Latest news with #AmericanFederationofMusicians
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eddie Vedder and Neil Young speak out in support of Bruce Springsteen amid Trump attacks
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder has defended Bruce Springsteen during a concert amid attacks by Donald Trump on the legendary singer. Vedder spoke out in support of Springsteen during the band's show at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, saying: '(Trump's) response had nothing to do with the issues. They didn't talk about one of those issues, they didn't have a conversation about one of those issues. They didn't debate about any one of those issues. All that we heard were personal attacks and threats that nobody else should try to use their microphones or voice in public or they'll be shut down.' He continued: 'Now that's not allowed in this country that we call America. Part of free speech is open discussion. Part of democracy is healthy public discourse. The name-calling is so beneath us. Bruce has always been as pro-American with his values and liberty, and his justice has always remained intact. And I'm saying this now to be sure this freedom to speak will still exist in a year or two when we come back to this microphone.' Springsteen previously called Trump's administration 'corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous' during the opening night of his European tour on 14 May. In response, Trump ranted online about Springsteen, calling The Boss a 'dried out prune' and threatened the musician by saying Springsteen 'ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country.' The American Federation of Musicians responded to Trump's comments, with the organisation's president Tino Gagliardi saying: 'Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members.' Since then, Trump has called for an investigation into Springsteen and his support for Kamala Harris. He also criticised Beyoncé and Bono. Adding his name to list of Springsteen defenders is veteran American legend Neil Young, who previously shared his fears about being barred from returning to the US after criticising Trump. Yesterday (20 May), Young shared a new blog post on the Neil Young Archives website, where he defended Springsteen and Taylor Swift, who Trump has also slammed. 'Bruce and thousands of musicians think you are ruining America. You worry about that instead of the dyin' kids in Gaza. That's your problem. I am not scared of you. Neither are the rest of us.' He continued: 'You shut down FEMA when we needed it most. That's your problem Trump. STOP THINKING ABOUT WHAT ROCKERS ARE SAYING. Think about saving America from the mess you made.' 'Taylor Swift is right. So is Bruce. You know how I feel. You are more worried about yourself than AMERICA. Wake up Trump!! Remember what the White House is?' He finished his blog entry by writing: 'You are forgetting your real job. You work for us. Wake up Republicans! This guy is out of control. We need a real president!' Neil Young is set to return to Europe this summer as part of his 'Love Earth' world tour, which includes dates at Glastonbury and a headline slot at BST Hyde Park.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bruce Springsteen Releases Live EP, Including His Anti-Trump Speeches
Bruce Springsteen, who has been fiercely criticizing the Trump Administration on a nightly basis on his European tour with the E Street Band, will release an EP from the opening night of the tour titled 'Land of Hope and Dreams.' Recorded in Manchester, England on May 14, the EP features four songs and two of his introductions to those songs, which were fiery enough to provoke the ire of President Trump himself, who first insulted Springsteen (shortly after insulting Taylor Swift) on his Truth Social platform, and then called for a federal investigation into baseless rumors about whether Springsteen and several others were paid to appear at fund-raisers for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. More from Variety Trump Demands 'Major Investigations' Into Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Bono and Oprah, Repeating Baseless Rumors Superstars Were Paid Off to Support Kamala Harris Bruce Springsteen Biopic 'Deliver Me From Nowhere,' Starring Jeremy Allen White, Lands October 2025 Release Date Trump Calls Bruce Springsteen 'Not a Talented Guy,' 'Dried Out Prune' and 'Dumb as a Rock,' as American Federation of Musicians Denounces Presidential Attacks on Springsteen, Taylor Swift The full tracklist appears below; all songs are Springsteen compositions except Bob Dylan's 'Chimes of Freedom.' The EP is expected to be available Wednesday morning on all major streaming services. Trump was angered by reading reports that Springsteen, without referring to the president by name, had criticized the administration in a Manchester concert. There, the rocker said, 'The mighty E Street Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock 'n' roll, in dangerous times. In my home, the America I love, the America I've written about, and has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration. Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experience to rise with us, raise your voices against the authoritarianism, and let freedom ring.' Springsteen's message came as an introduction to a performance of 'Land of Hope and Dreams.' Land of Hope & Dreams EP Land of Hope and Dreams (Introduction) Land of Hope and Dreams (Live) Long Walk Home (Live) My City of Ruins (Introduction) My City of Ruins (Live) Chimes of Freedom (Live) Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Neil Young slams Trump over Springsteen and Swift attacks in fiery message
