Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain has publicly criticised Bruce Springsteen, branding him a "bitter old man" and telling him to "shut up" about politics. Cain made the comments during an appearance on the Tom Barnard Podcast, part of The Complete Disaster Network, while discussing his frustration with left-leaning celebrities who speak out on political issues.

Cain, a self-described "diehard conservative" whose wife Paula White-Cain serves as a senior adviser in the White House Faith Office, also singled out actor Robert De Niro for criticism, arguing that public figures should "do your art" rather than engage in political commentary. He noted he was once a Democrat but moved away from the party, and dismissed Springsteen's "Born in the USA" as containing lyrics critical of the country. Notably, Cain and Springsteen are both 76 years old, despite Cain's "old man" jibe. Cain also referenced musician Kid Rock as a fellow conservative ally in the industry and mentioned his recent single "No One Else", released in tribute to a slain right-wing activist.