I had the pleasure of seeing “Wittenberg” Sunday night and heartily concur with this favorable review. One of my favorite silly lines went “The Dane’s pain is mainly in the brain.”
Jay, wishing you the very best with your new venture. Nobody in Jersey knows music and the arts like you. You’ve been a seasoned music veteran for over 25 years. Here is a toast to you for the next 25 years!
There may be no one in the state better qualified to do this than you, Jay. I’m rooting for all the support you need to make yours THE go-to site for arts in New Jersey!
Already added to my Feedly! Best of success. ________________
Scott Sheldon
The Sanctuary Concerts
240 Southern Boulevard
Chatham, NJ http://www.sanctuaryconcerts.org
9.20 JANIS IAN
10.18 GARY WRIGHT “Dreamweaver” Memoir Tour
11.9 ARLO GUTHRIE
12.7 DAR WILLIAMS “Honesty Room” Performance
4.25 JAMES KEELAGHAN, ARCHIE FISHER, and JEZ LOWE “Men At Words”
Congratulations, Jay! Your story about “cover bands” you wrote years ago which included my Frank Zappa tribute big band was one of the most thoughtful and flattering reviews I ever received. I always read and enjoyed your work!
congratulations. An undertaking long overdue and well worth the energy. I wish you much success. Can you entice Michael Redmond and Valerie Sudol to join your effort? :-)
Thanks for the shout-out, Philip! As much as I’m cheering Jay on, I don’t see much role for me at NJARTS.net, as earlier this year we moved to Delaware and so I’m no longer involved in any meaningful way with New Jersey’s cultural life. I don’t think one covers an arts scene authentically from a distance — you gotta be there, it’s a physical thing, a people thing, a face-time thing. But I’ll be reading this site faithfully. All best, in all ways! /mr/
Glad to see you continue the work that you know and love best. Please keep up the great job you’ve always done, and again, thanks for the wonderful articles you have written both about myself and many other talented Jersey artists. You are always on top of the NJ arts and will encourage others to support you also.
What will the role of arts in higher education be in this web site? Will professional artists who happen to be faculty in institutions of higher education be relegated to the “non-professional” category and therefore not previewed or reviewed by the web-based press? Will professional guest artists from national and international locations be ignored because they have been commissioned by institutions of higher education? Inquiring minds want to know…
“What will the role of arts in higher education be in this web site?” — I’m not really planning to cover that. “Will professional artists who happen to be faculty in institutions of higher education be relegated to the “non-professional” category and therefore not previewed or reviewed by the web-based press?” — I’m open to writing about such artists. Am not looking to relegate anyone. “Will professional guest artists from national and international locations be ignored because they have been commissioned by institutions of higher education?” — No
We’ll never forget, though, Nellie’s answer to Ted Chapin’s question about whether she plans to do any more acting. “Only in real life,” she replied. BTW, I seem to recall a mention from the stage that the air dates for these specials will be in January.
This design is spectacular! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Another fine entry in the Institute’s Dance Symposium Series! If you want to see amazing dance performances up close and personal, rather than from the 25th row in some huge theater, you’ve got to check this series out!
Jay, kudos for writing exactly what I thought when I read the lyrics to the five proposed state songs in the morning paper: None of them, especially the treacly, badly-rhymed Red Mascara song, could be sung without cringing. Although I can’t imagine “got no time for the corner boys” being recited in public-school classrooms, I have to think that a competition, attracting talented professional songwriters, would produce something subtle, powerful, and inspiring.
I saw the opening ion Sunday. The second half of the show totally DRAGS.
The Can-Can numbers themselves are both in the first half and the main number stopped the show with a near two minute standing ovation.
The writer of this article may not like this but here is what should happen.
People wanted ANOTHER Can-Can number put in. That’s how good these dancers are.
Put the major Cancan and the final act (where it should be) and Patti Coloumbo should featured a Can-Can near the second half where soloists or twosomes should get a opportunity to show their skills. There are many Can-Can moves Ms. Colombo could still use.
Repetitious? This is why this production is at Paper Mill. To work it out.
Save that standing ovation for at the end of the show. That when yu remember those things…when people are leaving with smiles on their faces.
There were people leaving before the end, and you don’t want that. Not at an opening, too.
If it stays like it is, it will open on Broadway but it will maybe stay open for three months.
Cole Porter and Abe Burrows memories deserve better.
Just for the record–the underwear is cute and sexy as those the costumes!
Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
Have you done Palisades Park by Freddy Cannon yet? That’s a nice one to turn folks onto. Also, (I Wanna) Testify by The Parliaments, and anything by The Misfits. Hope the sight is a smashing success for you, Jay
: )
“Midnight Train to Georgia” is a well-traveled song, written in Los Angeles by Jim Weatherly, recorded by New Jersey’s Cissy Houston in 1973, then covered shortly after by Gladys Knight and the Pips in a Grammy-winning recording whose instrumental tracks were laid down in New Jersey by arranger-producer (and Somerville native) Tony Camillo. The instrumental track was then sent to Detroit where Knight and the Pips recorded the vocals.
Haunting shades of the “microbrewery” era. The biggest flaw I see here is charging $10 for the shows. One of the great things about the real Maxwell’s was the low ticket prices: Up until the very end you could see top national and international indie acts for $10 (a quick look at my old stubs shows that even in the last month, Screaming Females, Paul Collins’ Beat, and the Fleshtones were all $10 tix.) If they’re bringing in no-name acts, keep it cheap or pass the hat.
Well, to be fair there were plenty of big acts that had $20-$25 covers at Maxwell’s in the past. Admittedly I don’t know who this Elise Testone is but if she’s associated with American Idol and has a fanbase, $10 is not all that outrageous. I am hopeful that the local band nights will be as fun as they were in the past and will expand to more than one night a month. But it is a start and I’m not getting the old “brew-pub” vibe from these guys at all.
There are hundred of original musicial acts in the tri-state area which are always better and preferable to Eric Clapton cover bands, even preferable to Clapton himself.
Baby steps I suppose, but a Clapton tribute band? Ewww.
They ruined the back room, stripped it of it’s soul and history.it ‘s a TV yuppie place now. Is there even a stage? I saw the pix on Fb. It was a heartbreak to see.They turned NJ’s premiere rock club into a haughty taughty bland soulless white box for pizza munching yuppies that know nothing about music culture. SHAME On THEM!
I loved Maxwell’s the way it was, the way it was supposed to be.
Obviously My heart is alive and well , which is the reason why I loved the way it was . My criticism is well thought out and formed from 30 plus years of experiencing the venue. I’m talking about love for Rock and Roll culture. You want me to look bad ,your reply is trying to FOX news Spin it like I don’t know what I’m talking about. Obviously I now what I’m talking about, I’m talking about love.
i grew up a few blocks from maxwells and went to shows there from when i was 13 until the day it closed. the new owners turned maxwells into an applebees. went once and i had to leave out of disgust.
When you write “Below is The Smithereens’ “Unplugged” version of “Behind the Wall of Sleep” — one of their signature tunes, from their 1986 debut album, “Especially for You” — with Parker handling lead vocals.” do you mean under my monitor? Because there sure isn’t any video on this page anywhere.
” here’s one you probably haven’t heard before “=really? well if you are into music, this man is certainly a hero to many. super song writer and one that puts movies in your head. best nj musician hands down.
here’s a suggestion. the artist is Chris Rockwell. song is Lavalette Business District. it’s about the small shore towns in the off season. hope you enjoy! =) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=echkGuUp2_A
May I suggest a song from a band called The Delevante’s. Two brothers who originally hailed from Rutherford, NJ and were also in a band called Who’s Your Daddy and played quite a bit in Hoboken. I believe they now reside in Nashville. The song that comes to mind is called “It’s A Living”. The first verse goes: Cold and dark out here on Route 3, Wind from the tunnel traffic cutting through me, Halfway through this graveyard shift, Laying hot tar on the Berry’s Creek bridge. The song is from their CD “Long About That Time”. Thanks and take care, Matt Sadecki
Hey Joe…Long time and many suns and moons since the last time we shared a concert at the Capital. It looks like your happy and doing something you really love. Lots of luck and hope your family is well!
Catch any trout lately? I would love some of that meat bread!
Be well. I’ll be in NJ for a couple of days around Thanksgiving and if I have a chance I would like to stop by.
In 100 percent agreement with everything that was said. Absolutely the best jazz station I’ve heard. So happy to have become a member and financial supporter.
Great article!! WBGO has been my university of Jazz, my family and my source of deepest comfort. As a physics graduate student at Rutgers in the late 80’s and early 90’s , I listened to you guys all the time and learned about the music and became a life long jazz fan. Apart from the ‘holy trinity’ mentioned above, my dearest, hippest jazz professor was Mike Anderson, Dr. Bop himself! His overnight program ‘Music for the Serious Set’ was the source of inspiration for countless overnight study sessions as I worked my way through all the crazily challenging problems that are the rite of passage in the training of a physicist. The parallels with the practice that is required of a jazz musician before he or she emerges and blows our minds with a delightful performance was very apparent to me and kept me on track. Mike introduced me to Abbey Lincoln’s music and reminded us listeners how lucky we were to be alive in a place close enough to hear her live at New York’s Fat Tuesday’s and later at The Vanguard. Those performances are unbelievably special experiences that I cherish each day of my life.
At WBGO my husband and I felt that we had found our community- our lives were run by the Jazz Calendar- and the point mentioned by Mr. McBride about the truth of this music was something that you brought to us everyday.
When we left the US to return to India in ’94, the biggest component of the luggage we shipped home was our jazz collection- lps and CDs- and they kept us going until the internet arrived and let us renew that umbilical connection to WBGO again!
So from a pair of old time fans across the globe, thank you for the music!
With love and deepest gratitude to the triumvirate, Dr. Bop (where is he??!!) Ms Kirk and all other wonderful BGO people whose names we don’t know,
Lekha Nair and Nalin Pant
I think we met one time at a Springsteen concert that I attended with our mutual friend Wally Stroby during one of my visits back to my home state. I would suggest that you need to include a song by NJ icon Uncle Floyd. If I could, I would recommend his song “Deep In The Heart of Jersey” which is available on his out of print “The Uncle Floyd Show” soundtrack released on vinyl. I have converted my vinyl copy to digital if you need a copy.
I also like and would include Ani DeFranco’s “Used Cars” and Jen Chapin’s “Born in the USA.” I love what DiFranco does with the “they can kiss our asses goodbye ” line in “Used Cars”. Chapin’s version of “Born in the USA” captures the heartbreak of this song in a minimalist, unique and haunting way. And yes, Nicole Atkin’s cover of “Dancing in the Dark” finally gets this one right as does Peter Yorn. I don’t know whether Springsteen has ever done a slower version of “Dancing in the Dark” but that would be worth hearing.
Y’all need some Canadian content on this list. These are both awesome – Kathleen Edwards’ “Human Touch” and Ruth Moody (of the Wailin’ Jennys)’s “Dancing in the Dark”.
I love Sleater Kinney’s version of “Promised Land”. I think they captured the raw urgency of the song. Almost a Punk version of the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm1Q7QVCp4k
(how about that harmonica solo!!!)
You’re only missing two of the best — Serena Ryder’s “Racing in the Street” and Chrissie Hynde’s “Nebraska” — and if the Pointer Sister’s “Fire” can be called a cover, since it was the first recorded version of that song released, then Patty Smyth’s “Because the Night” ought to be in the mix. Come to think of it, Natalie Merchant did a pretty good job on that one too.
I’d be curious to ask Myers his thguohts as well, since he worked at the Rosemont for a while. I read that Springsteen has done this before, routinely breaking venue curfews, and even costing a promoter an additional $50,000 once. I think there was hubris involved, when you ignore someone signaling from the wings.
It’s a story about The Porchistas Alan’s uncle who was a career criminal and it’s about the old PBR Brewery in Newark, NJ. Its my favorite Porchistas song! it should be in your top 350 jersey songs!
Awesome list.
The first time I heard a stripped down version of Dancing though was Lelia Broussard….I know there is a lot of Dancing in the Dark on the list but give it a listen…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0elkc8lnIZE
I loved both Serena Ryder and Emmylou’s version of Racing In The Streets. It was mentioned that Emmylou did several Bruce covers over the years. I would be interested in knowing of the others. I’m a huge Emmylou fan and I’m not familiar with every Bruce Springsteen song out there (so many…).
