Smith, and a joint sing-along between Springsteen and Bono.
What’s reported
Bono presented Springsteen with the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award at Tribeca Festival.
Bono asked Springsteen to license “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” for a Gap commercial supporting (RED).
Springsteen initially refused, later calling it a “big mistake” and apologizing.
Springsteen described the 2008 song as a “personal favorite” that the audience does not care about.
Tribeca Festival founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal introduced Bono at the event.
Patti Smith sang “People Have the Power” in honor of Springsteen, with Springsteen and Bono joining on backup vocals.
Springsteen performed an acoustic version of “Land of Hope and Dreams” after the event.
Key figures
Bruce Springsteen, musician
Bono, U2 frontman
Robert De Niro, Tribeca Festival founder
Jane Rosenthal, Tribeca Festival founder
Patti Smith, musician
Tony Shanahan, musician
Sources: Variety
