The cover of the “Restore the Shore” single.
Performing at benefit concerts is a routine part of musicians’ lives. And performing on benefit singles … well, musicians aren’t necessarily asked to do that a lot, but when they are, they almost always say yes.
After Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast in 2012, Jersey Shore musicians united for many charitable efforts, including the single “Restore the Shore,” spearheaded by singer-songwriter Lisa Bouchelle to raise money for the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. Participants included Southside Johnny, Gary U.S. Bonds, Garry Tallent of The E Street Band, Bobby Bandiera, John Popper of Blues Traveler, Steve Forbert, Glen Burtnik, Jerry Gaskill of King’s X, John Easdale of Dramarama, Christine Martucci, and Jay Siegal of The Tokens. The cover of the single shows the Seaside Heights roller coaster, immersed in water.
“What happened was heart-wrenching,” Bouchelle, who co-wrote the song, told Billboard magazine in late 2013. “Jerry Gaskill is among the people who lost their homes, and a lot of clubs still haven’t reopened. We just wanted to do something to give back. Now, a year later, it’s important to continue raising awareness that a lot of people and businesses are still in need. ‘Restore the Shore’ is our battle cry.”
New Jersey celebrated its 350th birthday in 2014. And in the 350 Jersey Songs series, we marked the occasion by posting 350 songs — one a day, from September 2014 to September 2015 — that have something to do with the state, its musical history, or both. To see the entire list, click here.
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