I’ve always enjoyed this cover of ‘Meeting Across The River’ by Syd Straw, in fact I think it’s brilliant. She manages to deliver her own unique, haunting, and soulful interpretation.
Aloha Jay, I would like to recommend a couple of other great Springsteen covers done by women. Lucy Wainwright Roche and Martha Plimpton paired to cover “Hungry Heart” on Roche’s ep “8 More”, and Linda Ronstadt and Emmy Lou Harris did a great cover of “Across The Border” on their joint album “Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions.” Check them out.
I submit “You Can’t Get There from Here in Jersey,” for 350 Jersey songs, which I had written for NPR’s Car Talk. Click and Clack later aired it and included it on a best of Car Talk music compilation. That’s John Raido backing me up on harmonica. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OfI4qm7sHA
Wildwood days. Bobby Rydell
You Can’t Catch Me. chuck Berry
Union City Blue. Blondie
Palisades Park
I’m From NJ. John Gorka
God is FRom NJ. Seamus Kennedy
Never. Going Back. Less than Jake
The world famous Power Stations Studios, originally in Manhattan are now located in South Florida and many great artists of genres from pop, rock, rap and commercial music are actively working in our studios. The same award-winning sound and state-of-the-art studio equipment and design in intact. Our top engineers and musicians are still associated with Tony Bongiovi’s facility. Reach us at http://www.powerstationstudios.com
Visited NJARTS for the first time today and was delighted to find Mike Sinatra’s song “Jersey Bound” (one of my favorites) as the New Jersey song of the day.
I saw Mike a few times 20-25 years ago and really enjoyed his performances (even got 2 cassettes which I’ve continued to play) but, despite my being very active in the folk scene, have not come across him since. Plan to contact him (via web address your site provided) and get info about any upcoming gigs, so thanks (and I signed up for your newsletter).
Hi Lois, You could check out my facebook page Mike Sinatra the Songman and My Youtube channel songmansinatra120 also feel ree to friend request me on facebook, nice to hear from you.
Girls Show feb 7, 2015
I have several friend that would love to see the film! We didn’t know about the date until last night! Will you be showing the film at another time? Bonnie Minery and myself have children who graduated from Rutgers and would also like to see the film!
Thank you so much, Diann
Nice recap but you left a few out…
1985 – Nominated for album of the year with Born in the USA and loses to Lionel Ritchie’s ‘Can’t Slow Down’
1985 – Nominated for Record of the Year (Dancing in the Dark),and loses to Tina Turner “What’s Love Got to Do With It
Great list as a tramp fanatic especially with ANYTHING The River era funny that the album dropped in October 1980 but the title track is not nominated until 1982? I guess since so late in 1980 it counts for 1981 nominations and those are the ones that were announced as winners in 1982? Please clarify. On a side note until he paid it the ultimate respect by calling his 2015-16 World Tour The River 2016 Tour n did the entire album for the whole U.S opening leg, until then I always felt he didn’t give the album it’s due respect. Getting lost as the end of the trilogy of albums that started with Born to Run. Having received a Grammy nomination adds weight to The River album itself. Wish it would be brought up more pretty much everyone thinks his first nominations weren’t til the Album of the Year loss for USA album. The one thing that has eluded him n the Mighty ESB. Way overdue if not for albums #3, 4, 5, USA, The Rising and 2012’s Wrecking Ball them when? Lol, I mean how many albums must he drop to get that one. Even the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has their usual if u dropped 3 classic albums u get in, policy.
Records released late in the year are not eligible until the following year. So the 1982 Grammys would have covered albums released from something like the last three months of 1980 and first nine months of 1981 (I’m not sure what the exact cutoff date was, but obviously “The River was released after it). The awards ceremony was in early 1982.
he was good for this era, especially post-911. It will never play in a few years as the political deadlock fever will have to break at some point, leading to other avenues of comedy and parody.
Another great post-Sandy song that raised money for the cause. Lee wrote it based on personal experience and what his family members at the Shore endured. The story behind the song is on this site too.
He teased us with a hint that there’s material for a new Jukes album ready. Any idea when it will be released? It would be great to have it for summer.
One minor correction. Southside didn’t have a ringside seat while Scooter and Big Man were busting the city in half — he was doing a lot of busting too.
I would línea to personally thank John and the banda for 2 great nights of spectacular Music. I have seen many many jukes shows, and i think these were 2 of the best ever. Also , i am humbled by all the positive compliments and accolades i received from those in attendance about the Music i provided pre and post show. I give my best to the best fans in the World! Thanks for your participation….see youse all soon! Gahbless! Rock on!
Great blurb. Nebraska is, by far, my favorite Springsteen album. A great song that always reminds me of New Jersey, especially when I’m not there, is “Lightning Strikes a Raindrop” by Accidental Seabirds. The lyrics take you all around the country, but ultimately sings about the band’s hometown Lakewood, NJ and ruminates on “three little skeleton sisters all nervously laughing,” referencing Lake Carasaljo, supposedly named for three girls who drowned there long ago.
Also I can’t fail to mention “Come On Down To Waretown” by Pete Curry.
I have been a fan of Jay’s writings on Rock and Roll and Music for years but now with NJarts.net we have it ALL right on our iPads and computers. Mr. Lustig is one of NJ’s top notch assets to the arts. Here’s to many more years and as they said in the 60’s “Write On!,-)”
Please consider adding The Critters to your list – one of Jersey’s great 60’s groups. “Younger Girl” and “Mr. Dieingly Sad” were fairly big hits, and the latter is still played on oldie stations nationwide.
ringo is more of an installation rather than an induction….never on the ballot as a solo artist, and rightfully so, never seriously considered as a sideman tho he guested on a few albums, this is a travesty that reeks almost as bad as ahmet inducting his brother neshui….this was for tv rartings when paul said he would induct ringo and a lot of friends would show up and jam…higher ratings = more $$$ and sponsorships
From the time my daughter was an infant, I’d sing this to her (in a low register because I’m a baritone and to give it a calming effect) to help calm her crying. Then one night when she was 2, it was playing on the car stereo and she was rocking in her car seat. And she said “That’s my favorite song!” as it was fading out. #JerseyGirl
I’m a long time reader and fan of your stuff.
I’m sure you already thought of them, but we MUST have at least one Beaver Brown song, maybe Boardwalk Angel (or Tender Years).
Also what about something by Kinderhook? I went with a group of guys to see them EVERY Sunday at the Beach House in Point Pleasant during the summer of 1978.
Kinderhook – maybe but you know part of the issue is there needs to be a good YouTube video out there to post along with the item. Let me check on what’s out there.
A lot of Jersey rock and roll history happened in Cleveland thanks to Kid Leo. Southside was royalty there already in the mid 70’s and of the so many noted performance by Bruce had already taken place. Kid Leo’s moniker for SSJ and the Asbury Jukes was “The Bum and his Chums.”
Hey hey….I want to nominate one of our songs from The Coalition which had Muddy Shews, long time bass player from Southside Johnny, and the indefatigable drummer from Wayne: Charlie Tappan….both of these guys played with Dramarama, The Bongos, with Richard Barone and that crew….as well as yours truly Jay Jourden. We played the Ross Perot rallies at Flemington Speedway with Johnny Maestro and the Cavaliers and Coalition banged it down for a few years with Angel Leah from Rock Kandy repute and Eleni Papanou along with Jersey singster legend Kayron from The Black Widow Band and many others, and who passed on way too early. She sang with me for two years. We also did all the Florio Free in ’93 Radio commercials for the Christine Todd Whitman people as well as the hit song before that: “Florio Has Got To Go”. Hey, we weren’t trying to get/be political but we were all hungry and needed $$..!!.. Muddy Shews is on this song with me: Our latest hit: “WORLD FREEDOM SONG (Together We Are One)”. We’re all from Jersey and that hopefully qualifies this song as it relates to some important Jersey artists still bangin’ it down to this day….you cab find an old Coalition picture on my ReverbNation site. Let us know if we make the cut.!!..
LOL….I forgot to leave the links for the song..!!.. She called me to dinner and rushed me.!!.. Still my bad….not passin’ the buck..lol…
This song “WORLD FREEDOM SONG (Together We Are One)” was recorded at Blig Blue Meenie Studios in Jersey City, and we shot the video at the same time..!!..
This vid and song has Steve “Muddy Shews” Shuchuk, from “Dramarama” and “Southside Johnny”, & “Coalition” as well as Bruce Gatewood another Jersey great artist. There’s also an all star line up with Gerardo Velez from CHIC and Spyro Gyra, Benny Harrison, the Rascals, the great Tony Beard on drums, and blowing it up on lead guitar virtuoso Kristen Capolino..!!..
hey jay, How about Backroad Joe McKay? He was raised in Secaucus when pig farms were numerous there. He’s a real NJ original! You have to go to the Sonicbids link to hear the songs or I’d be happy to send you a CD.
Thanks,
barbara
Interesting! For a follow-up, on your 350 NJ songs, how about the wonderful Wizard of Oz medley by NJ mandolin giant, Barry Mitterhoff? Speaking of Oz, it’s interesting that Don’s car breakdown and Pete’s new Lear Jet career were both set in Kansas. I think you’re on to something, Mr. Lustig.
Just found it: It’s from his mid-80’s “Silk City” cd/lp. It’s lovely, and features other NJ musicians, including Danny Weiss, Tony Trischka, and even “I’m From NJ” John Gorka. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuZp7FwdZMI
Barry also wrote a tune, “Silk City”, that’s online and on the cd. (Silk City is a nickname for Paterson, which was a silk manufacturing center.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg_v1uI9rss
There’s also online videos of Barry with the recently-deceased mathematician/fiddler, Tex Logan.
I hope you enjoy them. They are from long before Barry became widely known through his collaborations with Jorma Kaukonen and his membership in Hot Tuna.
hi rich…we are from new jersey. we are recording a rock and roll record. we are calling ourselves THE ROCKERS. how or where do we send you our music? maybe you will help jump start us, who knows?
Those old enough to remember when 77 WABC was the most-listened to Top-40 radio station east of the Rockies, may recall that in 1967, The Dirdy Birdies Jug Band won the annual Big Break talent hunt, hosted by Cousin Bruce Morrow. The Big Break was the biggest Battle Of The Bands in America. The finals were held at the New York Hilton, the bill included the 10 best amateur bands on the east coast – and headliners, The Blues Magoos. The Dirdy Birdies won the contest with their rendition of “Duncan & Brady”.
This info is not accurate. The Thursday. Ands are at the Parker Press. Not the community center. At least that’s what the advertising posters say. How are people supposed to know where to go?
I think you’re right, that is (Glassboro State College grad) Robert Hegyes on stage, and if I’m not mistaken, NJ’s favorite deejay Vin Scelsa disguised as the Bayonne Bear.
Scelsa posted on Facebook, saying: “I am relatively sure it is me. But it is New Year’s Eve and I was drinking in those days so I have no actual recollection of this particular moment. It is the BB’s … um … costume … so … and yes, the happy chap dancing with Southside is John Scher.”
The simulcast is awesome! Great job filming, sound is terrific (not too loud or too soft) and watching it in the comfort of the theater is perfect. I lifted some of the arms and laid down during drums! Get out and join us. You’ll see why they chose Trey!
I have not so fond memories of the ’72 shows at Roosevelt Stadium. I was working for the promoter that summer. At the July show, the supposedly peaceful Deadheads decided that music should be free and began throwing all sorts of objects at the security guys out front. It was the only time in my concert-working history that I took off my staff t-shirt before heading to my car at the end of the night because I feared for my safety.
By the time the September show rolled around, security was ready. Extra hands were hired including an ex-Israeli commando, and a huge guy who sported a bullwhip. As you might imagine, things were much more peaceful.
I am not in any way suggesting that all Dead fans are violent. Sometimes a handful of bad actors make everyone look bad.
Here is another song about the Pine Barrens you might enjoy, and, this is the song that was featured on CNN’s “Anthony Bourdain-Parts Unknown-NEW JERSEY”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CFR09h0xPg
No, it was definitely at Stone Pony Summer Stage, July 3. Unless there was another appearance, too, the next day in Bradley Park. Were you there in Bradley Park?
I think it’s a reaction to Bruce and Jimmy Fallon’s extraordinary move of parodying “Born to Run” together in response to Bridgegate. The gloves were off at that point. Bruce and Bon Jovi are both firmly in the Democrat column, but Bon Jovi hasn’t (yet) parodied his most beloved song to call Christie out on his shenanigans.
