Singer-songwriter Five Times August is calling out Bruce Springsteen for aligning with Democrat politics, especially in the wake of his COVID stance and recent rally appearance. Known for his protest music and countercultural voice, Five Times August used his platform to critique the hypocrisy within Springsteen’s political messaging.
In a tweet capturing his frustration with Springsteen’s appearance at a Democrat rally, Five Times August wrote:
"You can try to polish a turd, put some glitter on it, sprinkle a free Bruce Springsteen performance over it, and top it off with some Spike Lee and Obama, but it’s still a turd."
This statement isn’t just a jab at Springsteen—it’s emblematic of a growing divide between traditional rock music and a new wave of countercultural and conservative voices who feel that mainstream artists have abandoned their original rebellious spirit. Springsteen’s high-profile performance adds to this frustration, especially as he’s taken strong stances in favor of COVID restrictions that have impacted everyday lives and cultural spaces, including concerts.
Five Times August's critique speaks to the increasing traction of countercultural, conservative music in response to what many in the movement see as liberal dominance in entertainment. His voice aligns with listeners who feel that Springsteen's loyalty to establishment politics strays far from the rock-and-roll rebellion that once defined him.
With this critique, Five Times August joins a list of musicians challenging the politics and elitism of mainstream music icons, tapping into the frustrations of those looking for artists who are unafraid to voice dissenting views.
