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Bono Teases Springsteen on Song Choice
14 Jun
Summary
- Bono joked about Springsteen's rejection of Gap commercial song.
- Springsteen admitted he regretted not licensing his song.
- Both artists performed together at the Tribeca Festival.

At the Tribeca Festival, Bono playfully recounted his past attempt to convince Bruce Springsteen to allow his song "Girls in Their Summer Clothes" to be used in a Gap commercial for Bono's (RED) foundation. Springsteen, who was present to receive the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award, acknowledged the missed opportunity with a laugh, stating he regretted not saying yes to the 2008 request.
Springsteen described the song as a personal favorite that he felt audiences did not fully connect with, but he now believes a commercial placement would have elevated its reach. Bono presented Springsteen, calling him "America" and praising his work as a musician, poet, activist, and patriot. The evening also touched upon Springsteen's tour and his activism.
The event concluded with a joint performance where Springsteen and Bono sang backup on Patti Smith's song "People Have the Power." Springsteen then treated the audience to an acoustic rendition of "Land of Hope and Dreams."