I don’t think Bon Jovi would. His relationship with Christie seems much more personal. They’re actually friends, I think. Bruce has kept his distance much more. He and Christie did have one cordial exchange, post-Sandy, but I really think that’s about it.
Co-headliner? Not. The marquee at the Hollywood Bowl made it very clear – Steely Dan is the headliner, Elvis Costello is the “Special Guest” (in much smaller font).
Awesomesauce! I had been hoping for the Wellmont, but this is even more personal! I’ve got a gig in Collingswood that day, but may have to make sure I get to MHS that night!
Guess, Walk away was the first of Joe Walsh for Lee. Vietnam left me stone cold, Alcohol , and other substances , were claiming me. But we kept following Joe , Live , county fairs.. you’ll pardon the pun.. Every album and band he pulled together.. Guess you could say, the ( Fidler ) saved his fan base, and unknowingly led us to higher ground… Speaking for Or gang… We’ve been clean & Sober for along time now, Service to others, without strings or obligation, Is how we live Today… Between Clapton, Walsh, Etc. Music has and Is saving people everyday…. We could go on, But we’ve got about 4534 of us Rock Grace wanna be’s.. Living very well because thanks to Mr. Walsh..
Robert Johnson has been following Indian dance since the early 1990’s, with a keen eye and a sensitivity for dynamics and palette of emotion and color. This insightful article whets the appetite for Ms. Joglekar’s performance and all of the wonderful dance that is coming up at the Drive East, Battery Dance and Erasing Borders Festivals! The Tri-State area is no longer a back-water when it comes to the fabulous dances of the Subcontinent.
I am so very excited to hear this fantastic news. I love the STRAND and see great things for it’s future with new producing artistic Director, Anthony D’ Amato. Looking forward to many of the events.
I would also like to extend an invitation for Mr. D’ Amato to be a special guest on my live talk radio show “RYAN ROCKS IT ASBURY PARK STYLE”.
Hello to my good friends Lori and Fran. I will be in touch.
Awesome analysis! Such a wonderful day to be sharing so many creative souls who are enjoying their decades long conversation (as Bruce says) with Bruce.
There is at least one cover version of this song, recorded by Graziano Romani. A slower, acoustic, brooding, pounding, emotional, take. Worth seeking out. Included on Graz’s album (a Bruce cover compilation) titled “Soul Crusader”.
I’ve always loved this song. And loved how it opens the New Year’s Eve show (1980) in Long Island. Wonderful article and analysis. You are so spot on, with all of this, but in particular with your analysis of the sad and free” lyric. Great piece!
There are half a dozen Bruce songs not yet on the list, not just BTR, but Thunder Road, The River. his versions of Sandy and Jersey Girl; Independence Day, half of the Nebraska album; Spirit in the Night, Bloodbrothers, E St Shuffle, Local Hero just to name a few with clear Jersey connections. My Hometown is my pick for the last one though.
But what’s your beef with Fountains of Wayne? Only one song from one of the Jersey-est bands of all. I love the Smithereens but Fountains of Way e shojld have as many as they do.
Well, I have far more Bruce on there than anybody else, but I couldn’t fit it all. “Jersey Girl” is actually on there already (a live version), plus “My Hometown” (the Neil Young version) and of course “Sandy” (the Ben E. King version). I decided not to include multiple versions of the same songs, and to include covers rather than Bruce’s versions in some cases, just for variety.
There are actually three Fountains of Wayne songs on there: “Bright Future in Sales” and “Song of the Passaic” plus the Katy Perry version of “Hackensack” (again, for variety, and because it’s actually pretty good).
My copy will arrive in a few days i hope. Looking forard to play it loud, and a lot. And i hope to see the whole bunch on stage in the Netherlands some day again. It’s been way too long…. to be honest a year is already too long, or a month…. :-D
We have ordered the new CD and are awaiting it’s arrival. We are looking forward to the Niagara Falls show in October and hoping for some shows in Ontario Canada in 2016.
Please consider DaVido and the LiBeatos’ song “Shore House”. If so, I’d be happy to send an updated video. I think it captures summer in New Jersey perfectly. I’d be happy to discuss what inspired it.
Not just saying this because he is my uncle, he is vry talented and this is his absolute passion. He has been doing this for quite some time and if you actually sit and listen he covers songs better than the original artist. You could tell he loves what he does just from watching/ listen to him play!!
i was a good freind if bills up here in maine and anywhere he played up here , at a small country fair or at a big venue it was packed. pepole from jersy, tennesse, were up. as for the list i would say all of them , but mine would be something for everybody but “when you love somebody” should be dedicaed to terry he wrote the song for her, bill was knowed as the ledged of the north country, and he is and we will never forget him, his son william is going to be the next big thing in a few years he has talent from dad and his grand father the late dick curless…..
It is a very good collection of cover songs by the author. The author came up with a great combination by selecting each song different singer. And also these songs were coming from a very long time. It might be a tough task to accumulate such a collection by him.
What a pity! WNTI was a bastion of new music in Northwest New Jersey. They often played and spinned local artists in all genres! So sorry to see this station go. Huge thanks to Mel, Bob, Stew, Jeff, Dan and everyone else over there that brought so much new music to my ears. Thanks too for the spins!!!!!!!!!!!! sorry to see it go!
This station helped open my eyes to so many talented bands and musicians I would have never known about. I feel privileged to have grown up with it and am so sad for those who will only have mainstream media to guide them. I’m glad it’s NPR and not something vapid.
I was just informed by a friend of mine Dennis D’Amico, musician/producer/playwright (his play “Marilee And Baby Lamb” – debuts 10/13-18 in Las Cruces, NM) who lives in Andover, a last ggodbye inclusive memorial service is taking place at the Centenary College this Friday. The all-volunteer DJs, area residents and sponsor businesses in Warren County are surprised that the selling of WNTI was “unannounced” by the college’s administration until yesterday. No one was given any notice whatsoever. The memorial service will take place this Friday, the 9th at 7 AM.
Please note that there are efforts to move the station to an online configuration -wnti.org
Join the WNTI memorial service and let everyone know how much WNTI meant to the community. The college has every right to sell the station but not letting anyone know is just plain not fair – it’s a shock.
I am in shock, upset and gobsmacked. What the hell? I will deeply miss all those I made friends with at WNTI, all the amazing music & concerts. I just want to yell at someone & tell me it’s NOT TRUE.
Watterson says “Centenary College has sold their broadcasting license to NPR,” but this must be incorrect. NPR does not own broadcast licenses or stations.
So unfair for everyone who were listeners and the dj’s. My husband and I looked forward to the weekends listening to wnti and when we drove anywhere in the car. We were always disappointed when we drove out of range of the station. The radio will never be the same unless you all get together and start another station somewhere else if that’s possible. I’ll be listening for that to happen hopefully! We will really miss your station. So sad!!?
The way Centenary College handled this is appalling. What a kick in the A$$ to all the dedicated DJs, listeners, donors and sponsors. An almost impossible to find breath of fresh air on the radio has been polluted and killed. The music will never die but finding a platform like WNTI will be very hard to find again.
I’m heartbroken. This can’t be true. While we were living in NJ; we couldn’t wait for Mike Watterson’s Dogbites show on Saturday morning. This was my son, Steve’s first experience at great variations of the best rock in roll. Good luck, Mike !
How cool is this? Park Ridge was an awesome place to grow up (I lived on Greenbrook Pl., around the corner from Villa Ct.) and I applaud the Roche/Wainwright families for doing this upcoming performance for such a worthy cause!
This was more than a radio station to this area of NJ. It obvious that some people in Centenary’s administration do not know how many positive vibes came the schools way because of this station and its on air personalities. Saying this, I did always wonder why more college students were not incorporated into on air slots.
THIS IS SO WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS. SCREWING THE DJS WITHOUT NOTICE AND THE LISTENING PUBLIC WHO ARE SO DEDICATED TO WNTI. LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE IN THIS COUNTRY I SUPPOSE IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY ONCE MORE. IT TRULY IS THE ONLY RADIO STATION I LISTEN TO. I GUESS NOT ANYMORE. I WOULD LOVE TO HURL A BUNCH OF EPITHETS AT THOSE WHO MADE THIS DECISION.
What a shame that WNTI is no longer the great radio station I’ve been listening to for over 20 years. I turned it on yesterday for about 15 minutes and the music was terrible. Went to another station and tried again to hear something good on WNTI and then learned the station was sold and our great DJ’s and music are gone. I will not listen to this radio station again.
Hearing about John Lennon’s Murder is about the closest emotion that I can think of after learning of WNTI. Another void in life….I will miss them greatly.
Where do I tune mow?I will miss all of you very much I hope you all continue to working in the field for music and make other locations/ people like me happy. again I’ll miss you all and I will aways keep you all in my mind. God bless you all. 91.9 FUCKEN ROCKED!
I have had many emotional blows over the last several months including the simultaneous death of my beloved German Shepherd and my radio station in the same week. My radios have been tuned to this station for about 18 years now. My old fashioned under-counter kitchen radio is known to friends and family alike as perpetually being in broadcast mode. I don’t care what is playing, I listen. I am barely over the departure of dear Al Monroe. This is just too much. I too have been unable to tolerate the station since the change. Terrible. Just terrible.
This is truly a sad day for NJ music lovers. Those in the western part of our state will be left without place to listen to their favorite music, learn about new music and enjoy a musical “home.” Not only does the public lose a curated music experience by knowledgeable taste-makers, but artists lose outlets for music that is considered out of the mainstream by the “moneymakers”. We all lose by having less diversity, less choices and less listening to artists who are emerging as new and vital voices in the world of “adult alternative” music. Less is not more. It is less.
After my distain for those responsible and their cowardly methods , I thought of all the dedicated personnel (mel, et al.), then selfishly of myself. What the hell is to become of one of the last best festivals left in the northeast ?
Wxpn is a great station, but there is only one WNTI.
John Kennedy, of Kennedy Event Services, has long supported WNTI and has worked closely with the station DJs and PD for years. John approached Centenary College about presenting a 91-minute “Remembering WNTI” concert in the college’s parking lot. The college gave their approval and on Friday, Oct. 30th a show to give WNTI a proper send-off with the listeners and station personnel included. Details are not yet announced but almost all of the DJs will participate and Kennedy has enlisted his buddy Pat DiNizio/Smithereens front man to perform.
As talent is locked in and concert time posted, a news release will be forthcoming.
First off, XPN is a good station that plays similar music to that which has brought so much joy to WNTI listeners over the years. Consider trying it after you get over the outrage of this mess.
That said, WNTI was (can’t believe I’m saying “was”) a wonderfully unique oasis of a radio station that will be missed.
I am forever grateful to Melanie in particular who welcomed me with open arms on my three co-host stints with her, especially the first one that was a little rough on my end to say the least.
Remember folks, WNTI was where great music lived, but the station as we knew it lives in our great memories of it.
Question is, how did the sale occur without any opportunity for public input. CPB requires open meetings, and the FCC website posts info on pending transfers. Neither happened in this case.
Here is the Oct. 12 Centenary press release. They seem to view the FCC approval (which hasn’t taken place yet) as a technicality that they don’t anticipate having any trouble with.
Public Radio Station WNTI/Hackettstown, NJ is purchased by Philadelphia public radio station WXPN
PHILADELPHIA & HACKETTSTOWN, NEW JERSEY (OCTOBER 12, 2015): Today Centenary College of Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Philadelphia public radio station WXPN 88.5, owned by the University of Pennsylvania, jointly announced a sales agreement and transfer of ownership for the broadcasting license of WNTI 91.9 FM, the public radio station owned by Centenary College, to WXPN. WXPN’s award-winning music programming will be broadcast on WNTI starting at noon ET on Thursday, October 15.
“We are pleased to reach this agreement with WXPN, which preserves a strong voice for great music in our region and opens new horizons for the WNTI community and for Centenary College,” Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, President of Centenary College. “WXPN brings exceptional resources and expertise in public radio and a deep commitment to serving the needs of listeners and supporting local artists. Centenary will continue to operate its own Internet radio station at WNTI.org to enhance our curriculum and involve students and community volunteers in programming. Centenary students will also be afforded opportunities to intern at WXPN at the University of Pennsylvania. We intend to reinvest the proceeds from the license sale in building Centenary’s academic offerings, to support student recruitment and retention and fuel Centenary’s role as an economic engine in Warren County, New Jersey.”
