On 13 April 2016, Ringo Starr announced the cancellation of a scheduled concert in North Carolina in protest against the state’s controversial House Bill 2 (HB2), widely referred to as the “bathroom law”.

The decision aligned Starr with a growing number of artists refusing to perform in the state, marking a notable moment where a former Beatle took a clear public stance on a contemporary civil rights issue.

The cancelled performance

Starr had been due to appear with his All-Starr Band at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina, on 18 June 2016 as part of his ongoing tour schedule.

The cancellation was formally announced via his official Facebook page, confirming that the decision was directly linked to opposition to HB2.

Context: HB2 legislation

North Carolina’s HB2 law, passed in March 2016 under Governor Pat McCrory, introduced sweeping restrictions affecting LGBT individuals, particularly transgender people.

The legislation required individuals to use public bathrooms corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificate, while also overturning local anti-discrimination ordinances.

Critics argued that the law enabled discrimination by limiting legal protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, prompting widespread backlash from activists, corporations, and the entertainment industry.

Ringo Starr’s statement

In his announcement, Starr expressed regret to fans while emphasising the importance of taking a principled stand:

“I’m sorry to disappoint my fans in the area, but we need to take a stand against this hatred. Spread peace and love.”

He further criticised the implications of the law, stating that it “opens the door to discrimination everywhere” and called on supporters to back organisations working to overturn it.

Artists in protest

Starr joined a broader movement within the music industry, most notably Bruce Springsteen, who had cancelled a Greensboro performance days earlier in protest against what he described as “prejudice and bigotry”.

The collective response from artists significantly amplified public scrutiny of HB2 and contributed to ongoing national debate around LGBT rights in the United States.

Legacy and impact

The cancellation underscored Starr’s long-standing message of “peace and love” while demonstrating a willingness to engage with political and social issues when they intersected with human rights.

It also reflected a broader trend of musicians leveraging touring power as a form of protest, using economic and cultural influence to challenge legislation.

Location

Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary, North Carolina, USA (cancelled performance)

FAQ

Why did Ringo Starr cancel his North Carolina show?

He cancelled in protest against HB2, a law widely criticised as discriminatory toward LGBT individuals.

When was the concert scheduled?

The performance was due to take place on 18 June 2016.

Which other artists protested HB2?

Bruce Springsteen was among the most prominent artists to cancel shows in response to the law.

What message did Starr share?

He urged fans to “spread peace and love” while opposing discrimination and supporting equality.