Musician Neil Young has criticized former President Donald Trump for his recent attacks on fellow artists Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift, urging the Republican figurehead to shift his focus to more pressing national matters. In a statement posted on his website, Young backed Springsteen's political stance and condemned Trump's leadership. 'What are you worryin' about man?' Young wrote. 'Bruce and thousands of musicians think you are ruining America. You worry about that instead of the dyin' kids in Gaza.' The remarks come after Trump took to Truth Social to label Springsteen as 'highly overrated' and a 'dried out prune' following a concert on May 14 in Manchester, England. During the event, Springsteen had described Trump as 'corrupt, incompetent and treasonous' while urging the crowd to recognize the power of art in dangerous times. Trump responded by denouncing Springsteen's music, politics, and character. Trump's criticism didn't stop with Springsteen. He also reignited tensions with pop star Taylor Swift, who endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 general election. 'Has anyone noticed that, since I said 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,' she's no longer 'HOT?'' Trump wrote on Truth Social. Young called the attacks misguided and accused Trump of prioritizing his public image over governance. 'Taylor Swift is right. So is Bruce,' Young said. 'You are more worried about yourself than America. Wake up, Trump!' The American Federation of Musicians also weighed in, stating, 'Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members.' Young ended his post by appealing directly to conservatives: 'Wake up Republicans! This guy is out of control. We need a real president!' He signed the statement, 'Neil Young and many others.'
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eddie Vedder and Neil Young speak out in support of Bruce Springsteen amid Trump attacks
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder has defended Bruce Springsteen during a concert amid attacks by Donald Trump on the legendary singer. Vedder spoke out in support of Springsteen during the band's show at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, saying: '(Trump's) response had nothing to do with the issues. They didn't talk about one of those issues, they didn't have a conversation about one of those issues. They didn't debate about any one of those issues. All that we heard were personal attacks and threats that nobody else should try to use their microphones or voice in public or they'll be shut down.' He continued: 'Now that's not allowed in this country that we call America. Part of free speech is open discussion. Part of democracy is healthy public discourse. The name-calling is so beneath us. Bruce has always been as pro-American with his values and liberty, and his justice has always remained intact. And I'm saying this now to be sure this freedom to speak will still exist in a year or two when we come back to this microphone.' Springsteen previously called Trump's administration 'corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous' during the opening night of his European tour on 14 May. In response, Trump ranted online about Springsteen, calling The Boss a 'dried out prune' and threatened the musician by saying Springsteen 'ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country.' The American Federation of Musicians responded to Trump's comments, with the organisation's president Tino Gagliardi saying: 'Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members.' Since then, Trump has called for an investigation into Springsteen and his support for Kamala Harris. He also criticised Beyoncé and Bono. Adding his name to list of Springsteen defenders is veteran American legend Neil Young, who previously shared his fears about being barred from returning to the US after criticising Trump. Yesterday (20 May), Young shared a new blog post on the Neil Young Archives website, where he defended Springsteen and Taylor Swift, who Trump has also slammed. 'Bruce and thousands of musicians think you are ruining America. You worry about that instead of the dyin' kids in Gaza. That's your problem. I am not scared of you. Neither are the rest of us.' He continued: 'You shut down FEMA when we needed it most. That's your problem Trump. STOP THINKING ABOUT WHAT ROCKERS ARE SAYING. Think about saving America from the mess you made.' 'Taylor Swift is right. So is Bruce. You know how I feel. You are more worried about yourself than AMERICA. Wake up Trump!! Remember what the White House is?' He finished his blog entry by writing: 'You are forgetting your real job. You work for us. Wake up Republicans! This guy is out of control. We need a real president!' Neil Young is set to return to Europe this summer as part of his 'Love Earth' world tour, which includes dates at Glastonbury and a headline slot at BST Hyde Park.