Roger LaMay, WXPN General Manager, said, “WXPN was approached with notification of the proposed sale of WNTI. Although we were not looking to purchase another radio station, we quickly realized that WXPN was the best option to preserve WNTI’s long tradition of musical discovery for listeners in Northern New Jersey and Northeastern Pennsylvania. We will extend WXPN’s demonstrated commitment to local artists, music and events in the communities we currently serve to the WNTI community, and will apply our deep experience in public music radio management to strengthen its overall operations. In the long term, we expect this transaction to benefit our artists and audiences, and strengthen WXPN’s financial sustainability.”
WXPN produces NPR’s most popular program of popular music, World Cafe, which was heard on WNTI twice daily and will remain part of its music programming.
The Public Service Operating Agreement will start at noon ET on Thursday, October 15, 2015. WXPN programming will begin at 91.9 FM at that time. After the filing, FCC approval is expected to take 60 to 120 days.
Sale price is $1,250,000 in cash and another $500,000 in underwriting value over 10 years. Public Media Company represented WXPN/University of Pennsylvania throughout the transaction. Centenary College was represented by Patrick Communications.
I would like to thank centinary college for being so short sided. I always thought you were a horrible institution to begin with, but to sell you music station. That is an all time low. It’s great to tune in now and here Philadelphia news and traffic reports. Not sure who I dispise more Philadelphia or centinary college.
Thats B.S. for years I’ve listened, contributed,and attended many events and functions that benefitted local businesses, sponsors, charities, and centenary college themselves. I wonder when then town of hackettstown will weigh in on all this. This is such a disservice to the people, the town, businesses, sponsors, and all supporters of this great station. How long will it take before the asses that made this move feel the repercussions of this? Do they realize that all of their advertising for the school is gone? I can’t say for sure but, you can bet the person behind this is a lazy, self-centered S.O.B. . To not show the respect to the DJ’s , supporters, sponsors, and businesses of this and supporting towns is reprehensible ! I hope who ever was involved eventually gets fired from that college. Another thing, I hate Philadelphia! I don’t what to know what’s going on down there or where the hot spots are. I will undoubtedly miss Mel, my dawn bird, Mike W, from dog bites, cable man Dan, the ten o’clock hour with Trevor, and or course Spider with my daily dose of dead and Zappa ! And I don’t like David Dye cause he’s probably has something to do with it. I’m. Taking 91.9 off my presets and I’m writing a nasty letter to Centanary’s president. I suggest that if you read this you shoul too! F.U. Centenary!
We have made it our business to attend this benefit concert for many years. It is always a wonderful event. The media and people in general have to… put politely a short memory. The problems in Hati will be there for many years this concert raises awareness and funds for this very worthy cause. It also has a tendency to sell out so get your tickets now.
I was at a Bruce “Show” in 2009 I think in Mansfield MA, it used to be called “Great Woods”. I screamed out “Lets Road House” and lo and behold Bruce and the E-Street Band broke out in “Ramrod”!!!!!!!!! I was so pumped and as always a great, great SHOW!!!!!!!!!
Came back from a 2-week absence and couldn’t find the radio station I have listened to every day for years! I figured I must be doing something wrong because I couldn’t even imagine it was gone.
The new station is okay, but Centenary College’s radio station served Northwest NJ and Northeast PA. I don’t need to know about the weather or traffic in Philadelphia. Also, who will promote and advise of the wonderful artists and music events in our area. Seems to me the new station is all about Philly.
WNTI was the only station I could listen to on FM that could compete with satellite radio. Thanks alot. I found out it was gone when I switched on the channel on a Sunday morning, the best radio anywhere on a Sunday.
There’s also a WhyHunger benefit TODAY (Sat.) at 6:00 PM, Doors 5:00, in Ringwood at Live @ Drew’s featuring Montclair’s Zara Phillips, British songwriter Adam Masterson, and Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan. Info: Drew@faresquaremusic.com
The Joe Cocker Mad Dogs & Englishmen
Memory Book
by Linda Wolf
Go back in time and remember through over 150 never before seen photos from the archives of internationally recognized photographer, Linda Wolf. Get into the personal stories and memories of the legendary musicians in this book, through intimate photos and quotes with the alumni, Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, Rita Coolidge, Claudia Lennear, Chris Stainton,Bobby Jones, Bobby Torres, Bobby Keys, Pamela Polland, Daniel & Matthew Moore, Jim Keltner, Jim Price, Sandy Konikoff, the band, singers, girlfriends, wives, children, and furry friends.
Bainbridge Island, WA.
Just released: The Joe Cocker Mad Dogs & Englishmen Memory Book by official photographer, Linda Wolf. JCMD&E is considered one of the top 10 all-time rock n’roll tours. Linda traveled with the band from the first rehearsals at A&M Studio’s soundstage in April, 1970 through the summer after the Tour ended. She amassed over 4,000 B&W 35mm negatives, which have never been published. This book is a labor of love, created specifically for the 2015 Lockn’ Festival’s exclusive tribute concert to Joe Cocker and Mad Dogs & Englishmen, hosted and curated by Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi and featuring the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Leon Russell, members of the famed original Tour, and special guests. The tribute/reunion concert took place on September 11, 2015, in Arrington, Virginia. The JCMD&E Memory Book contains 64 pages, is softbound, 8.5 x 11, 4-color B&W, and is for sale on Linda’s website.
Encomiums for the Book:
“Linda Wolf looks in places the rest of us miss. Her work is like the spaces between the letters, between the words, that give a sentence it’s meaning. The photos she took of this historic tour in 1970 makes me long for a rawness and spontaneity that seems missing from the overly commoditized music industry of today. ”— Peter Himmelman, Big Muse Media
“It’s not just that her photos are iconic. They are so real. Linda Wolf has a way of capturing the essence of the Center of a moment. What else is there to do? You are There. Here. I love stepping into her frame … there is nothing else. So simple, she makes it look easy. Thank you Linda, from us all.” — June Millington, Fanny
“Linda Wolf’s photographs wondrously captured the zeitgeist of Joe Cocker, Mad Dog’s & Englishmen. She captured a pivotal time and space of one of the most influential rock and roll singers and bands of all time. It’s an extraordinary insiders perspective.” – Doyle Bramhall II
I am a Jersey girl, and have been waiting a long time to see Bruce. I have always thought of him as a local treasure, even when he went onto become the phenomenon, that he did.
Just the opening bars of his music and I am back home riding the circuit.It just sounds like home. Love our Boss.
From a life long fan and Neptune NJ Girl. See ya in Sunrise.
Fifth year of seeing this “Nutcracker” and it was the most brilliant ever! Such joy and sweetness. Will never attend any other company’s performance…especially given the accompaniment by the NJ Symphony Orchestra.
I think you have Better Days and Brilliant Disguise mixed up.
Better Days was a double A side single with Human Touch — this reached #16 (although Better Days didn’t receive much airplay nationally). Better Days was a hit thanks to the airplay that Human Touch received.
So…swap the chart positions for Better Days and Brilliant Disguise and we’re good to go.
John Eddie did a great version of Suffragette City in Asbury Park in 1986. It was an outdoor concert that was broadcast live on WNEW-FM. Southside Johnny and Bricklin also performed. You can find it here:
My husband, me and our two boys would watch the Uncle Floyd show every night Monday thru Friday just before r after dinner. It was hilarious; we’d be rolling on the floor!!!
Why does the article assume the ideal candidate is female? “lives her life on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat,” “counts her smartphone as her most important possession” and “enjoys nightlife and being a personality herself.” I’m sure the male hosts on Extra and Entertainment Tonight would take issue with that.
Is this the same person who used to be featured in those commercials for cable service a few years ago? You know, the one who’s on the go and doing all of those wonderful things?
The daytime performances are FREE to seniors. In order to obtain tickets, you must be on the mailing list. To be placed on the mailing list, you must be 55 years of age or older and send proof of age to:
Garden State Arts Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 5013
Woodbridge, NJ 07095-5013
If you do not have a ticket, you may enter the theater at 1 pm on the day of the show, but will not be guaranteed a seat. Please come prepared with a lawn chair and sun block.
For additional information, please call us at (732) 442-9200 Monday through Friday 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
But back in 2009, it was at the Spectrum that Bruce named him ‘the Philly Elvis’, so the article is correct. Whoever responded did mot read the article carefully enough.
Hi Nicole,
I hope this message gets to you. I just heard your rendition of Bowie’s Heroes on the Spectrum. Not only were your vocals amazing but it brought tears to my eyes.
My sister has been battling cancer for past two years. After having the disease at bay for the past half year, we learned Thursday its back with little hope. Losing my sister is going to be just unfathomable and overwhelming.
Thank you for your song…again your voice was amazing and reached my broken heart. ?
Every morning I wake up to WNTI, and since last Fall, I almost always become irritated with it. Quite simply, I miss Mel, and the “old NTI”. I was so happy when I first found WNTI a few years ago when I moved to Riegelsville, PA. Particularly Melody in Morning. Her program was crafted, personal, different, varied…just plain cool. It reminded me a bit of WSAN (AM) from Allentown and WMMR from many years ago (certainly not today). Mel talked WITH you in the mornings. She played an eclectic mix of always interesting music, and if she played something you didn’t like, you could call and tell her, and she would play something you did. It felt local, friendly, and inclusive. A great way to wake up.
Now, the WNTI morning program feels corporate, contrived, and something that is broadcast AT me rather than FOR me. Obviously it is simply a mirror of WXPN which I stopped listening to a long time ago for the same reason. The music now is occasionally alright, but it mostly seems to be a prescribed collection of what a bunch of corporate people in some boardroom believe I want to listen to as dictated by the label “Adult Album Alternative” or some other contrived category. It is more harsh, disjointed, over-played, predictable, uninteresting, boring – I don’t know, it is hard to pinpoint, but it is different, and not in a good way. I notice it, and I don’t like it. The two “hosts” of the current morning program (I couldn’t even tell you their names yet after how many months – what does that tell you?) talk to EACH OTHER, and AT me. I find their canned “jokey” bantering irritating. It is nothing against them personally at all. I am sure that they are simply following what they are prescribed to do according to the corporate issued handbook. I feel completely disconnected from them. Mel felt like a neighbor and a friend. I miss her and her wonderful program. One morning she was just GONE. How corporate again! Out with the old, and in with the new. Bam!
So now, I, and I suspect many, many others, are left with another canned station that is indistinguishable from any other “Adult Album Alternative” morning station in any other town/city across the Nation. Sort of like how you always know what you are going to get when you go into a McDonalds anywhere, no matter where. Well, obviously, money talks. WNIT, Where Good Music Lived. I wish I HAD an alternative.
Wow Jay, much appreciated, thanks! Especially from someone who has always been so respected and incredibly supportive of the arts in NJ. Seems to me you were tuned in today?! Again, many thanks…
It even has a surprise ending. Pretty hard not to tear up. Glad it includes Light of Day and Jake too. Light of day is amazing because it is mostly the audience singing.
I knew when that david die guy from wxpn started yip yapping on 91.9 the end was near. It’s a sad day for college radio. Get used to them begging for money 4x a year because that’s really all they are about. Just don’t pledge ONE RED CENT! Look into where the money goes.
I enjoy reading your Springsteen articles and comments.
I misconstrued this at first as a list of the best surprises and then I noticed they were your favorite one’s, so of course it’s personal.
Two of the biggest for me….
Opening the show with Incident On 57th Street at the First Union Center on the closing night of the 6 night run in Philly on the Reunion Tour. First time the song had been pulled out in almost 20 years.
Oh, and since we’re still in Philly….The Price You Pay.
The 10th Avenue moment in ’93 at CAA was the loudest crowd I have ever heard at a Springsteen show, and may be at the top of my surprise list.
Second was April 2, 2011 when Bruce showed up for Nicky Addio’s show at the Wonder Bar honoring the Westside music of Asbury Park, NJ. Here’s the playlist of my videos.
Third was July 17, 2011 when Bruce showed up at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park to sing & play with The Sensational Soul Cruisers. Here’s the playlist of my videos.
Milwaukee 1980, at the end of Crush on You, Bruce said, “Let’s play Midnight Hour”. The band went right into it like they had been rehearsing it all week.
