Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan recently defended Bruce Springsteen’s decision to perform cover songs during live shows. He responded to criticism from radio personality Eddie Trunk in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The exchange began when Trunk criticized artists with extensive catalogs for choosing to perform cover songs during their concerts. He specifically referenced Springsteen’s cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain” during a Minneapolis show.
“I will never understand why artists with huge deep catalogs do cover songs live,” Trunk said. “I get it’s cool / different for them. But if I’m going to see an act with a deep big catalog I love I want to hear their songs. Unless they had a hit with that cover. Then I get it. IMO.”
McKagan responded directly to Trunk’s criticism. He offered a different perspective on the artistic choice.
“Because it’s an epic song and he (Bruce Springsteen) is in Minneapolis and this would have been amazing to see,” McKagan said. “Period. Doing covers pays the utmost respect…. Especially when you do have a huge catalogue like Bruce. Prince is all-time. Let them artists be.”
The debate highlights differing views on how established artists should approach their live performances and the role of cover songs in honoring musical influences.
The specific performance that sparked this discussion occurred during Springsteen’s recent tour kickoff. National Today reported that Bruce Springsteen’s Minneapolis “Purple Rain” cover on April 1, 2026, featured guitarist Tom Morello delivering a searing rendition of Prince’s concluding guitar solo during the kickoff of the ‘Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour’ at Target Center. The performance tied into the show’s tributes to local tragedies.
This wasn’t Springsteen’s first time paying tribute to the Minneapolis icon through music. Covered by Bruce Springsteen documents that Springsteen has a history of covering “Purple Rain” four times. The performances started with its debut on February 23, 1985, and included notable performances like the emotional 2016 Barclays Center opener two days after Prince’s death, where the stage was bathed in purple light and the band wore purple accessories.
The connection between these two musical legends runs deeper than occasional covers. KQ2 noted that Prince and Springsteen shared mutual admiration. This was highlighted by Prince’s praise in a late interview for Springsteen’s bandleading skills, and their 1984 chart rivalry where “Purple Rain” displaced “Born in the U.S.A.” at No. 1.
“There’s never been anyone better. Bandleader, showman, arranger… Whenever I would catch one of [Prince’s] shows, I would always leave humbled. I’m going to miss that. We’re going to miss that,” Springsteen said about Prince in April 2016. E Street Shuffle documented this statement.
The choice to perform “Purple Rain” in Minneapolis carries particular significance, as the city was Prince’s hometown and the song remains one of his most iconic works. McKagan’s defense of Springsteen’s artistic decision reflects a broader understanding among musicians about the importance of honoring influences and connecting with local audiences through meaningful tributes.
