Ringo Starr follows Bruce Springsteen and axes North Carolina gig over HB2 law

Ringo Starr has followed Bruce Springsteen’s lead by cancelling a show in North Carolina over the US State’s controversial ‘discriminatory’ HB2 law. 

The Beatles icon was due to play at Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre on 18th June with his All-Starr Band but released a statement explaining his reasons for “fighting against the bigotry of HB2.”

Ringo said: "I'm sorry to disappoint my fans in the area, but we need to take a stand against this hatred. Spread peace and love.

 “How sad that they feel that this group of people cannot be defended."

This highly divisive law is claimed to boost intolerance by limiting anti-discrimination laws against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Ringo’s statement adds that he is now calling on all his fans to back organisations fighting to repeal HB2.

Last Friday Bruce Springsteen cancelled his show in Geensboro, North Carolina just two days before it was due to take place.

The Boss said: “HB2 dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace.

“No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden. To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress.

“Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.”

Meanwhile, Cyndi Lauper has said her gig in Raleigh, North Carolina will go ahead, however she will be donating all profits to anti-HB2 groups.