21 Years Ago, Legendary Rocker's Album Hit No.1 Despite Being Banned From a Major Retailer

These days, coffee shops are mostly associated with an overly priced, alternative milk lattes and spotty at best WiFi. But back in 2005, Starbucks was a place where you could actually buy the next big CD and they were often responsible for major sales for record labels. Which is why for part of the marketing strategy for his thirteenth studio album, Devils & Dust, Bruce Springsteen was in talks to have the massive conglomerate carry the album.

Until Starbucks ultimately declined on the partnership.

According to news outlets at the time, Starbucks objected to sections of lyrics in the song "Reno" on the album, given the references to sexual acts and prostitution. Springsteen also was opposed to a co-branded disc version and promotional deal that prominently featured the Starbucks name and branding on the album. Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment in 2005, said to Reuters of the somewhat of a ban, "There were a number of factors involved. It [the lyrics] was one of the factors, but not the only reason."

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Devils & Dust contained songs Springsteen had written over a decade prior, including "All the Way Home," "Long Time Comin'," and "The Hitter." The album debuted at number one on Billboard making it Springsteen's seventh overall number one, and fourth number one debut. It was released to rave reviews and critical acclaim, with Rolling Stonecalling it "Springsteen's most audacious record since the home-demo American Gothic of 1982's 'Nebraska."' Devils & Dust would go on to receive five Grammy nominations, and won the award for Best Solo Rock Vocal.

While it's safe to say that Devils & Dust was successful with or without a major partnership, Springsteen did make sure to get in the last word. While playing a show at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia, Springsteen introduced "Reno," the song that ultimately resulted in the ban, by jokingly letting the audience know the album would be available, "at Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme stores everywhere."

Related: Legendary Rocker Released 2 Albums At Once 34 Years Ago Today

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This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 2:00 AM.