The Stone Pony opened on February 8, 1974 in Asbury Park and has become one of the world’s best-known music venues. It is an integral and irreplaceable part of Asbury Park’s history. One of the original bands to play at this club was The Blackberry Booze Band, which featured Ocean Grove resident "Southside" Johnny Lyon and Middletown's Steve Van Zandt. The band was renamed Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and played three nights a week at the club. Popular bands performed at the Pony during the '70s and still do to this day. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band are only some of the greats whose careers were sky rocketed after performing at the Pony. As Asbury Park has evolved so has the legendary Stone Pony; it is still a prominent component of New Jerseys music scene. Former vice president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Robert Santelli, stated, "the club has already earned its place in history as one of rock 'n' roll's great venues. Most rock critics and historians that I come in contact with on a regular basis feel that The Stone Pony is one of greatest rock clubs of all time.” Snoop Dog, The Black Crowes, The Pretenders, Peter Frampton and Snoop Dogg were among the recent performers who graced the Pony’s stage. The Stone Pony has been a vital component in many Jersey Shore residents’ lives for decades. My mother grew up in Lakewood and spent many weekends at the Pony watching Bruce Springsteen as well as many other performances. Since I was little I have heard my mom talk extensively about her tome spent at The Stone Pony and how much she loved going there. The Stone Pony is a vital part of New Jersey’s musical history as well as present. In this upcoming May I believe I will also be attending a concert at this historical musical venue; The Bamboozle Festival we be held in Asbury Park this year and some of the bands, including Bon Jovi will be performing here. I hope I will be able to witness a part of the extensive history that has been made here.
After learning about the history of Asbury Park, I think it is important to note The Stone Pony and its importance. Since it is such a well known musical venue, I feel that this is why Asbury has grown into a diverse area that attracts people from all over NJ and the country as well. I also think it is symbolic that Bon Jovi will be performing there because it signifies a true American musician performing in a venue that demonstrates his background and his pride in his state.
ReplyDeleteSpending a considerable amount of time learning about Springsteen and Asbury Park this is an important icon to note in New Jersey. This seems like it was the place to be back in the day and maybe still is today, I do not know. Overall music is an important part of our state and I am sure the stone pony and Springsteen played a large role in doing this.
ReplyDeleteAfter learning so much about Springsteen in class it's nice to see a post about the place where he began playing. I've heard many great things about The Stone Pony but have never made the trip to see any concerts there. I'm considering going to the BarstoolSports Party there in March.
ReplyDeleteOHHH NO! Bamboozle in Asbury Park!? Are you sure the Stone Pony will survive?
ReplyDelete