Boy, having seen over 50 shows there have been a lot of surprises. I’ve seen several of your’s Jay, so will leave them out. I tend to lean towards the unusual opener or encore, and it would take me hours to really dive into this, but here are a few:
8-25-78 New Haven Coliseum: Seeing him open with “Good Rockin Tonight”
11-7-27-80 MSG: Seeing him open with “Born to Run”
9-7-84 Hartford Civic Center: Playing “Rave On” in the Encore (Buddy Holly’s BD)
8-1-99 Brenden Byrn Arena: Seeing him open with “Backstreets”
5-8-00 Hartford Civic Center: Opening with “Roulette” and “Honky Tonk Woman” intro to Darlington County
7-1-00 MSG: “Lost in the Flood”
12-13-2002 Pepsi Arena Albany: Final Encore “Around and Around”
8-31-2003 Giants Stadium: Opening with “Cynthia”, killer “Kitty” on first encore
9-22-12 Meadowlands Arena: Just the fact that they went on after the thunderstorm delay was a surprise!
5-13-14 Times Union Arena Albany: Seeing him Open with “Don’t Change”
5-18-14 Mohegan Sun Arena: “Santa Claus” (to the delight of my Daughters) and “Seven Angles”
2-8-16 Times Union Arena Albany: “Detroit Medely” in the Encores
Probably can list a dozen others, but this was fun!
I have been a Springsteen fan ever since I discovered Rock n’ Roll as a young teenager in the early 1980s. As long as I had been a fan, I never had the opportunity to see him live until my 40s and after I had moved to Europe. My wife bought me tickets to his July 31, 2012 show in Helsinki, Finland as a birthday present. Much to my surprise my first Springsteen show turned out to be the longest show of his career, exceeding four hours. I am taking my kids to see him in Denmark this summer and very much looking forward to it.
I think the greatest Bruce surprise performance that I have seen was in April 1977, the so called “Chicken Scratch” tour, when Bruce and the E Streeters stepped in to help support Southside Johnny who had been hospitalized with strep throat. Johnny had four shows scheduled over two nights at the then Carlton Theater in Red Bank, NJ (now the Count Basie Theater). The shows were going to have to be cancelled because of Johnny’s illness, but instead radio and newspaper announcements were made that the shows would go on with the Asbury All-Stars (I still have the hand-painted poster promoting the show that appeared on an easel in the lobby of the theater thanks to a friend who worked there then) standing in for Johnny. The first night it was a mystery as to who the Asbury All-Stars were. But by night two (I had a ticket for the second show that night) word had spread that the night before Bruce and his band had joined forces with the Jukes. The theater vibe was electric before the show started. I had a third row center ticket and when the theater lighting went dark the energy level exploded. The stage lights mistakenly flashed on for a second and imprinted in my memory was the image of all the members of both bands, with Bruce and Steve Van Zandt stage front. The crowd erupted even more. The lights went black again for a few seconds and then came up again as the combined bands launched into the Jukes song “This Time Is For Real.” Steven, who managed the Jukes back in that period and either wrote or co-wrote many of the band’s songs with Bruce) took lead vocals, with Bruce singing the songs that he had written (i.e. The Fever). They went through virtually the entirety of the Jukes’ then two album library, with a mini set in the middle when Ronnie Spector joined them to sing several of the Ronnettes’ hits capped off by a duet with Bruce on his song “You Mean So Much To Me (Baby)” which Johnny and Ronnie had recorded together on the Jukes first album. After coming out for encores and ending with the Jukes show topper, Sam Cooke’s “We’re Having a Party,” the audience lights came up and the roadies started shutting off the amps, usually a sign that the show had ended. It was well after midnight, but a about a third of the crowd remained and moved to the front of the orchestra section of the theater chanting for more. After what seemed 15 minutes of chanting, the roadies came back onto the stage and began turning on the music amps again. The energy in the crowd erupted when Bruce and the E Street Band, accompanied by the Jukes horn section, emerged again on stage and launched into another full set of their own songs, ending finally with the Jackie Wilson classic “Higher and Higher.” Bruce was in the middle of his legal issues with former manager Mike Appel during that period and wasn’t able to record, and played publicly only sporadically, so you could feel the pent up energy that he and the band were releasing. I remember finally leaving the theater at about 2:30 a.m., ears ringing, soaked in sweat, exhausted and thinking to myself “I’ve never seen anything like that before, but I want to do that again.” That was what I consider my first E Street Band show (I’d seen Bruce a number of times pop up on stage with other bands at the Stone Pony and the Fast Lane in Asbury Park, but not with his band of brothers backing him. I was converted that night and have been an avid follower ever since.
I was at the early show that night. After the main show ended, we got an encore of Bruce and the E Street Band doing Thunder Road. I met Bruce in the mid-80s and told him I was at that show. He said, “Oh yeah. That was a classic.”
Ive been fortunate to see so many amazing things when it comes to Bruce, but one night at Cheers in Long Branch my friend Sal and I were there to see Bobby Bandiera and Bruce came in. We said Hi, then left him alone. There weren’t many people at all there and we were sitting at the bar and Bruce and Patti’s Dad were at a booth. Bruce comes walking by my bar stool and I said “Hey Bruce, are you taking off?”, he says, “No, im gonna give Bobby a hand!” so he hops up there with Bobby and they to Mustang Sally and Lucille. Just two songs but that was a big surprise and alot of fun! Ive been fortunate enough to have so many amazing Bruce nights , but that particular one was so much fun!
My most memorable Springsteen moment came in June of 1981 at The Old Waldorf in San Francisco when Bruce crawled across the top of the table right next to me to join Gary U.S. Bonds on stage. There were only about 300 people at the show, and many of us had bought tickets in the hope that Springsteen would make a surprise appearance. The Boss didn’t disappoint as teamed up with Bonds for several songs including Quarter to Three, Jolé Blon and This Little Girl. Having seen Bruce and the band on the first River Tour just a few months earlier, it was an incredible thrill to be a mere five feet away on this unforgettable night.
I was at a Sting show at Madison Square Garden in 1988. The Amnesty tour had been announced but hadn’t started yet. Sting came out for the last encore, where he had always played an acoustic “Message in a Bottle.” Instead, he said, “I want to play a song written by a friend of mine,” and started singing “The River.” Midway through the first verse, Bruce walked out. I think the audience lost their collective minds at once. What a moment.
Also, a few years back April 2008, the Tampa show right after Danny passed away, when they opened with “Backstreets” and the crowd was sobbing from the get go.
The night he called out “Midnight Hour” in Milwaukee 10/14/80 while improvising at the end of Crush on You. Half the band couldn’t believe it. Sorry, no video.
I wish I had witnessed this and can only hope that more archive material will see release before I am too old to enjoy them. In the meantime I would love to get a copy of this showing.
If these easy decisions are REALLY SO DIFFICULT I recommend staying home. Sheesh. How about Just pee where you always peed. Quit letting fear inform your life. No one is going to hurt anyone OMG. Take a buddy with you if you seriously feel so “threatened”. ASK A COP TO MAN THE DOOR OUTSIDE THE RESTROOM if the threat is SOOOOO scary. I am sure they would just LOVE that.
I am a heterosexul woman. I have been in the bathroom with transexuals. NEVER A PROBLEM. Honestly, rude stuck-up white Mommys with their unruly children disrupt public restrooms more than anyone.
This was quite simply the biggest load of self indulgent bullshit I have witnessed on a stage for MANY years. God alone knows what this reviewer saw or thought he did. He should be ashamed of promoting such mind numbing, ill conceived, poorly executed and spectacularly BORING (so called) theatre. There was no point of view, it was devoid of anything approaching a narrative thru-line, and it exuded an artistic arrogance that was beyond compare. I hope Miss Chipaumire does the honorable thing and retires from an already overcrowded industry and spares us, a paying audience, any future torment. I am done with Montclair and their misguided, obscure programming – this was my third and last visit there, ever.
My first professional writing gig was at The Aquarian too (before it morphed into East Coast Rocker), writing film and theater features. I got to interview a bunch of b-list movie stars (including a young Harrison Ford and the hilarious Dom DeLuise, the Wizard of Oz’s Ray Bolger, and sex kitten Pia Zadora.) When that fizzled out, I started writing for my best friend’s fanzine, and when that folded, I started my own zine (and kept writing – for free – for other zines with bigger circulations, like The Bob and Matter.) The exposure I received got me noticed and eventually led to freelancing opportunities at places like Request (Sam Goody’s house magazine, and 2nd largest music mag in the country back in the 90’s,) Guitar World, Rolling Stone, and – thanks to Jay – the Star-Ledger, as well as a weekly music column in the Jersey Journal. So my advice to young writers today is to just start publishing yourself, even if it’s online (which is WAY easier than publishing a print fanzine was back in the days before personal computers and hi-quality copiers.)
Yes, it’s much easier to start publishing yourself these days. Not necessarily easier to get paid, though. It cost me virtually nothing to start NJArts.net. A year and a half later, though, I’m still making very little money from it.
” Uncle Floyd ” , great ” Homage ” to you from another ” Great ” ! Like you , he is ” One of a kind ” & will be missed always .
I remember , with much fondness , our days at ” Catch ” together & will
try to get in touch , for my next visit to my ” Home State ” , New Jersey !!!
Uncle Floyd is still alive. He still does his act. You can hire him, he loves performing. Just had diner with him last week. Don’t count him out, yet. Still with us.
I fully support the decision to cancel the concert ! That law affects more then bathroom rights , it takes away many other rights . What ever happened to the “Separation of Church & State “? No one is trying to take away your religion , but when it interferes with job performance , you need to change jobs ! Practice your religion in Church & in your home , when you are in the public , not every one is a believer & shouldn’t be subjected to your predjudices !!!
Jay, your story on becoming a rock critic was interesting, beautifully written, and peppered with enough humor to sustain my attention for the more serious lines about the decline of the newspaper biz, and the challenge you faced.
I love Mint Condition and I knew if they were scheduled to be on stage the same day Prince passed, there would be no way they were leaving that stage without a tribute to such a major inspiration of theirs. I love you, MC. Keep putting out that good shit in memory of Prince. And Prince, fly high, Purple Warrior….. This is what it sounds like when doves cry.
Hi Jay – I interned at the famed Ridgewood News in 1985-86. Call it the John Breunig/Evan St. Lifer Period. I tell my students not to have too much of a plan, to be open to unexpected paths. Give my regards to my home state – I hope we can touch base at some point.
njartsdaily@gmail.com. Please Make this tribute internationally if possible, thank you so much for doing this from the beginning, you rock, long live Prince
My son inquired to purchase a ticket for $129 (lower seating) to which the ticket agent at the box office said was available. ,I (mother) went to purchase within 1/2 hour and was told none was left but only the extreme upper and far side seating. Disappointed, I left without purchasing. 4:25 I always enjoy the competition and supported the fest even when it was in another theater in Newark.
Currouse, I went online and viewed tickets available on the lower seating area. (5:20 pm (same day)) No, I did not purchase the ticket online and decided not to attend and will tell my experience to others.
Where can I purchase the DVD of this and other prior gospel fests events. Thank you.
You mean to tell me that my daughter sang and there are no dvd recordings I am the father or Mikayla Serrano one of the teen soloist that competed Are they going to broadcast it on TV?
We do an annual Dylan Tribute for 18 years now. We’re running late this year. Here’s the info –
The Way Station
683 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
June 25, 2016 8 to 10 PM (no cover or minimum)
Here’s info about us –
The Zimmymen and the Wimmymen are a merry band of Dylanologists who congregate annually to celebrate and perform the work of the Bard, Hibbing Minnesota’s own Robert Zimmerman, aka Bob Dylan. The Way Station show will mark the 18th year for these annual get-togethers. The Zimmys will roam through Bob’s extensive catalog, picking tunes from all decades – the 1960’s into the 21st Century. So Zimmy fans should set “their boot heels to be wanderin’” to Prospect Heights on 6/25 for an evening of wall-to-wall Dylan. Bring your thought-dreams for analysis, and we’ll make “attempts to shovel a glimpse into the ditch of what each one means”.
Great. Look forward to the City Winery. On the Dylan/Greenwich Village walking tours, we at Rock Junket do those at 11 AM Sunday. If you could, please mention rockjunket.com. Thanks ! How does it feel…to be 75 years old? Happy Birthday Bob!
The mystery is solved. I was in the audience on August 26, 1990. I knew there had been a warm-up band. For 26 years I’ve not been able to find the name of that band. I found this article on 5/16/2016. Finally I know who that band was. I do remember liking the set they played. But I wasn’t able to hear the name of the band when they announced it.
I just wanted to say thanks for publishing the words about Thelonius Monk’s “Hackensack.” I dig Monk immensely and play “Hackensack” alot. The Englewood Cliffs studio and it people must have contributed to the great music recorded there. Adios, Steven Tye Culbert
Hey. Just decided to search on Janata and came across this article. Mike, amazingly written article. Not sure if you remember, this is Karen. I lived across the street from Danny in Midland Park. Always went to see you play whenever I was able. Hope all you guys are doing well.
