Maroon 5, the wildly popular band fronted by rock and TV star Adam Levine (and coach on The Voice), has cancelled two scheduled shows in North Carolina. The band joins a list of superstar acts that have left their North Carolina fans in the lurch to protest the controversial state law about public bathroom use — House Bill 2 — which many believe is an anti-LGBT law. The Maroon 5 Charlotte and Raleigh shows were scheduled for September 11 and 12.
The band said the decision was difficult, because they don’t want to “penalize” their fans. (Or, obviously, their standing with their fans.) But Maroon 5 said that “in the end it comes down to what we feel is morally right.” The decision, while popular with many people, isn’t easy for an act to make. Maroon 5 will refund all ticket sales — it will ultimately cost them money to bow out. One factor probably makes it easier for Levine and company: in April rock legend Bruce Springsteen cancelled his show in Greensboro for the same reason. Levine is a rock guy at heart, pushing hard for straight-up rocker Laith Al-Saadi on this year’s The Voice. It’s not hard to picture him late at night asking himself: What Would Bruce Do?
Workin’ on a Dream by Bruce Springsteen is a beautiful song. Kinda sounds like Roy Orbison…
— Adam Levine (@adamlevine) September 5, 2010
