Story perspectives

Springsteen Apologizes to Bono Over Refused Gap Ad

6/14/2026

Summary

Springsteen Apologizes

Bruce Springsteen apologized to Bono after Bono asked him to license “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” for a Gap (RED) ad, calling it a pop song.
Springsteen later called his refusal a “big mistake,” saying the ad could have made the track a hit.
Bono presented Springsteen with Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award at Tribeca while Patti Smith performed “People Have the Power” with Springsteen and Bono backing.

Summary

Springsteen Honors Protesters

Bruce Springsteen gave the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award to anti-ICE protesters and citizens of Minneapolis, citing his 2026 protest song “Streets of Minneapolis,” which draws on Rachel Corrie’s story and was released after violent immigration crackdowns.
Springsteen said he is a “concerned citizen” and will not run in 2028.
Robert De Niro, Tribeca co-founder, called President Donald Trump racist, incompetent and treasonous, urging audience to choose hope.

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Springsteen Apologizes

Bruce Springsteen apologized to Bono after Bono asked him to license “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” for a Gap (RED) ad, calling it a pop song.
Springsteen later called his refusal a “big mistake,” saying the ad could have made the track a hit.
Bono presented Springsteen with Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award at Tribeca while Patti Smith performed “People Have the Power” with Springsteen and Bono backing.

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