NY promoter tries to lure Springsteen for N.J. anti-GOP convention event

NEW YORK (Bruce Springsteen Fans Website) - Concert promoter and Democratic Party activist Andrew Rasiej says he has reserved a date at New Jersey's Giants Stadium in hopes that he can lure Bruce Springsteen to play a concert to demonstrate opposition to President Bush during the Republican National Convention across the river in New York City.
"On Sept. 1, the Republicans will hold their convention in New York City and will nominate George Bush for president," Rasiej wrote in an open letter to Springsteen, according to his fans website. "Many people will see this event as it will be broadcast on all the major television networks. However, an opportunity exists at that time to make it clear to Americans that they can choose an alternative to George Bush.

Rasiej has launched the website DraftBruce.com, where he is collecting signatures from fans who support his effort to stage the show. "I have put Giants Stadium on hold on Sept. 1 in the hope that you will lead the music industry in coming together and perform in a concert for change," writes Rasiej. "Once it is known that you are involved, many other artists will want to perform with you."

Rasiej envisions a kind of 2004 Woodstock to deflect attention from Republican activities in New York. Other artists will be lined up if Springsteen signs on, said Rasiej. He said he's approached R.E.M, the Dave Matthews Band, Bob Dylan and Carlos Santana as well. "I've spoken to the manager of R.E.M., to Bon Jovi's people and the rest of the names I've mentioned and they all said, 'if you build it, we will be there,'" Rasiej reportedly said.

Springsteen hasn't commented about the effort, according to LiveDaily, but he has made no secret about his opposition to Bush. Springsteen's official website features links to two liberal political action committees, as well as the text of a recent speech by former Vice President Al Gore.