Bruce Springsteen cover band pulls out of New Jersey inauguration gig

The B Street Band, a Bruce Springsteen cover group, has withdrawn from its scheduled performance at a New Jersey inaugural gala on the eve of President-elect Donald Trumps swearing in.

The group and its keyboardist and manager, Will Forte, posted a message on Facebook saying that they have decided not to perform out of "respect and gratitude" for Springsteen, who supported Hillary Clinton in the election and has since been critical of Trump, reports variety.com.

"With deepest apologies to our fans and the New Jersey Inaugural Ball committee, the B Street Band is withdrawing from performing at this year's inauguration Gala. Our decision is based SOLELY on the respect and gratitude we have for Bruce and the E Street Band," the group wrote.

They had been booked for the Garden State Inaugural Ball, which is scheduled for Thursday at the Washington Court Hotel.

The post read: "Bruce's music has been the foundation of our livelihood. The B Street Band would not exist without the talents of Bruce and our E Street brothers. We are most grateful to these rock legends and look forward to many more years of emulating and performing the Forever Music, of Bruce Springsteen."

The New Jersey State Society, which holds the event, said that it was non-partisan. It is also independent of the official inaugural events being organised by Trump's team.

Several performers have faced a social media backlash after plans were disclosed that they were being approached to perform or were booked.

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