Because Prince Be grew up (and still lived) in Jersey City, he was always eager to be interviewed by me for the Jersey Journal. “Rolling Stone is okay,” he told me, “but my mom reads the Jersey Journal.” So I got to interview him several times, every time a new record came out, and he was always warm, gracious, forthcoming, and a real delight. I also loved those records, and I agree, his gentle soul ran counter to the prevailing wave of gangster rap and he was never properly appreciated in his time. But I think people will listen to those records in the future and appreciate them.
1) Great review on HOME FREE! Thx!..Can’t wait to see World’s 1st All Vocal Country Band/Sing Off 4 Winners (songwriters, arrangers, multi-instrumentalists) again!!
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Their “GOD BLESS THE USA” went VIRAL! 1+Mill. vws in 3 days & rocked Justin Timberlake cover “CAN’T STOP
THE FEELING”, but our fav.: beautiful orig. “I’VE SEEN” (…rain on the Mississippi Delta, I’ve seen the sunrise in Baton Rouge…), beautiful!
.
Need no reply..Share their awesome music!!Thx again!! :)
I preface this by saying I’m not a Trump supporter, but rather hate the media. First of all any author who attempts to write an article about a subject should do a little research, Trump hasn’t had any ownership in the Taj in about 14 years. Most importantly anyone who has half a brain knows that the Atlantic City city council causes more damage to Atlantic City on a weekly bases than Trump ever did. Atlantic city is not a cautionary tale about Donald Trump it is a cautionary tale about too much government involvement in free enterprise. Also no one from this band is from Atlantic City or Absecon Island.
Jay, thank God you are still informing us about NJ arts (rather than Facebook or Twitter, I read the blog through Feedly); but, I’m not 100% with you on this one.
First, I do think that a petition (or even better, calls and letters) will make a difference at the NYT. Historically, news and entertainment companies are keenly aware of and responsive to audience feedback. After all, the gist is that readers value the content and want to read it, which is the major goal of the paper.
Second, although print revenues are reduced everywhere, it is not correct to say that the NYT is suffering economically and that this is a budgetary axe. The Times has been consistently and increasingly profitable even in these digital days, and employs more than 2000 reporters and editors in the newsroom, and hundreds more to create digital products (disclaimer: my wife is a Creative Director in the digital area).
Actually this is quite wrong. The Times does not have 2000 journalists and hundreds more creating digital products. The Times has fewer than 1300 journalists and this is indeed a budget issue. We are now covering wars around the world, a close presidential election, and building new kinds of journalism for the digital age. These stories are part of our mission and if we do not cover them, no one else will. So we have to make choices and cutting back regional arts coverage is a painful one. But covering wars and a tense world are more important right now. And I believe most of our readers get that.
Best,
Dean Baquet
Executive Editor
This is indeed a blow to arts groups outside the city proper. Wars and elections are of course prime concerns, but the arts are important to the lives of your readers. The Times is one publication that remains a major source of information about the arts for those of us living in the regions around the city. Does maintaining a calendar site require a journalist?
This is indeed a blow to arts groups outside the city proper. Wars and elections are of course prime concerns, but the arts are important to the lives of your readers. The Times is one publication that remains a major source of information about the arts for those of us living in the regions around the city. Does maintaining a calendar site require a journalist?
PLEASE….for the fans……I hope ya’ll can work out your differences and tour again. I turned 62 Aug. 13 and have loved CSN since I was 15. It took me til the age of 58 to see you for the first time and 60 to see you again…….I am not done with you yet.
Being that it was 1979 they were touring for the “Enlightened Roughes” album…my guess would be Jim Essery on Harp. According to Wickipedia he played on 4 tracks for the album, but I’m not 100% positive that he toured with them. Just my guess.
The greatest most intense know you rider I have ever seen Was in the 2nd set April 1 1980. Go to gdsets.com for any set list you want. I followed Jerry and the dead shows where ever he played from 69 to 95.:I still don’t understand how I survived those 30 years ‼️☮️🍄☯️🦷🌹💚☮️ Ps. Put on a pair of good head phones and Go listen to the China rider from that 4.1.80 show. Awesomely intense and Jerry very animated on stage.
Absolutely awesome. I was a kid playing air guitar eventually leading me to learning to play. I always remember how much my brother looked like Stevie and played too. Lost him 41 years ago in car crash. Thank for the memories
I’m ny born and NJ raised r&b/pop artist. how do I get my name on that list of New Jersey artists on your website?
I can email any materials you may need :)
Best
Mic
Jay, keep doing what you’re doing for your readers and yourself. It’s all fine! (And if you plan to publish a list of Bruce fans who have never been to a Bruce concert — count me in! Though he jumped onstage and performed with a band I was with in the 70’s, and we’d be at the same gym and PT place, the Dunphy’s, Red Bank, I’ve never been to a concert. It’s on my bucket list!)
Thanks to Facebook we found you again. We’d lost you, Jay, for a few years because we live in Venice Fla not Jerz anymore. I always appreciate your talent, and how you give facts in your style. So, this time it’s “songs for girls” being the key that opened the door for Brucie’s commercial successes; a key supplied by Kal. Who knew? Wow. -Fifi.
We can attest to the success of advertising on NJArts.net and will recommend it to any and all Arts Organizations, not just in New Jersey, but in the entire tri-state region. It works because people are getting their entertainment information on-line and not in print. Keep up the great work, Jay!
Great list on an important topic – glad the boss is talkin’ about it. He’s a stud. You’re on point as usual Jay. Hey, have you ever heard Black Ladder from Patti Scialfa. I think it’s pretty much about her facing his depression and what it’s like for her – it’s a powerful, beautiful song all the more so cause it’s so short – it really stands out and makes you think – this must be a special song.
-bt
I was there! An amazing, intimate concert. Bruce rocks at every concert he performs. He also stayed after the show to let the audience take pictures. A concert I’ll never forget.
I take it that some like the idea the future president of the united states of america would have professional wrestling experience. I also wonder why that a business man with bankruptcies and many failed ventures is able to defeat a group that was once the party of Lincoln and was once for equality and fair practice. Not saying they are not for it now, but from the do nothing congress to the government shutdown and the ben-got-me fiasco it seems that politics as usual has not been that case and the GOP nominee is the result.
Thank you for your passion and dedication to Rock and Roll. You have put into words how we all feel, without slashing at our next gen and giving to them as intended lol!
Gotta say I didn’t realise the next gen liked the rock and roll yet, but you said it man they do love it :D
Congratulations to Steven and Maureen Van Zandt!
And “Thank You”. To Bruce Gallipani for his vision, his passion and his commitment to children and Rock and Roll! You had a dream to teach kids music and that dream is a reality with “Rockit!” From what I saw at the Gala, you have done much more!
You have helped your students in music and life!
“Rockit!” Is amazing and so are you!
Hello stevie thanks for all you do and have done for Cass and brett and Russell keep going ! Your almost on Broadway11 praying for us all Auintie marcy
Jim
While I don’t know you or your dear departed spouse; I’m a huge fan of the Smithereens, almost as far back as it’s inception! I was in high school in the early 80s and literally remember where I was, what time of the year, time of day etc when I heard the band for the first time. You were playing “Cigarette” live for the first time on MTV. So I rushed out to buy your records and even covered 3-4 songs in my band at college! I’ve seen the band several times and one of my dreams came through when I was able to have Pat do a “living room gig” for my Birthday and in my own home studio/garage space; incredible!!
Anyway, I’m very sorry for your loss. I lost my first wife to a terrible disease as well. My two boys and I had no idea how complicated and lengthy the grieving process would take? Even now after 8 years; but having an outlet like music or art and architecture in my case can help channel those feelings in a positive creative way. So please take care of yourself and your family and hopefully we can expect more great music from the band? The return of your original Bass Player sounds very cool! I wish I had the funds to check out the gig; perhaps your planning to roll tape? Maybe video? Hopefully you guys can find your way to Indy or other midwestern town so I can catch you in my neck of the woods? God bless Betty and best wishes for the Babjak Fund!
Been there dude ! So funny how all my life been jealous of guys who got to be in a good band like you’re in But we all love our woman who was always there Music is the hardest profession but the best relief from the world Time will help your loss Don’t give up!
Shawn Colvin, “Tougher Than The Rest” (https://youtu.be/PceRAJ_K27I) from her album ” Uncovered” is great. So is “Atlantic City” performed by The Watkins Family Hour at the Newport Folk Festival 2014 ( with Sean & Sara Watkins, Langhorne Slim, and Aoife O’Donovan on lead vocals (https://youtu.be/f0ff_zt3-JE).
Dear Jimmy,
So honored and proud to be among those attending Betty’s Memorial on the 29th. I will be proudly wearing my signed Buzzed Meg tee that you sent me! You are one class act, my friend!❤️
Julianna Hatfield does a great version of Cover me, Cowboy Junkies do lots of Springsteen covers and State Trooper is one of my faves. Also 10,000 Maniacs had probably their biggest hit with their take on Because the Night from their Unplugged show.
This is Debra Brey Band Manager for Iron Bridge Band… we r interested in submitting our Band info to be part of festival …. can you please let us know where to send info
I also saw Met Opera stars, Peter, Paul and Mary, Harry Chapin, Roy Orbison and many others under the tent. Hoping the choices will be many and varied.(I understand I have really dated myself here, but they were great performers…☺)
Bon Jovi has been a extreme success these past 30 some years. They drserve to be in that Hall of Fame. For the people who have been blind they need to really open up their eyes already and see Jon and this amazing band for who they are. People love them and follow them to every concert they have. I’m going to the one in Sunrise, Florida Feb. 12, 2017 with great up front seats like I always get year after year. Bon Jovi is the best band out there ! They should be recognized !
Bon Jovi , the best band there is !
A big thank you to Jon who I adore since 1988. Thank you for all you do and congratulations for all you have achieved in life.
This is the best band in the world and should be recognized.
Nicely done, Jay. If that show does indeed become an annual event, my buddies and I are coming down from NH next year. I still see them here every November (the 19th this year), and I get chills sometimes thinking about seeing them at the Orpheum in Boston in’88 and ’90. God, there wasn’t a better live band than them! Thank you and see you guys in a few weeks. And all the best to Mike Mesaros!!
Please tell me it was filmed! If it wasn’t 500 miles away, we’d have gladly paid the $200 tickets to she there. If they do it again during the summer when it’s easier to get away, I’ll drive there for the occasion!
I was at that concert! One of the best of his I’ve been to because it was so intimate. All of Bruce’s concerts are great but this on was a one of a king. He even came back on stage after the show to let the crowd take pictures. BRUUUUUUCE>
Hi Jim,
It was brought to my attention that the 3 videos in this article are mine. I am honored that you wanted to use my videos. All I am asking is that I get credit for my work.
Thank you,
Cindy Jasgur Ferrier
Actually there will be many more. Freedom Bremner & Lindsey DeSena come to mind. Actually, my last tally was The Weeklings, The Post 2016 Election
Choir, Anjelia, The Barefoot Strings, Richard Barone, Joe Bellia, Freedom Bremner, Chuck Buck, Joanna Burns, Bob Burger, Tom Brislin & Spiraling, Marshall Crenshaw, Don Dazzo, Lindsey DeSena, Amanda Duncan, Ian Gray, Emily Grove, Linda Heffentrager, Erin Hill, Taylor Hope, Kayla Hutchins, Gina Hyams, Jigs, Remember Jones, Jerzy Jung, Patti Maloney, Dana Marchioni, Jacquita May, John Merjave, Tricia Mozgai, Rob Paparozzi, Thunderbolt Patterson, Michelle Petrie, Jillian Rhys, Reagan Richards, Mark Sacco, Nancy Sebastian, Fawn Segerson, Christina Shafer, Tony Shanahan, Antonique Smith, Mike Stein, Kasim Sulton, Alicia Van Sant, Brielle Von Hugel, myself and most likely, more…
This puts 2016 TOTALLY in the black. YAY!!
So much great music, new and old, has a voice again.
This confirms once and for all the old saw about one door closing and another opening. I can see this station even improving what was a fantastic radio station.
Thank you to Jonathan at The Newt for your vision.