Euronews
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Eddie Vedder & Neil Young support Bruce Springsteen amid Trump threats
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder has defended Bruce Springsteen during a concert amid attacks by Donald Trump on the legendary singer. Vedder spoke out in support of Springsteen during the band's show at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, saying: '(Trump's) response had nothing to do with the issues. They didn't talk about one of those issues, they didn't have a conversation about one of those issues. They didn't debate about any one of those issues. All that we heard were personal attacks and threats that nobody else should try to use their microphones or voice in public or they'll be shut down.' He continued: 'Now that's not allowed in this country that we call America. Part of free speech is open discussion. Part of democracy is healthy public discourse. The name-calling is so beneath us. Bruce has always been as pro-American with his values and liberty, and his justice has always remained intact. And I'm saying this now to be sure this freedom to speak will still exist in a year or two when we come back to this microphone.' Springsteen previously called Trump's administration 'corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous' during the opening night of his European tour on 14 May. In response, Trump ranted online about Springsteen, calling The Boss a 'dried out prune' and threatened the musician by saying Springsteen 'ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country.' The American Federation of Musicians responded to Trump's comments, with the organisation's president Tino Gagliardi saying: 'Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members.' Since then, Trump has called for an investigation into Springsteen and his support for Kamala Harris. He also criticised Beyoncé and Bono. Adding his name to list of Springsteen defenders is veteran American legend Neil Young, who previously shared his fears about being barred from returning to the US after criticising Trump. Yesterday (20 May), Young shared a new blog post on the Neil Young Archives website, where he defended Springsteen and Taylor Swift, who Trump has also slammed. 'Bruce and thousands of musicians think you are ruining America. You worry about that instead of the dyin' kids in Gaza. That's your problem. I am not scared of you. Neither are the rest of us.' He continued: 'You shut down FEMA when we needed it most. That's your problem Trump. STOP THINKING ABOUT WHAT ROCKERS ARE SAYING. Think about saving America from the mess you made.' 'Taylor Swift is right. So is Bruce. You know how I feel. You are more worried about yourself than AMERICA. Wake up Trump!! Remember what the White House is?' He finished his blog entry by writing: 'You are forgetting your real job. You work for us. Wake up Republicans! This guy is out of control. We need a real president!' Neil Young is set to return to Europe this summer as part of his 'Love Earth' world tour, which includes dates at Glastonbury and a headline slot at BST Hyde Park. George Wendt, the American actor whose unassuming charm and impeccable comic timing made him a household name as the beer-loving Norm Peterson on the iconic 1980s sitcom Cheers, has died. He was 76. His family said he died early Tuesday morning (20 May), peacefully in his sleep while at home, according to the publicity firm The Agency Group. 'George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,' the family said in a statement. 'He will be missed forever.' Following news of his death, heartfelt tributes have poured in from his Cheers co-stars. Ted Danson who played Cheers owner Sam Malone said in a statement: 'I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I'm sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It's going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie." Rhea Perlman, who starred as barmaid Carla Tortelli, said: 'George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him. As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didn't hurt. What a guy! I'll miss him more than words can say.' Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his role on Cheers, which began in 1982 and ran for 11 seasons. Set in a cozy basement bar in Boston, the show followed the lives of the bar's staff and its loyal regulars - a mismatched group of quirky, lovable characters. The ensemble cast included Wendt, and the likes of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, and numerous special guest appearances from Boston Red Sox baseball legend Wade Boggs and Friends star Lisa Kudrow. Cheers spun off another megahit in 'Frasier' and was nominated for an astounding 117 Emmy Awards, winning 28 of them. Wendt's Norm was the lovable, henpecked beer-loving accountant who took up the same barstool every episode. His entrances were greeted by a joyous call of 'Norm!' from those in the bar and he always had a dry quip ready when asked how he was doing. The actor famously auditioned for Cheers with a single line: 'My agent said, 'It's a small role, honey. It's one line. Actually, it's one word.' The word was 'beer.' I was having a hard time believing I was right for the role of 'the guy who looked like he wanted a beer.' So I went in, and they said, 'It's too small a role. Why don't you read this other one?' And it was a guy who never left the bar,' Wendt told GQ in an oral history of Cheers. 'George Wendt's work showcased how comedy can create indelible characters that feel like family. Over the course of 11 seasons, he brought warmth and humor to one of television's most beloved roles,' National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson said in a statement. After Cheers, Wendt appeared on shows like Portlandia and The Ghost Whisperer, and even competed on The Masked Singer in 2023. On stage, he starred in Broadway productions of Hairspray, the Tony Award-winning Art, and Elf, and toured nationally in 12 Angry Men.
