News - Springsteen and Christie's Awkward Moment Revives Old Tensions

In a recent concert at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, legendary rock musician Bruce Springsteen appeared to ignore former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's attempt at a handshake, highlighting an ongoing tension between the two. The incident, which gained widespread attention on social media after journalist Mike Ryan posted a video, occurred as 'The Boss' interacted with the crowd, shaking hands with fans. Christie, a well-known super-fan, had previously attended over 100 Springsteen concerts but was seemingly overlooked this time. The historical context of their relationship adds depth to this public snub. Christie's admiration for Springsteen has been public and outspoken, even cherishing brief moments of camaraderie facilitated by former President Barack Obama following Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The two shared a conciliatory phone call and even hugged at a benefit concert, marking the peak of their interaction. However, their relationship took a downturn with the 'Bridgegate' scandal in 2013, when Springsteen, alongside Jimmy Fallon, mocked Christie's administration with a satirical rendition of 'Born to Run.' The song referenced the controversial closure of the Fort Lee toll plaza, which was alleged to have been orchestrated by Christie's staff as political retribution. Although Christie never faced criminal charges, the scandal left a lasting impact on his political career. In contrast, Springsteen, known for his straightforwardness, recently demonstrated a gesture of national unity in Austin, Texas, during a concert on April 26. He called for political peace and offered a prayer in response to a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner attended by President Donald Trump. Despite various developments in their relationship, Springsteen's apparent disregard for Christie at the recent concert suggests unresolved tensions, even as the rock icon advocates for dialogue over discord in the political sphere. This event raises discussions about the interplay between personal admiration and political disagreements in the public eye.