Excellent review! As much as I enjoy music moving forward, it is always a thrill to hear singers pay tribute, in either faithful or new versions of songs, to an old icon. And Richard Barone is an ideal person to direct such efforts. I would love to see him put together similar shows honoring The Beatles, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Buddy Holly…
I am told that yes, they do include admission to this event. I would recommend getting there pretty early, though, (1) to make sure you get a good seat and (2) because if the theater is totally full, they might not let any more people in even if you have an all-access ticket. (That happened to me once, though at a much smaller Light of Day venue. I wouldn’t think you would have that problem at the Paramount, but you never know).
That was a nice write up on a spirit filled concert with a full house of people who enjoyed every minute of it. The video clip was great to sing along with and relive the moment. Thank you.
A great list–but missing the most memorable tribute song of the year by far, Kate McKinnon’s Hallelujah in memory of Leonard Cohen and Hillary Clinton:
Used to coach baseball at Florida Atlantic. Bruce played every nite on our PA
One night we lost the lead in the top of the ninth. i yelled up at the pa guy “We need some help!”
He played Night as we came in to bat. He cranked it up, almost blew out the speakers!
We came back and won on a walkoff home run!
Always loved that song!
“Follow that dream” is not a Presley’s song…it’s Boss’s song with the same title of an other one that Elvis has sung during the sixties…Bruce said one time that he think about the King when he has written it…
It is, to a large extent, a reworking of Elvis’ song (with some added lyrics), but the lyrics are too similar to view them as two separate songs. Also, Bruce, in the clip included here, describes it as “a favorite Elvis Presley song of mine.”
ELVIS VERSION:
Follow that dream, I gotta follow that dream
Keep a-movin, move along, keep a moving
I’ve got to follow that dream wherever that dream may lead
I’ve got to follow that dream to find the love I need
When your heart gets restless, time to move along
When your heart gets weary, time to sing a song
But when a dream is calling you,
There’s just one thing that you can do
Well, you gotta follow that dream wherever that dream may lead
You gotta follow that dream to find the love you need
Keep a-movin, move along, keep a moving
Got to find me someone whose heart is free
Someone to look for my dream with me
And when I find her I may find out
Just what my dreams are all about
I’ve got to follow that dream wherever that dream may lead
I’ve got to follow that dream to find the love I need
I’ve got to follow that dream wherever that dream may lead
I’ve got to follow that dream to find the love I need
Keep a-movin, move along
Keep a-movin, move along
Keep a-movin, move along
BRUCE VERSION
If your heart is restless from waiting so long
If you’re tired and weary, and you can’t go on
If a distant dream is callin’ you
Then there’s just one thing you can do
Follow that dream wherever it may lead
Follow that dream to find the love you need
C’mon, follow that dream
Now baby, I walk in dreams
And I talk in dreams
I need someone with a love I can trust
And together we’ll search for the things that come to us
In dreams, baby in dreams
And I’m gonna follow that dream wherever that dream may lead me
I’m gonna follow that dream to find the love I need
Now every man has the right to live
The right to a chance to give what he has to give
The right to fight for the things he believes
For the things that come to him in dreams
Baby in dreams, I walk in dreams
I talk in dreams
I live in dreams
Normally, I would not begrudge a band that I assume is not making big bucks accepting a lucrative, high visibility gig. This, however, is different–but not because I opposed Trump. It is offensive that a band which purports to honor Bruce–and which profits primarily from his music–is part of honoring someone he hates and lies about this being a partisan event.
I disagree with the premise of the article that the B Street Band has taken a side. Are the caterers who serve the food for this non-partisan reception (which takes place every four years no matter who is inaugurated) taking a side? Are the chefs who prepare the food taking a side? I thought we won a battle when the courts said that a florist had to provide flowers for a gay wedding even if he or she did not accept the validity of gay marriage. The B Street Band is playing a gig for which they were contracted four years ago after they performed for President Obama’s inauguration. They deserve a paycheck just like everyone else who is working during the inauguration ceremony. This event is not a “Trump-sponsored” event but rather a gathering of New Jerseyans living in Washington, D.C.
“A” list acts can afford to sit this one out. But I think even Bruce would not begrudge these guys a nice paycheck for a gig booked so long ago. Give ’em a pass.
There is an obvious difference between performing artists and caterers: the latter are pretty much anonymous. And even if the catering company has a big advertising banner at the event, the individual employees are still anonymous.
A band performing on stage is clearly not anonymous.
They state that they are contractually obligated to play. If so, that’s fine if they have asked to be excused from the contract. If they must play then the solution is simple – just don’t play any Springsteen songs. BTW they claim to be the #1 Springsteen cover band. Never heard that from any other source. Bold claim when there are Springsteen cover bands all over the country.
Saw Gretchen Wilson, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, The Allman Brothers, Weird Al Yankovic and Phish. Had a good time at every show and I got to meet Gretchen Wilson
Maggie and Terre performed in church coffeehouses in Park Ridge and Paramus in the 1960s. Wish I could find the old photos. I read poetry. They were a whole lot better. So sad to hear the news.
Springsteen wouldn’t know what “The Resistance” is if it smacked him in the face. All he has to do is look at World War II to see what “The Resistance” really is. And, it’s not Bruce Springsteen and his “snowflake” followers.
Bruce’s music has been terrible for the past 10-20 years. He sounds like a wounded dog when he sings, and sometimes he screams so loud it hurts the ears. You can’t understand what he’s singing about anymore.
Through her music, I came to know and love Maggie Roche, and I am terribly saddened to hear of her passing. Maggie Roche was a rare talent, and her intelligence, humor, and integrity shone through in the music that she created. She will be missed, but she will also be remembered.
I think it’s definitely more parody than tribute. I love Bruce, but all of the references are obviously pokes at him. Maybe Dylan was tired of Bruce’s early puppy-like adulation and comparisons of them, and since Bruce’s popularity was soaring while Dykan’s was fading…And who knows, maybe the other Willburys were giving him some $&?! about it, so he decided to write a thinly veiled jab at him. Wouldn’t put it past him, knowing how Dylan could be testy.
Even a step further, though I hate to think it, is that “monkey man” could be a racist poke at The Big Man. Not cool.
Once the song became somewhat popular, they had to cover their A’s and say, “Oh yeah, it’s definitely a tribute (nudge, wink)”…
I knew Butch from 1970 met the Allmen Brothers in Gainsville, fl. I lived with some girls from Daytona that new them from high school. The story is Butch Trucks was the nicest person you would want to meet. On the farm, Gainsville, Tellahasse, he was a wonderful person, friend and musicsion. What a kind person who should have lived longer, life cut short for no reason. My heart goes out to Melanda and children , which gave him.a wonderful life. He had a good life, a great home life for a well deserved person . Rest In Peace my friend, I will always think of you and your fun personality with the big bass you caught… bye.
Susan Mullen Addison
Addison@verizon. Net
I was born in the 90s but I never knew about Butch and his band. I honestly did not even know that Butch influenced the lives of many. The way you described Butch was like he was one of the greatest of all time. This story was really touching and I do wish I could’ve met him. What really surprised me the most is that he remained active “throughout a 50 year career”. A lot of hip-hop artists and artists are not even that active. Butch will always be remembered by millions.
“I Don’t Want to Go Home” is SSJ’s signature song. He should leave that alone. He’s done most of the songs listed in concert and hasn’t really changed them at all. Hopefully he focuses on the lesser known songs like “Next to You” or “Working Girl.” I know he didn’t write it but he did a great cover of the Crystals’s and Mink DeVille’s “Little Girl” at a Darlene Love show one time. That would be a cool bonus track.
“Baby Please Don’t Go” would be great. He’d just have to decide which arrangement he’d like to lean towards, Ronnie Spector’s or Nancy Sinatra’s. Or maybe something new altogether.
Larry Coryell was the best inventor of jazz rock fusion! When I went to Berklee College of Music no one knew who Larry was, they were all caught up in old jazz. Larry could play it old or new. His spaces album was the great start,he even did a duo with John Mclaughlin the king of jazz fusion at the time on that album. I met him and he was a real people person,he will be missed.
larry was my very first client when i entered the pr business, he was managed at that time by vince cirrincione – he was an amazing musician and to follow his fingers on the guitar was awesome – he deserved more recognition then he received …..i re-connected with him a few years back when he and his wife were writing a screenplay….i am so sad to hear this news…..carol ross
I was a huge fan of Larry’s starting in the sixties when he joined the Gary Burton Quartet. I was following Burton at the time, having seen him with the great Stan Getz, so when I saw the new quartet with this young, innovative guitarist backed by bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Roy Haynes, I was blown away. I went to see the group perform so many times that I got to know each one of them well enough to sit with them between sets. Larry turned me on to The Free Spirits and my own jazz-rock quintet covered two of his compositions: Early Morning Fear and LBOD. That band should have been a success back then but for some reason never caught on. Thanks for sharing these memories, Jay.
My name is Barry Holmes I was inducted into the blues hall of fame N.J. I am a blues artist and feel my band BBD Rhythm & Blues should have a shot at playing at this venue my phone is 908-305-8223 please call me. Thanks
asks for Barry Blues.
In regard to the Bruce interview: I’m sure they tried, but if Bruce didn’t want to do it, I don’t think it’s fair to expect them to then NOT do the documentary.
It really was a different era. It didn’t even phase me to be in charge of the alcohol, because I had been successfully getting served since I was about 15. I was just a little shocked that a teacher would literally tell me to go get the liquor myself.
Thanks SO much for this sweet well written story…I was there and I’m still smiling.
The single mother of three teenagers and everlasting lover of the Blues, what a total and rare treat to see and dance to this band (who I’d seen before in Chicago) at my local middle school. And yup, telling the kids to buy their own alcohol was absolutely how it was. Great to hear the backstory and loved the video too. Thanks so much Mike. PS I remember Jay…through a mutual friend Linda. James..RIP.
Well folks your prayers have been answered. The Fields at Waterloo are coming back. The old stage is coming down in April and the first event is going to be new home of the Bourbon Street Blues Fest.
Check out Bourbon Street Blues Fest.com Headliners Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robert Cray. May 20 & 21
This was an awesome show! Thanks for posting this for all to see and hear. I missed this one, but had seen Chuck the previous year in Bridgewater with Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Lymon’s Teenagers and the Duprees!
An impressively diverse schedule, although perhaps not quite up to such recent Two Rivers stellar productions as Forum, Ma Rainey and Jitney. It will be interesting to see the entire Dirden family at once, as well as the Latino plays, but does anyone need to see Earnest or Lughnasa again?
was there to see Beatles show on 3/29 – liked the show and dinner was great – hope they do more and now I know they have music on Friday’s will be back – class act
too bad they did not sponsor 1984 showings under Obama as he sure was a dictator, invading Lybia, Syria, using IRS to go after political enemies, spying on everyone (Snowden), giving full auto weapons to Mexican gangs under Fast and Furious project, etc etc etc…
An accurate review, although I found the two center piece rants, especially Liam’s, funnier than the critic did.
George Street, to its credit, has presented more edgy plays this season than in recent years and I prefer its focus on young American playwrights to the contrary approach taken by The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, although that theater is also very good in its own way.
Haven’t seen John Prine live in a few years. As good as he always was. Always leaves you feeling good for a few days afterwards. Hopefully this latest fight against cancer leaves him alone forever.
Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams were a perfect act to play before & with John P.
An excellent tribute to one of the all-time love songs. It is amazing that teenagers King and Goffin wrote a song that over a century later seems as timely as it was then.
Some liberal advocacy groups and musicians are ticked off with the current political environment, in which their own globalist, multicultural views are being rejected by increasing numbers of people. Sorry, but believing that that national boundaries should be respected; that the uniqueness of one’s own culture is worth preserving, and recognizing the obvious truth that not all ideas, cultures, and religions are equally worthy of respect, isn’t bigotry.
The failure and inability of multiculturalists and globalists to discern differences between cultures, religions, and ideas is what is truly scary and threatens the freedom and dignity of all persons. Throwing truth out the door as the consequence of the multiculturalist fantasy lacks intellectual credibility — only folks with their head in the sand could possibly embrace such nonsense. But I guess none of the folks signing onto this vapid and morally vain initiative can make any claim to intellectual and moral seriousness.
I saw the original when it moved Off Broadway. The review is very accurate–very good songs; surprisingly weak book, given the ample material which could have been used to make it better.
Springsteen is a “has-been”. His music no longer resonates with his followers. He can’t even sing. Most of his songs sound like screaming or mumbling. Anyone who thinks his stuff is great needs mental health intervention. Oh wait! Most liberals listen to this tripe; and liberalism is a mental disorder.
