Share the Wealth

For years Bruce Springsteen has invited non-profit groups to raise funds for the homeless and hungry during his concerts, and he announces the names of those group near the end of his shows. Few artists follow his generous lead, and I give him his props for this great work, and for his heroic effort supporting the election of President Barack Obama.

You may be aware that the E-Street Band / Bruce Springsteen tours are among the most popular in the world earning Bruce and his band truckloads of cash. In 2003, the Boss earned $116 million dollars, according to Yahoo. In 2005, Bruce Springsteen earned $55 million, according to Forbes. Over his lifetime, Bruce has earned perhaps more than $250 million dollars.

I would wager a bet that the Boss needs not a penny more to remain one of the most successful and wealthy touring musicians of all time! And while I appreciate his donation of real estate to non profit groups that raise funds in the lobby of his shows, how about if the top 10 performing artists donated 1/3 of their profits to the charities in the areas of their shows?

I don't begrudge wealth. But these are tough times and I just saw disconnect at a recent show when reps of a charity were struggling to attract the attention of fans who were more interested in the Boss than sharing with them a shiny nickle.

It might put tons of good money - your money - towards causes other than simply enriching the bands....most of whom are plenty wealthy - because we buy their records, their T-shirts, and concert tickets, etc.

Food for thought?