Full Breakdown
Bruce Springsteen–Chris Christie High-Five Incident Sparks Social Media Rumors
5/20/2026, 12:20:15 PM
High-Five Incident at Barclays Center
During a performance of “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie extended his hand toward Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen continued moving past Christie without a high-five, and the clip quickly circulated online.
Background and Political Context
Springsteen’s current “Land of Hope and Dreams” American Tour features anti-Trump commentary, while Christie was an early supporter of Donald Trump in 2016. Their long-standing personal friendship has persisted despite these partisan differences, and Christie has attended numerous Springsteen concerts over the years.
Key Figures
Bruce Springsteen – American rock singer and E Street Band frontman.
Chris Christie – former New Jersey governor and 2016 Republican presidential candidate.
Jon Landau – Springsteen’s longtime manager who issued the response.
Mike Ryan – the individual who posted the video online.
Official Statements and Responses
Jon Landau told Rolling Stone that rumors of a rift between Springsteen and Christie are “absurd.” He emphasized that the two have been friends for years, that Christie attended Springsteen’s 180th show as a guest, and that Springsteen hopes to see him at future performances.
Criticism and Opposition
Social-media users saw the missed high-five as a deliberate snub, sparking speculation. Mike Ryan, who posted the clip, claimed Springsteen ignored Christie despite his visible presence. Some observers linked the incident to the artists’ political differences.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
No comment was made by Springsteen; only his manager responded. Sources differ on whether the moment was a simple missed gesture or an intentional slight, and reports vary on Christie’s attendance, citing “more than 150” shows versus the “180th” show.
Why It Matters
The episode illustrates how brief onstage interactions can trigger extensive online debate about celebrity-politician relationships, especially when the participants hold opposing political views. The manager’s swift denial aimed to prevent misinformation from shaping public perception of the long-standing friendship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Current stories claiming a break in the friendship between Bruce and Chris Christie are absurd. We’ve all been friends for years. Chris was attending his 180th show, standing at the side of the stage as our guest. And we hope to see him at our next 180 shows, as our guest. Period.” — Jon Landau, Manager
- “We’ve all been friends for years, Chris was attending his 180th show, standing at the side of the stage as our guest. And we hope to see him at our next 180 shows as our guest. Period.” — Jon Landau, Manager
- “when Bruce was performing more politically charged songs, like ‘American Skin,’ Christie would be checking his phone. Bruce knew Chris Christie was there. During multiple songs, Bruce would be on the far end of the stage, right in front of Christie, never once acknowledging Christie’s presence.” — Mike Ryan, Video Poster
- “Maybe it really was all just a misunderstanding, but I still think Springsteen saw Christie’s hand and kept moving.” — Unnamed commentator
