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Springsteen Hand Pass Fuels Snub Rumors, Then Friendship Confirmed

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bruce Springsteen passed New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s hand at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, prompting snub speculation.
Fan Mike Ryan filmed the hand-pass during “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” posted the clip, and the video went viral.
Christie later posted a backstage photo of himself and Springsteen smiling, prompting Jon Landau to call friendship-break rumors absurd.
Landau said Christie attended Springsteen’s 180th show as a guest and has attended over 150 concerts.

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Story summary

Bruce Springsteen passed New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s hand at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, prompting snub speculation.
Fan Mike Ryan filmed the hand-pass during “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” posted the clip, and the video went viral.
Christie later posted a backstage photo of himself and Springsteen smiling, prompting Jon Landau to call friendship-break rumors absurd.
Landau said Christie attended Springsteen’s 180th show as a guest and has attended over 150 concerts.