Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, and friends host a gathering at the Stone Pony in 1991.
Last Thursday, the Stone Pony reverberated with nostalgic echoes of its heyday in the 1970s. A sense of a bygone era enveloped the famous Asbury Park club, with familiar faces dotting the scene. Bruce Springsteen, Little Steven Van Zandt, Southside Johnny Lyon, Patti Scialfa, and members of the E Street Band and Asbury Jukes meandered through the venue. Security tightened its grip on the surroundings, closing off Second Avenue from Ocean Avenue to Kingsley Street. Yet, an air of casual camaraderie permeated the atmosphere.
What unfolded was a deliberate attempt to recreate the ambiance of the mid-’70s – a time when Southside was the Pony’s house band, and Springsteen had not yet ascended to superstardom. Director Nigel Dick, known for his work with Guns N’ Roses, supervised the filming of Southside’s new music video for “It’s Been a Long Time,” a track from his album “Better Days.” The album, releasing on October 26, pays homage to the Jersey Shore rock of the mid-’70s, a period of artistic inception for the trio of musicians.
As Southside Johnny elaborated, the songs on “Better Days” are an ode to their formative years in Asbury Park. Reflecting on shared memories, Southside acknowledged that the project aimed to reconnect with their musical roots. Filming at the Stone Pony served a dual purpose – not only evoking a sense of nostalgia but also providing a suitable backdrop for the music’s raw, authentic sound. The intimate setting of the Pony was a stark contrast to the grandeur of Madison Square Garden, a deliberate choice to enhance the album’s authenticity.
Later that evening, Southside captivated the audience with a live performance of songs from “Better Days,” backed by the Asbury Jukes and E Street Band members Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent. Journalists, record executives, devoted fans, and ticket winners basked in the musical spectacle. A surprise appearance by Jon Bon Jovi added to the night’s allure, as he joined Southside onstage for a rendition of “I’ve Been Working Too Hard.”
A crescendo awaited as Van Zandt, Springsteen, and Southside united on stage with the Jukes for a memorable rendition of “It’s Been a Long Time.” The electrifying air resonated with the classic vibe that made the Stone Pony legendary. For the spirited performance of “Havin a’ Party,” Jon Bon Jovi reappeared, creating a once-in-a-lifetime tableau of musical talent.
As the night unfolded, the Stone Pony found itself basking in its former glory, reminiscent of its illustrious past. The presence of prominent publications and networks documenting the event added to the nostalgic aura. Co-owner Robert “Butch” Pielka reminisced about a time when friendship and collaboration were commonplace, signaling a return to the Pony’s halcyon days.
In reflection, Max Weinberg noted the enduring influence of New Jersey on its native sons, Springsteen, Van Zandt, and Southside. Despite the passage of time, the vibrant spirit of the Garden State remained alive within them. As the night drew to a close, the Stone Pony had once again asserted its status as a beacon of musical heritage and artistic camaraderie.