Global Outrage After Bruce Springsteen Snubbed From Rock Awards—’He Deserved Better!’
In a move that has left fans, critics, and fellow musicians stunned, Bruce Springsteen — known globally as The Boss — was shockingly overlooked at this year’s prestigious Global Rock Legends Awards. The 2025 ceremony, held in London last weekend, failed to include Springsteen in its nominations or special recognition categories, despite his decades of influence, sold-out tours, and recent chart-topping comeback.
Social media erupted almost instantly following the announcement of the winners. Thousands of fans took to X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok to express disbelief and frustration at what many are calling a blatant disrespect toward one of rock’s most iconic figures.
> “How do you celebrate ‘legends’ and leave out Bruce Springsteen?” one fan posted.
“The man has carried rock on his back for over 40 years. This is a disgrace,” another user commented.
Even celebrities weighed in. Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl called the snub “unreal” and said Springsteen “should have been the first name announced.” Meanwhile, veteran rock journalist Janine Holt tweeted, “Springsteen wasn’t just ignored — he was erased from a narrative he helped create.”
What makes the omission even more baffling is that Springsteen has had a remarkably active year. His 2025 “Voices of the Heartland” tour broke ticket records across the U.S. and Europe, while his surprise single “Dust and Glory” topped digital charts within hours of release. He was also featured on Rolling Stone’s cover in March with the headline, “Still Running: Bruce Springsteen Rewrites Rock’s Legacy.”
Representatives of the Rock Legends Awards have not issued an official response to the backlash, and the nomination committee has remained silent amid growing pressure from fans and media alike.
Bruce Springsteen himself has not publicly commented on the incident. However, during a performance in Philadelphia just days after the awards, he paused before his final song and told the crowd, “They don’t hand out respect—you earn it every night. Let’s go earn it.” The crowd roared in approval.
Whether intentional or an unfortunate oversight, the exclusion of Bruce Springsteen has sparked a larger conversation about how rock legends are recognized—and who gets to decide. One thing is clear: The Boss doesn’t need an award to prove he’s still on top
