Vini Lopez, Bruce Springsteen’s former drummer, has spoken publicly after the rock icon criticized President Donald Trump during recent concert appearances on his anti-Trump Land of Hope and Dreams tour.
The Hungry Heart hitmaker, 76, has openly condemned the administration through his speeches to the audience, calling it:
“corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous administration”
However, to 77-year-old Lopez, who was part of Bruce Springsteen’s first group, the office of the presidency commands respect regardless of one’s political stance.
“You gotta have respect for the president. Trump is the president of the United States. Everyone should have respect for him.”
He reiterated his differing opinion in his conversation with the California Post:
“He is the president of the United States. And if I was standing there talking to him, I would have much respect for the man.
Vini Lopez pointed out that when meeting the president, he would be respectful and not get into an argument because of any political differences.
The drummer also highlighted the importance of recognizing the position itself rather than focusing on public disputes between artists and elected leaders.
Vini Lopez and Bruce Springsteen share a long history that began before global fame.
In 1969, they performed together in the group Child, which consisted of Vinnie Roslin and Danny Federici. This band became Steel Mill, the start of Springsteen’s success.
After Steel Mill dissolved in 1971, Springsteen went on to form the E Street Band, which had Lopez among its original members.
The Born in the U.S.A. singer has not responded to Lopez’s remarks.
Bruce Springsteen led the No Kings march in Minnesota
The interview comes weeks after Bruce Springsteen led the No Kings protest at St. Paul, Minnesota.
The music legend performed his self-written track, Streets of Minnesota, a song to honor Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were both killed by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
At the time, Springsteen told the audience:
“This past winter, federal troops brought death and terror to the streets of Minneapolis. Well, they picked the wrong city. The power and the solidarity of the people of Minneapolis, Minnesota was an inspiration to the entire country.”
He added:
“Your strength and commitment told us that this is still America, and this reactionary nightmare and these invasions of American cities will not stand.”
Meanwhile, Robert De Niro simultaneously led the No Kings protest in New York.
The veteran actor, who called the movement “hugely successful” and a “great rallying cry,” spoke to the massive crowd:
“It’s time to say no to kings. It’s time to say no to Donald Trump. We’ve had enough.”
The celebrity continued:
“No King Trump, no unnecessary wars that rob our resources, sacrifice our brave servicemen and women, and slaughter innocents. No corrupt leader enriching himself and the Epstein class buddies. No taking away healthcare from our most vulnerable neighbors, no unaffordable groceries, no unaffordable energy, no unaffordable housing, and no inflation at its highest level since COVID. No government masked thugs shooting down our neighbors in the streets.”
Edited by Gladys Altamarino