Jayme Deerwester

USA TODAY

The LBGT community in North Carolina just got a big show of solidarity from none other than Bruce Springsteen.

The rock icon announced Friday on his official website that he is canceling Sunday's scheduled show in Greensboro to protest the state's newly passed House Bill 2 — dubbed the "bathroom law" — which dictates which public restrooms may be used by transgender individuals and prevents LGBT individuals to sue over human rights violations in the workplace.

"Taking all of this into account," he wrote, "I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters. As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have canceled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10th."

North Carolina anti-LGBT law sparks protests

As Springsteen asked fans' forgiveness, he urged them to see the bigger picture.

"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," he observed. "It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards."

At the Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony Friday night in Brooklyn, Steven Van Zandt was asked about the decision.

“That was a tough decision, obviously - you never want to disappoint the fans…We felt the issue was too important. This vile and evil discrimination is starting to spread state to state, and we thought we better take a stand right now, early, and try to stop it," he said. "Or at least set an example for others to do the same… You have to hurt them economically to have them do the right thing morally, unfortunately…We don’t take it lightly, believe me."

In late March, the NBA warned that it may pull the 2017 All-Star Game over the passage of HB 2, noting, "We are deeply concerned that this discriminatory law runs counter to our guiding principles of equality and mutual respect and do not yet know what impact it will have on our ability to successfully host the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte."

North Carolina anti-gay law may jeopardize 2017 NBA All-Star Game

Contributing: Elysa Gardner