Jonathan Cain, the longtime keyboardist and guitarist for Journey, has unleashed a scathing critique of Bruce Springsteen, calling the legendary rocker an “annoying, bitter old man” who should “shut up” about politics.

Cain made the remarks during an appearance on the Tom Barnard Podcast, where he discussed his conservative beliefs and his views on celebrities using their platforms for political messaging.

Cain initially addressed Springsteen’s reputation as an outspoken political figure, saying, “You were ‘Born in the USA,’ weren’t you? So act like it.”

His comments took aim at what he sees as hypocrisy in Springsteen’s political commentary, contrasting it with his own approach to making music.

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Speaking about life in the United States, Cain said, “We’re blessed to live where we live. And I’m obviously a conservative. I used to be a Democrat back in the old days, but I just couldn’t go there anymore.”

The musician went on to explain how his political views shifted over time, recalling, “I thought Obama, maybe, but then I saw where he was going and I’m, like, ‘Okay, we can’t have this anymore.’ So I’m a diehard conservative.”

Cain expressed frustration that musicians often mix politics with their art, saying, “And guys like Bruce Springsteen should shut up. Honestly, shut up, Bruce. Him and… who’s the other one? Robert De Niro. I mean, who cares, guys? Really? Do your art.”

He emphasized that his own music avoids political themes, stating, “I try to keep politics out of my music.”

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Cain said this approach reflects his passion for unity, adding, “I’m releasing this patriotic song because I’m a diehard patriot.”

The song, titled “The Winds of Freedom: A Salute to America,” was released in recognition of the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.

The musician described his artistic philosophy, saying, “I think we should do what we do, and try to unify. I think our job is unifying people, and I feel the same way with Journey.” Cain said that during live shows, audiences of varying political affiliations come together to sing songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

While Cain identifies as both Christian and conservative, he said he doesn’t use the stage as a platform for those topics.

“Now, people say, ‘Well, you’re Christian and you’re conservative,’ and I’m, like, ‘So what?’ I don’t preach it on stage. I don’t spend ten minutes talking about it,” he remarked.

Cain elaborated further on why he disapproves of celebrity activism.

“I just don’t think it’s cool to have celebrities going there. It’s a bad look,” he said.

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His comments seemed directed at what he views as overexposure of political opinion in entertainment.

Turning back to Springsteen, Cain added, “And, Bruce, I mean, what the heck? I used to like him, and now he’s just annoying. He’s an annoying, bitter old man. I mean, story it, really. You were ‘born in the USA,’ weren’t you, dude? So, act like it.”

He also criticized the iconic Springsteen song “Born in the USA,” claiming its message was negative toward the country.

“But even that song, if you look at the lyrics, it’s a kind of a diss to our country,” Cain said.

Beyond the remarks about Springsteen, Cain discussed his own recent musical efforts, including “No One Else,” a song he released in honor of conservative figure Charlie Kirk.

Meanwhile, his band Journey is preparing for its fall North American “Final Frontier” farewell tour, scheduled to begin in September.

Springsteen, for his part, has spent much of the past year publicly criticizing President Donald Trump during his “Land of Hope and Dreams American” tour.

Reports said he regularly attacked the administration from the stage and expressed that he was not concerned about losing fans over his political stance, asserting, “I’m ready for all that.”

Earlier this month, Springsteen also described himself as a “patriot” for opposing Trump.

Cain’s remarks highlight the cultural divide that continues to shape the relationship between entertainment and politics.

His call for artists to “do your art” and avoid partisanship stands in stark contrast to performers like Springsteen who blend activism and performance as a matter of conviction.

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