Bruce Springsteen’s concert scheduled for tonight at Madison Square Garden in New York City has been cancelled due to Winter Storm Stella battering the Northeast with blizzard conditions. This last-minute cancellation has left many Springsteen fans disappointed and wondering why the iconic New Jersey rocker won’t be taking the stage as planned.
What is Winter Storm Stella?
Winter Storm Stella is a powerful nor’easter that is hitting the Northeastern United States in mid-March 2017. The storm is bringing blizzard conditions with heavy snowfall, strong winds, coastal flooding, and bitterly cold temperatures. Some areas are expected to receive 12-24 inches of snow. New York City and the surrounding region is being hit particularly hard by the storm.
The National Weather Service issued Blizzard Warnings for New York City, Long Island, southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey, and parts of northern New Jersey. When Blizzard Warnings are in effect, that means sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater and considerable falling and/or blowing snow are expected to prevail for 3 hours or longer. Visibility is expected to be reduced to a quarter mile or less for an extended period of time. These extreme conditions make travel extremely hazardous or even impossible.
Forecast Timeline for NYC Metro Area
- Monday Evening: Light snow develops and becomes steady overnight as winds increase. Slick travel.
- Tuesday Morning: Snowfall rates intense with near blizzard conditions. Heavy snow and blowing snow with visibilities less than a half mile. Snow accumulates rapidly on roads. Travel extremely dangerous.
- Tuesday Afternoon: Snow continues with additional accumulations. Gusty winds cause blowing and drifting snow. Whiteout conditions possible. Roads may be impassable.
- Tuesday Night: Snow tapers off but winds remain gusty. Blowing and drifting snow continue. Dangerous travel conditions.
- Wednesday: Lingering snow showers end early. Blustery and cold with snow cover and hazardous roads.
As this timeline shows, the New York City area is facing incredibly harsh winter weather conditions over the next couple days as Winter Storm Stella passes through.
Why was the Bruce Springsteen Concert Cancelled?
With Winter Storm Stella set to dump over a foot of snow on New York City, bring near blizzard conditions, and make travel extremely perilous, the decision was made to cancel Bruce Springsteen’s scheduled concert at Madison Square Garden tonight.
Here are some key reasons why the concert was cancelled due to the winter storm:
- Safety of fans traveling to and from the event
- Transportation shutdowns and suspensions in the region
- Ban on non-emergency travel in NYC during the storm
- Power outages and loss of other utilities possible
- Load-in and load-out of concert equipment cannot safely take place
- Personnel, vendors, concessions workers unable to get to venue
- Potential structural/technical issues at venue due to inclement weather
Ultimately, the severe weather conditions make it logistically impossible and unsafe for the concert to take place as scheduled. The safety of Bruce Springsteen’s fans and all personnel involved in putting on the concert is the top priority.
Reaction from Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen released a statement via social media expressing his regret that the show could not go on but supporting the decision to cancel for safety reasons. Here is his full statement:
“Due to Winter Storm Stella, for the safety of all, tonight’s show at Madison Square Garden is postponed. Fans should hold on to their tickets as we look to reschedule. Stay safe everyone.” – Bruce Springsteen
As a native of coastal New Jersey who has lived through many northeastern storms over the decades, Springsteen understands the seriousness of the weather situation and need to cancel. While always deeply committed to giving everything he’s got on stage for his loyal fans, The Boss placed safety ahead of pushing forward the show tonight.
Details on Rescheduling the Show
At this time, a rescheduled date for the Madison Square Garden concert has not been announced. Fans are advised to hold onto their tickets, as they will be honored for the make-up show once a new date is scheduled. Ticketmaster will issue a notification to all ticket holders once the new concert date is determined.
Bruce Springsteen is currently in the midst of an extended concert tour marking the 40th Anniversary of his iconic album The River. He is next scheduled to perform in Buffalo, NY on March 23. It remains to be seen if Winter Storm Stella will impact any other upcoming shows on the tour.
Impact on Fans
For fans anxiously looking forward to tonight’s big show at The Garden in NYC, this last-minute cancellation is sure to be a major disappointment. Many fans traveled from near and far to see The Boss rock the legendary Madison Square Garden.
However, E Street Nation is known for being extremely devoted, passionate, and understanding when it comes to their musical hero Bruce Springsteen. While this lost concert opportunity is unfortunate, most fans recognize it is the right call not to put audience members and workers in danger traveling to the event with the brutal storm hitting the region.
Some dedicated fans may still congregate around the concert venue tonight and have impromptu tailgating parties in the spirit of celebrating Bruce Springsteen, despite the cancelling show. However, authorities strongly advise against any unnecessary travel or outdoor activities during the brunt of the storm on Tuesday.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
Here is a sampling of fan reactions on social media to news that tonight’s Bruce Springsteen MSG show would not go on due to Winter Storm Stella:
@springsteenfan73 | Totally bummed the big @Springsteen and the E Street Band concert won’t happen tonight in NYC but it’s the right call. Everyone stay safe! |
@badlandsbaby | Noooo was so excited for Bruce at MSG tonight! But weather safety first. We’ll be back on the streets of Philadelphia when they reschedule. |
@thunderroadie | Snowed out of the Bruce show tonight but just means we’ll have even more energy when The Boss lights up MSG another night. Stay warm fans! |
While disappointed, most loyal Bruce Springsteen fans seem to be taking the show cancellation due to extreme weather in stride.
Historical Context
This is far from the first Bruce Springsteen concert impacted by inclement weather over his long, venerable career.
Some other notable examples of Bruce Springsteen shows cancelled due to weather events include:
- August 26, 1984 – Boreal Ridge Ski Resort in Canada – Severe winds
- November 2, 1991 – State University of New York – Heavy snow
- August 11, 2003 – Giants Stadium in New Jersey – Electrical storm
- May 2, 2008 – Virginia Beach Amphitheater – Tornado weather threat
While always a disappointment for his legions of fans when shows get nixed due to weather issues, Springsteen has amassed such an extensive concert catalog over 40+ years of performing that cancelled gigs here and there are inevitable.
Other Major Concerts Cancelled Due to Weather
Bruce Springsteen is far from the only music superstar who has had to cancel highly anticipated concerts because of weather conditions. Here are some other examples over the years:
Artist | Venue | Date | Reason |
---|---|---|---|
The Rolling Stones | Churchill Downs in KY | June 8, 2019 | Thunderstorms/Lightning |
Taylor Swift | US Bank Stadium in MN | August 31, 2018 | Inclement Weather |
Zac Brown Band | Fenway Park in MA | May 9, 2015 | Cold Rain |
Paul McCartney | Times Union Center in NY | July 5, 2014 | Illness |
Major concerts getting cancelled or postponed due to weather beyond the artist’s control is an occasional fact of life, as Bruce Springsteen and his fans unfortunately experienced tonight.
Conclusion
Bruce Springsteen’s hotly anticipated concert tonight at Madison Square Garden has been cancelled due to Winter Storm Stella battering the Northeast with blizzard conditions. This was a prudent decision made with the safety of all those involved in mind, but still devastating for fans. Most understand the call and look forward to seeing The Boss rock on another night once the show is rescheduled. While not his first weather-related cancellation over his career, Springsteen surely hates to disappoint his loyal supporters who had braved the storm to see him. But the right choice was made, allowing E Street Nation to come together for another legendary night as soon as conditions safely permit.