Bruce Springsteen says he still regrets turning down Bono’s request to use “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” in a Gap commercial tied to (RED).
The moment came during Springsteen’s June 13 appearance at the Tribeca Festival in New York City, where Bono presented him with the 2026 Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award. People reported that Bono brought up the old request onstage and reminded Springsteen that the ad would have supported (RED), the AIDS-fighting campaign Bono co-founded with Bobby Shriver.
Springsteen said he should have approved the song. “That was a big mistake … I should have said yes,” he told Bono, according to People. He added that he still thinks about the commercial and said the ad might have helped more people hear the song “like a hit.”
Bono Asked for “Girls in Their Summer Clothes”
Bono recalled praising “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” before asking Springsteen whether he would consider letting it be used for a Gap commercial connected to (RED). Variety also reported on the exchange, noting that Springsteen apologized directly to Bono during the Tribeca event.
“Girls in Their Summer Clothes” appeared on Springsteen’s 2007 album Magic and later won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. Springsteen said the song mattered to him and that his attachment to it was part of why he refused the commercial request at the time.
The Request Was Connected to Bono’s AIDS Campaign
Bono’s request was tied to (RED), the organization he and Shriver launched to raise money and awareness for the fight against AIDS. People reported that the commercial would have placed Springsteen’s song inside that campaign through Gap, rather than a standard brand spot with no charity connection.
Springsteen’s apology came while he was being honored for music and activism. Tribeca Festival describes the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award as an honor for artists who use their platform to advance equality, dignity, and human rights.
Robert De Niro and Patti Smith Joined the Tribute
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Tribeca’s event listing said Bono would present the award and lead a conversation with Springsteen, with Robert De Niro and Patti Smith also joining the tribute. People reported that De Niro praised Springsteen as someone who uses his voice for people without power and called him “fearless and direct.”
Springsteen spoke at the event about art, culture, and politics. After receiving the award, he performed an acoustic version of “Land of Hope and Dreams,” according to People.
Springsteen Has Long Guarded His Songs Carefully
Springsteen’s regret stood out because he has spent decades being careful about how his songs are used. In this case, he said the refusal still bothers him because the request came from Bono and was connected to a cause.
People reported that Springsteen told Bono he owed him an apology for saying no. He did not blame the decision on anyone else or suggest the request had been misunderstood.