Asbury Park, N.J. – The long‑standing Bruce Springsteen fan group known as “Spring‑Nuts” announced it will cease operations after more than a decade of celebrating the music of “The Boss.” The group’s founders, Julie and Howie Chaz, said the decision was forced by a surge of hostile commentary that followed Springsteen’s public endorsement of Michigan’s senator‑elect Abdul El‑Sayed.
Political endorsement fuels online conflict
Spring‑Nuts, a Facebook community of roughly 18,000 members, originally existed to share concert memories, rare recordings, and news about Springsteen’s tours. In November, Springsteen publicly backed El‑Sayed, describing him as a “fighter for our American Constitution.” The endorsement, coupled with Springsteen’s outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump and the “No Kings” protests, ignited a wave of vitriolic posts within the fan group.
“As the world grew increasingly divisive, those tensions inevitably spilled into our little corner of the E Street world,” the Chazes wrote in a statement posted on Sunday, Nov. 8, citing the Asbury Park Press. Members began exchanging personal attacks, bullying, and hateful rhetoric, making it difficult for administrators to maintain a respectful environment while honoring the artist’s right to political expression.
Concerns over extremist associations
According to the founders, the final straw was Springsteen’s praise of El‑Sayed, who had appeared alongside controversial streamer Hasan Piker. The Chazes noted that Piker had previously suggested America “deserved 9/11,” a statement they described as “horrific.” They also referenced a March attack on a Michigan synagogue, which they said El‑Sayed had attempted to rationalize with the phrase “hurt people hurt people,” further alienating the group’s Jewish members.
“We are proud Jews, and the endorsement was deeply disappointing to us,” Julie Chaz said. The couple emphasized that they do not believe Springsteen intended to make fans feel unwelcome, but they felt the artist’s political stance was being used by some members to gatekeep who belonged in the community.
Group will rebrand, focus on music
While the Spring‑Nuts name will be retired, the founders plan to continue their annual Seaside Serenade event and their podcast under a new brand that will center on music rather than politics. “One thing we want to make absolutely clear is that Julie and I can never thank Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band enough for the decades of music, memories, inspiration, and absolute joy they have brought into our lives,” Howie wrote on Facebook.
Springsteen’s own representatives did not respond to a request for comment.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
