Jonathan Cain, keyboardist for the rock band Journey, has taken aim at music icon Bruce Springsteen in a recent interview, calling him an "annoying, bitter old man" who should "shut up" about politics.
Cain made the comments during an appearance on a popular podcast, where he also criticized Springsteen's outspoken views on politics and argued that artists should leave politics off the stage.
"Guys like Bruce Springsteen should shut up," Cain said. "You know, really, honestly, shut up, Bruce."
Cain also took aim at actor Robert De Niro, saying "Him and... who's the other one? Robert De Niro. I mean, who cares, guys? Do your art. I try to keep politics out of my music."
Cain, who is married to evangelist Paula White-Cain, an adviser to US President Donald Trump, described himself as a "diehard conservative." He argued that while his own political beliefs are well known, he doesn't use Journey concerts to promote them.
"People say, 'Well, you're a Christian and you're conservative,' and I'm like, 'So what?' I don't preach it on stage. I don't spend 10 minutes talking about it," Cain said.
Cain contrasted that approach with Springsteen, who has frequently criticized Trump and spoken about the political climate during his live shows. Springsteen recently made three separate rants against the "corruption" and "incompetence" of the Trump administration during his UK and European tour.
US President Donald Trump responded to Springsteen's comments on social media, writing, "I see that Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen goes to a Foreign Country to speak badly about the President of the United States."
Cain also took aim at one of Springsteen's most famous songs, "Born in the USA," arguing that it's often misunderstood.
"You were born in the USA, weren't you, dude? So act like it," he said. "But even that song, if you look at the lyrics, it's kind of a diss toward our country."
Cain insisted, however, that his own patriotic music is different. He recently released a solo single called "Winds of Freedom," which he described as a tribute to America inspired by conservative author and evangelical commentator Eric Metaxas.
Cain originally joined Journey in 1980, replacing Gregg Rolie. He reflected on the band's decades-long career, recalling a time when it became "cool to hate" the band and dismissing criticism from Rolling Stone. He also defended Journey's decision to return to touring early during the Covid pandemic, despite criticism at the time.
Journey remains on its long-running farewell tour, although no final date has been announced. The band has continued performing despite well-documented tensions between Cain and guitarist Neal Schon.
