Bruce Springsteen appeared to snub former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's attempt at a high-five during his concert at the Barclays Center in New York City on Thursday evening. Video footage captured the moment Springsteen walked through the crowd during "10th Avenue Freeze-Out," tapping hands with several fans before turning away from Christie, who was standing front row on the right side of the stage.
Christie, a self-described superfan who has attended more than 150 Springsteen concerts and kept every ticket stub, did not appear to let the snub sour his evening, continuing to clap for the musician. It remains unclear whether the snub was deliberate, as Springsteen's head appeared to be down while he walked toward the stage, and he also missed high-fives from other fans in the general admission area.
The two New Jerseyans have a long history of political friction. Springsteen, a longtime Democratic supporter, has been critical of Christie's Republican policies. In 2011, he wrote a letter to the Asbury Park Press denouncing Christie's state budget, and in 2014, he joined Jimmy Fallon in a parody of "Born to Run" mocking the Bridgegate scandal.
Despite their differences, Christie has insisted their relationship improved in recent years. In March, he said Springsteen had reached out to him after spotting him in the pit at a Barclays Center concert, telling him, "I want us to be friends, let's just put the politics stuff aside." Christie added that they now text and talk.
During Thursday's concert, Springsteen played several politically charged songs, but Christie remained in attendance, at one point checking his phone, according to journalist Mike Ryan, who captured the video. The Independent has contacted representatives for both Springsteen and Christie for comment.
