Springsteen draws criticism for not cancelling Italy gig after deadly floods

The decision came not from Bruce. It was the major of Ferrara the man who could (and maybe should) decide about cancellation.

So, the discussions should consider this fundamental part of the problem.

But Bruce's silence about that wasn't good, in my opinion

Perhaps the concert brought needed funds to the city and it's shops, hotels , restaurants etc.

I'm surprised that Bruce didn't mention or dedicate a song to the victims of the flood.

...I was surprised, too

Did anyone note if the opening acts were also called out as angrily in the Italian press for their attendance as Bruce was ?  Was the mayor accused of insensitivity?

Q2

@Oats posted:

Perhaps the concert brought needed funds to the city and it's shops, hotels , restaurants etc.

I'm surprised that Bruce didn't mention or dedicate a song to the victims of the flood.

What do you think it has brought where there is only education, water, mud and unfortunately also death...

There are those who are in favor, there are those who are against, I personally will have suspended it, the only way I would have agreed to do it would have been to donate the entire proceeds to the Emilia Romagna region.

I too was surprised that Bruce remained cold and didn't even say a word about it, but I think he's not brazen, and if he behaved like that surely there's a reason.

I have to think of the juggling of responses appropriate for disasters both natural and man made.  Does an artist in Kiev still perform the day after city shelling from war kills children?   Does an artist in Sheffield stop a performance because nature has taken the lives of families?  When does an act become defiance and when insensitivity? When do we chose as a group to mourn and when to push on? We seem to flee war much quicker than we stay to fight Mother Nature.  Who among us is righteous enough to be the judge of conscience?   

Look at the responses to Bruce and other band members getting Covid at the start of the tour. How many were concerned with ‘replacement’ vrs how many felt that everything should stop until everyone was healthy? If there had been a torrid heatwave, like last year during this week’s show, would there have been an equal or appropriate uproar if people died at the venue from heatstroke?

The venue was not affected. A lot of money was brought directly into a region that immediately needed the infusion. Property was seriously damaged and people died because of a sudden uncontrollable and unpredictable weather disaster.

I am not making a judgment. I am just sayin’ and asking’, and pondering……

Q2

I said I make no comment on the decision to play the show.
But maybe playing this Would have been appropriate.

I am nobody, much less have decision-making power, but how would you behave when you hear institutions begging to cancel the show, because in addition to the disaster that happened, a turnout of more than 50.000 people was expected who poured into the area where bridges, railways and roads were closed because they were invaded by water, where any help, especially that of doctors, ambulances, law enforcement and civil protection were essential to save lives.
I don't know if you remember in 1999 when Bruce played 2 nights in a row at the Assago Forum, Milan, and before playing TGOTJ he made a premise for the "Missione Arcobaleno" for the war in Kosovo, a war that wasn't even in Italy, but he stopped and made a little speech about it.

@hrubesh posted:

I am nobody, much less have decision-making power, but how would you behave when you hear institutions begging to cancel the show, because in addition to the disaster that happened, a turnout of more than 50.000 people was expected who poured into the area where bridges, railways and roads were closed because they were invaded by water, where any help, especially that of doctors, ambulances, law enforcement and civil protection were essential to save lives.
I don't know if you remember in 1999 when Bruce played 2 nights in a row at the Assago Forum, Milan, and before playing TGOTJ he made a premise for the "Missione Arcobaleno" for the war in Kosovo, a war that wasn't even in Italy, but he stopped and made a little speech about it.

He has done that many, many times for disasters and causes alike.

I’m fairly sure Stef is aware of that John.
In his country he has the right to say what is in his heart. He is great guy, a credit to Italy. And as you & I both know a GREAT Springsteen fan so he has earned the right to express his opinions.

In an earlier post on this thread I stated: "I'm surprised that Bruce didn't mention or dedicate a song to the victims of the flood."  In the post you made your comment on, all I have to say is... read my post again, I was agreeing with Stefano. stating this about Bruce, "He has done that many, many times for disasters and causes alike." inferring that he should have once again.

Stefano and I are usually on the same page sort of like brothers, just ask him?

It’s a great shame we could never achieve that.

And I say that not with sarcasm in ANY way John.

I really thought a lot today, what if the flood had happened in New Jersey? Would he have said nothing there...?

I don't understand him anymore....

@LastBob posted:

I really thought a lot today, what if the flood had happened in New Jersey? Would he have said nothing there...?

I don't understand him anymore....

He would have... right after the main set and the folks getting donations at the end of the show would have been FLOOD AID. 

I guess so.... so sad.... besides the Setlist discussions, this in itself is already a reason to step aside.... I'll sell all my tickets I've got. What a bad day!

I understand your sadness. That's mine, too...

Maybe that day's just arrived.

It should happen, sooner or later.

We look at Bruce in his eyes and don't see ourselves reflected anymore.

The rocker is still at the top. The show was great, sensational.

But I miss a friend.

It started with "Springsteen On Broadway".

Though everybody said what a great show it was - and it was - there was a change. He himself mentioned it: The first real 9 to 5 job.

This tour is "Springsteen & The E Street Big Band On Broadway"

You're right... A Broadway-Show in a Stadium!

There are those who might call it "An Off Broadway Show"