Bruce Springsteen appeared to snub former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's attempts at a high-five during his concert Thursday evening in New York City, captured in a now-viral video. Christie, who has attended more than 150 Springsteen concerts and kept every ticket stub, was standing front row on the right side of the stage at the Barclays Center. The Republican politician's seat put him in the perfect spot to obtain a high-five from Springsteen as he was walking through the crowd during “10th Avenue Freeze-Out.”
Springsteen tapped the hands of several fans before approaching Christie's territory, then made a hard left toward the stage, snubbing his fellow New Jerseyan's attempts at the high-five, according to a video taken by journalist Mike Ryan. From the video, it appears Christie did not let the moment sour his concert-going experience, as the former governor continued to clap for his musical idol.
It is unclear if Springsteen knowingly snubbed Christie. Springsteen's head appeared to be down as he walked toward the stage, and he missed some high-fives from other fans in the general admission area. But it would not be the first time Springsteen has taken issue with the former governor. Springsteen, a longtime supporter of the Democratic Party, has strongly voiced opposition to Christie and his Republican policies.
History of Political Tensions
In 2011, Springsteen penned a letter to the editor for the Asbury Park Press denouncing Christie's state budget for helping the wealthy while ignoring the working class and poor. In 2014, Springsteen joined late-night host Jimmy Fallon in making a parody of “Born to Run” to mock Christie for Bridgegate, the political scandal where Christie's office was accused of intentionally closing lanes to the George Washington Bridge as a form of political retribution.
More recently, Springsteen has positioned himself staunchly against President Donald Trump, delivering anti-authoritarian monologues during shows and calling the administration “corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless” among other things. While Christie began opposing Trump after the 2020 presidential election, the former governor endorsed Trump in 2016 and was even considered for a top role in the first administration.
Christie's Devotion to 'The Boss'
Christie and Springsteen's dueling political views have put them at odds. But that has never stopped Christie from loving Springsteen's music. While serving as governor of New Jersey, Christie attended multiple Springsteen shows. For his first night as a regular citizen after leaving office in 2018, the former governor attended Springsteen's Broadway show. “Just because we disagree doesn't mean I don't get him,” Christie told The Atlantic in 2012 when asked about their differing views.
But as the years have gone on, the two New Jerseyans have seemingly made peace. As recently as March, Christie said his relationship with Springsteen was “really good” and recounted how several years ago, Springsteen called him after spotting him in the pit during one of his concerts at the Barclay Center. “He goes, 'You know, I just want you to know, I really respect you,'” Christie recounted to the podcast “The Fifth Column.” “And he said, 'I want us to be friends, let's just put the politics stuff aside and let's just be friends,'” Christie said, adding that he and Springsteen “text” and “talk” now.
Even during Thursday evening's concert, when Springsteen played more politically-charged songs, Christie still stood by – albeit checking his phone, Ryan noted in a post for his Substack, “The Hard Pass.” The Independent has asked Christie and representatives for Springsteen for comment.
