The autobiography (per Insider) reveals how an excited Springsteen and Van Zandt had purchased tickets and proceeded through the turnstiles only to be apprehended by security Cast Members about 30 feet inside the Park. Why? Because they were wearing bandanas.

In 1984, the legendary musician Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt were famously ejected from Disneyland shortly after entering. The reason for their removal was a strict dress code policy regarding headwear. At the time, both men were wearing bandanas—a signature look for the "Born in the U.S.A." tour. Disney security officers approached them because bandanas were considered "gang-related attire" according to the park's rules during that era. In his 2017 memoir, Springsteen recalled that he and Van Zandt refused to remove the bandanas, with Van Zandt reportedly telling the security staff that it was part of their identity. This refusal led to them being escorted out of the park. Frustrated, they reportedly headed to the nearby Knott's Berry Farm, only to find that the rival theme park had a similar policy regarding bandanas at the time.