At the Tribeca Festival on June 13th, Bruce Springsteen apologised for not licensing his song ‘Girls in Their Summer Clothes’ for a GAP clothing advertisement to raise funds for Bono’s RED AIDS Foundation.
In 2008, Bono asked Springsteen to include his song into the advertisement that he partnered with to raise funds against HIV/AIDS in African countries.
“I should have said yes. You have these songs that became your own personal favorites, but the audience doesn’t care if they hear them that much or not. That’s one of them. I love that song. Damn it, I still think back, ‘Bono asked me if I should put that in a commercial on television. I should have fuckin’ done it. People would hear it like a hit.’ I have to apologize.”
Springsteen was awarded The Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award on Saturday at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Centre in New York, in honour of his unwearied activism.
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He was presented the award by U2 frontman Bono, who reflected on his own encounters with the singer. He said “I once had the audacity to ask this great songwriter why he didn’t write more about himself.”
Bono reminded the singer about the GAP ad in 2008 while he presented the award. Springsteen apologised, saying that it was ‘a big mistake’ not to license his song.
Springsteen reflected on the United States, saying it is one of the most divisive times he’s lived through since the late ‘60s.
Bono talked about Springsteen’s political stance in the United States and he asked if his public political stance including his criticism of Donald Trump and ICE made him “feel torn” over the fact that some fans with opposing views will refuse to see him live as a result.
He responded saying “You have to do two things. You make your stand, and you follow your beliefs.”
He stated “I don’t even really consider myself an activist. I feel like I’m, at best, a concerned citizen…I sing my songs, I say a few things and wish for the best, you know, help folks out a little bit here and a little bit there.”
Later on in the ceremony, Bono joined Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith for an intimate performance of “People Have the Power” after presenting Springsteen with the 2026 Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Change Award.
