Wow. The Boss and Sir Paul McCartney were performing together in Hyde Park in London last night when someone pulled the plug on them due to curfew. Bruce Springsteen’s guitarist, Steven Van Zandt, was more than a bit miffed.
English cops may be the only individuals left on earth that wouldn't want to hear one more from Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney!
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 15, 2012
We break curfews in every country but only English cops needs to "punish us" by not letting us leave until the entire crowd goes.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 15, 2012
Is there just too much fun in the world? We would have been off by 11 if we'd done one more. On a Saturday night! Who were we disturbing?
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 15, 2012
The cops got nothing more important to do? How about they go catch some criminals instead of fucking with 80,000 people having a good time?
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 15, 2012
I'm sorry but I have to be honest I'm pissed. Like I said, it didn't ruin the great night. But when I'm jamming with McCartney don't bug me!
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 15, 2012
If it's a public transport issue I'm sorry but people are adult enough to go get a train if they need to without the cops pulling the plug!
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 15, 2012
Recommended
Personal responsibility and treating people as the adults they are instead of children of The State? What a concept! An irony and something for Bruce Springsteen, an Obama supporter, to ponder: Is it different when it happens here, to everyone?
Ha! @raindogs70 just reminded me how the Beatles' rooftop concert ended. Not much has changed in 43 years!
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 15, 2012
Mr. Van Zandt’s graciousness and fan appreciation still comes through, though, even in the face of his anger.
Very proud of our association with Hard Rock Calling and Hard Rock in general and what they're doing for Rock music.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 15, 2012
Hard Rock would have let us play all night.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 15, 2012
There's no grudges to be held. Just feel bad for our great fans. Hard Rock is cool. Live Nation is cool. It's some City Council stupid rule.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 15, 2012
Many fans agree with Mr. Van Zandt and are furious at the silencing action.
Ashamed to be British right now. Springsteen and McCartney playing Twist & Shout in Hyde Park and council pulled the plug cos of curfew. WTF
— Stephen Merchant (@StephenMerchant) July 14, 2012
How could cops pull the plug on Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney ?
— Pattie. (@PattieBoydRP) July 15, 2012
Can't believe they pulled the plug on Springsteen and Macca last night in Hyde Park. What joyless, bitter killjoy made that decision? #shame
— Pegg News (@simonpegg) July 15, 2012
Well after last night it's safe to say the hyde park council are a bunch of wankers …
— George Butler (@GButler94) July 15, 2012
https://twitter.com/richjamesmetro/status/224295502764716032
https://twitter.com/richjamesmetro/status/224469634403942401
More from Metro:
Three hours of the finest music ever played in Hyde Park culminating in a duet some had waited a lifetime to see ended by a pathetic argument over time.
Saturday night had the potential to be a timeless moment, a piece of rock and roll history. Those who were there will remember it fondly but the memory will forever be tinged by the knowledge Bruce never got to say goodbye and we never got the chance to thank him.
All because of some prat with a stopwatch.
On the plus side? It was a great show while it lasted.
Just played at Hyde Park, London with John Fogerty and Springsteen sat in. 75,000 people attended. pic.twitter.com/OEQJRPWm
— KennyAronoff (@AronoffOFFICIAL) July 15, 2012
McCartney joins Springsteen onstage at Hyde Park, but Bruce gets busted by the curfew pic.twitter.com/ekfpHc6J
— Greasy Lake (@GreasyLake) July 14, 2012
An amazing time in Hyde Park! We got to meet the Boss (I died!!) and ran into @NEEDTOBREATHE! Love them!!! http://t.co/jaMkFxXM
— Hillary Scott (@HillaryScottLA) July 14, 2012
Wait … was it the council’s fault or was it the fault of this snarky Twitter user?
Tripped over a long cable in Hyde Park. Hope it was nothing important.
— Liz Buckley (@liz_buckley) July 15, 2012
Ha! And this Twitter user brings it home with some common sense advice.
Hyde Park residents should pipe down over concerts (which bring heaps of funding to park). Want a quiet life? don't live in central London!
— Bryony Gordon (@bryony_gordon) July 15, 2012
Join the conversation as a VIP Member