Springsteen is a 'bully' for canceling show, North Carolina official says

Updated at 11:54 a.m.: Revised to include North Carolina politician's reaction

A congressman from North Carolina called Bruce Springsteen a "bully" from "the radical left" after Springsteen cancelled a show in that state as a protest against its new "bathroom law."

Springsteen announced on Friday that the E Street Band will not perform as scheduled on Sunday in Greensboro, N.C., because of the law, which restricts which public restrooms transgender people are allowed to use.

"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," Springsteen said. He apologized to fans in Greensboro and said everyone who bought a ticket will receive a refund.

In response, Rep. Mark Walker, a Republican who represents parts of Greensboro, told The Hollywood Reporter: "Bruce is known to be on the radical left, and he's got every right to be so, but I consider this a bully tactic.

"It's like when a kid gets upset and says he's going to take his ball and go home."

He added: "It's disappointing he's not following through on his commitments."

Carolina's music fans will get along just fine without the Boss, Walker said.

"We've got other artists coming soon -- Def Leppard, Justin Bieber. I've never been a Bieber fan, but I might have to go."

The North Carolina law requires people to use public restrooms designated for the gender reflected on their birth certificates.  Its supporters frame it as a public-safety measure intended to protect women, children and others from predators lurking in bathrooms. But many gay rights advocates say the measure deliberately discriminates against transgender individuals.

"Just as important," Springsteen wrote, "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."

In a show of solidarity with "those freedom fighters" who opposed the  bathroom law, the show must not go on, Springsteen wrote.

The River Tour brought Springsteen and the E Street Band to the American Airlines Center on Tuesday. Dallas Morning News music critic Hunter Hauk, echoing the sentiments of devoted Boss fans, gave the concert a glowing review.

"It's difficult," Hauk wrote, "to imagine a better-performed or more perfectly paced concert."