Figures another Archie Bunker of the Trump followers! Human rights are a concern here! I have no respect for any of you cold hearted lying greedy,unfair,prejudice excuse for a human!
Oh yeah, Trump is the greedy one that sold half of our uranium to Russia, was in on the gun running that happened, if your memory is not to dull, to have resulted in our ambassadors death. She is so full of love that she arranged for her brother to cheat the haitians out of decent housing, although he was paid overly sufficiently. I guess all of her crimes against humanity are ok with you? I would say the number of people who died who were going to testify against her or Bill ended up dead before the event, yep a real humanitarian. I know what’s wrong with you, My President Donald J Trump doesn’t need a thing from anyone, he can’t be bought, says what he thinks, & is not political enough for you. I would suggest you go back into your closet with your play dough, coloring books, & BLM BS & rest!!! The hate the left spews each & everyday has no place in America, & if you don’t like it, leave, the road leaves out of America just like it leads in. I suppose you think it’s ok for women to be struck by muslim chicken crap men, no this was an American woman coming out of a grocery store, had on a nice top, & pair of slacks, was told she was dressed like a wh*)&*& & knocked to the ground, & another brave barbaric muslim stomped on her head, yep real class act, & that’s if they don’t behead you, or gang rape you or your child, yep go ahead & spread that hate for our new President, but you better take a look at Paris, Sweden, Germany, England, they allowed them in & their taking over, wanting sharia law, & the governments of these countries do not have the gonads to stand up to these heitherns. Hillary & Bill were caught on a hot mic talking really prejudice about African Americans, but I guess that’s ok? Your a real tool, need to be deported with the rest of the idiots. Bruce never could sing, I don’t remember him being popular very long, no Archie Bunker, or Edith here either, I don’t see color, unlike the liar Hillary, she is a compulsive liar, thief, & I’m sure had her hand in a lot of murders, told our men to stand down in Benghazi, while our ambassador suffered a horrible death, read up on how they kill people they want to make an example out of, I think you should go live in Libya, or Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, their more important to you than Americans, now put that in your pipe & smoke it.
Go suck an egg. I am a fan for 40 years. You have no idea what you are talking about. Who do you like? HAHAHA…. LOL Sorry it makes you uncomfortable when people speak the truth about your hero trumpelthinskin. The biggest disgrace, threat and embarrassment in the history of the USA. BRUUUUUUUUUUUUCE foreverrrrrrrr
No, Bill Clinton was the biggest disgrace in American history, & so was Hillary involved in so many scandals, & so very corrupt!!!! I will say when obama came along he topped Bill, being an illegal as his half brother proved on Sean Hannity bringing his real birth certificate, he was born in Kenya. He had more than one half brother & this one was sad that he didn’t even try to help them at all, just lived the good life, umm what happened to that statement the lying, filthy piece of garbage said, “we’re our brothers keeper”, well yes we should be, but he certainly wasn’t. Obama & Hillary made a deal from the start, & he didn’t plan on leaving the white house, but left a disaster for President Trump. You don’t make me uncomfortable, I feel sorry for you & your stupidity, I almost said ignorance, you can fix that, stupid can’t be fixed, & I believe that’s where your at,now crawl back into your little world with your springstein records, cds, tapes, whatever, & allow reality to pass you bye, & the truth, avoid it at all cost as it appears you are doing a fine job of……some people.
What kind of insular prat are you? A Trump supporter I suppose, from the intolerant tone you’re adopting here. Springsteen worldwide is identified with, respected and loved by, way more of the population than Trump could ever hope for! Your comments simply show you as intolerant of whatever is different or of someone who has an opinion which is different from yours. That’s where genocide comes from! Hope I’m not using words that are too difficult for you to understand!!
A “has been”? Apparently millions of people haven’t received THAT memo! It’s obvious you never tried to get tickets to one of his shows and it’s obvious you, like Trump, have no clue!
I love it, & you are so correct!!!! The left can’t help it, they have to instigate hate anyway they think they can, they think it will make a difference in President Trumps Presidency, wrong answer, it will just cause innocent people possible harmful actions, apparently they haven’t thought this through very well, but that would be the left for you, so refreshing to hear someone else call it like it is, kudos to you!!!!
It is so funny to call Bruce a has been well I guess it is not funny but you never say any thing but insults.People matter and you all seem to only care about yourselves.As everyone knows Bruce is a genius and that is a fact.Of course he is going to have something to say about what is going on now in the United States.He is an intelligent thinking person.
Why do some people have to make things ugly? If you like something you are stupid. If you don’t like something you are a moron. I like Bruce. That’s good for me. You don’t like Bruce that’s good for you. What has happened to respect and decency? We can do better here.
I don’t think anyone is anything derogatory for their choice of musicians. I think it is sad that a musician would sing a hate song to cause strife to Americans who have committed no crime, to hate a President who is doing everything he can to keep his word on all the promises he made, that’s a first for a President, except Reagan! I don’t want my grandchildren praying to allay, or men being harsh to them or doing unheard of stuff to them. They have no pride living off of the everyday hard working Americans by bringing in 4 wives, & they all have children, live in separate homes, which is free, food stamps, help with utilities, & they drive new cars. I worked very hard since I was 7, in the cotton fields, I’m lily white by the way. I was taught to have pride in our country, our leaders, even though as time has gone on corruption has taken over a lot of our government. I was taught to pray to Jesus Christ our Lord & Savior, to have pride in any job I worked, whether I worked it until I found something better, or whatever. I don’t know where the pride has gone. I believe parents are too wrapped up in themselves, video games, drugs, sex, not a bad thing that one, as long as it’s with YOUR OWN SPOUSE….lol I think President Trump inherited the biggest mess anyone could have, & ya’ll preferred corrupt Hillary, I called her that ever since Mena Arkansas, I have relatives in that area & everyone knew about him & Hillary, it wasn’t good, their thoughts towards them. I cannot believe someone would want her to be president after the corruptness she has committed against our country & us. My sons really liked Bruce, but I was busy with them, ballgames, my garden, fixing them a good home cooked meal with fresh meat & veggies, taking & picking them up from school, even after their father passed at a very young age I accepted nor ask for any kind of assistance. They are both strong young men with values such as I was reared with, & yes that means respect for others, color doesn’t matter, your actions define who you are. I could not vote for Hillary had someone put a gun to my head after all the corruption she was involved in, & I don’t think singers that we onced respected should have nothing better to do than to sit around & make up hate songs. I believe if America doesn’t wake up we’re going to be in the shape Paris France is in, Sweden, Germany, I have a friend who has family in Germany, & from what I hear it is horrible!!!! I want a safe strong America, & instead of hate songs, I believe we should be praying for OUR President Donald J Trump, just get back to the basics, I know people were around their grandmothers, mine was Indian, grandfather Irish, they received an award for the most sufficient family in the State of Arkansas, the road to their home was named “Allen Lane”, after my grandfather, & I am so proud of him, & my grandmother, she churned butter , they had a smokehouse, & yes he fought in WW1, & was in bad shape when he arrived home, & passed not long afterwards, they had 9 children, my grandmother ask no one for anything. I have nothing against the people who want to live here, not to change us, but to adapt to our way of life, a better life for them, & be part of our society, but it’s not usually the case at this time, & yes I have researched, & I suggest everyone else do the same. My father was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed, he lived thank God, but lost a leg, but that didn’t stop him or slow him down. My good step father was in the Korean War, basically buried alive with one hand sticking up out of the ground, he’s hand & arm hurt until the day he passed in 2009. My brother, the only big brother I had lost his life due to Vietnam, & being sprayed with agent orange, inoperable brain tumor, & my best friend in the world, my current spouse was in the Iraq war & had told me it was going to destabilize the middle east, & so it did. He came home with a lot of problems but hung in there for 26 years total, his records are sealed due to things he did for our country when no wars were going on. He was a DEA agent, very intelligent person, body guard for Kissinger. I am an intelligent Patriotic person & some of ya’ll make me literally sick at my stomach, tearing down President Trump, because ya’ll resent the fact that he is wealthy, he just wants to give back, his father was an immigrant, so everyone needs to get over themselves, support him in his endeavors, he does have our best interest at heart, & next week will be introducing the new tax plan that will give the middle class which I call the struggling class now a great break, seniors a great break, everyone basically, & I think we should get over ourselves, pray for our President & his family. We don’t need songs that will stir up hate, their is enough hate without instigation & it’s so sad, people used to truly care about each other, worked together, helped each other, & those days need to come back!!! My President Donald J Trump is doing everything he can to make that a reality, whether some like it or not. I can’t believe all this bitterness & hate didn’t come out when obama was in office doing nothing but bailing out banks, spending trillions of dollars, now his yacht has been linked to drugs, & his involvement in so many corrupt things, but ya’ll are complacent when it comes to him, & according to his half brother who brought his birth certificate & was interviewed by Sean Hannity was upset that Barry, wasn’t really Barry, & did nothing to help his own impoverished family, but ya’ll go a head & rip President Trump to pieces, I’ll tell ya’ll now God has his hand on Trump, & he will succeed, or Jesus will come back, js. I try to love everyone, some you can not, but wish no harm to, but for goodness sake get back to the basics, that is not a hard thing to do, & please allow Americans to be put first!!!! God Bless Ya’ll.
Bruce has always been “The Boss” a man of great character, and an inspiration to all of mankind, using his music to extend a hand up for what is wrong in this world. What has become the problem for this society, country, is that it has become the land of the privileged. You take great pride in your reality T.V. stars, honoring, raising them up as Idol’s. Trying to emulate them, the enhancement surgeries, the buy bigger the better mentality, always trying to out do your neighbor, a friend, or even a stranger. Oh, don’t forget the cellphones, texting, posting selfies over and over, your newest toy, whatever, try taking a picture of something that might hurt, somewhere deep inside. Maybe, just maybe, if you spent a little bit of that energy volunteering your time in soup kitchen’s, food distribution center’s, homeless shelter’s, vet’s nursing homes, you’d regain some of the human back. That’s what makes a patriot of this country!!!!!!!!!!!!
I always thought “The Silence of the Lambs” was intended to be the antithesis of the pre-Steely Dan Walter Becker/Donald Fagen song “The Roaring of the Lamb.”
NJsound.com is trying to reinvigorate the concept of recording music. We try to take the approach of capturing the pure raw energy of musicians by requesting they record the foundation of their songs together as a band. Our studio can accomodate large bands, small bands, solo artists and even ensembles. Our latest band to take advantage of our sonic capabilities and approach is a band out of New Jersey Sophistipunx who recorded their latest single “Locked Down”. Checkout the difference when you capture a moment as opposed to piecing tracks together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3aB9nuxO24
Hello good people this is my first time attending the gospel fest, i would like to hear from someone in regards to the tickets prices . I am now purchasing tickets and the prices are very high , compare to when they first started advertising the event.I would like to know if anyone else noticed. Thank you and enjoy the show.
Rev.Ross A. Licata. Aka: RosieMay 11, 2017 - 8:23 pm
And all the folks that worked at making this business a success.
Ticket takers, security, stage crews and office personel; as Dick Carrol said,
” I’m the guy who makes this show work!” RIP Dick Carrol.
Trump just showing, yet again and again, how is is a “No brains” guy! We get it, Trump! You are ignorant and mean and arrogant. You don’t have to work so hard to keep convincing us!.
Nobody supports the arts in NJ more than Jay, but he understands that a critic’s job is not to be a cheerleader for theaters (even those as usually excellent as George Street), but a coach for theatergoers. I found Curvy Widow to be modestly amusing, musically modest and very predictable. Its outstanding trait is its nonstop exhibition of the egomania by the author, who does not change her name in writing this tribute to her supposed brilliance and sex appeal and, when her addressing her affairs with a series of married men, does not ponder what her reaction would have been if her husband had had a mistress while alive.
I am sorry our tickets subsidized her self-worship.
How can I get the music and lyrics to this song to use at a Knights of Columbus convention. If you can contact me ASAP it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I found these lyrics online. I’m not sure if sheet music is available though.
Travelling down the Turnpike
heading for the shore
A thought just then occurred to me
I never thought before
I’ve been a lot of places
Seen pictures of the rest
But of all the places I can think of
I like Jersey best.
Betting halls, shopping malls,
good old Rutgers U,
47 shoes stores line Route 22
The Meadowlands, the root beer stands
Main Street Hackensack;
I may leave for a week or two
But I’m always coming back.
The Pinelands and the Vinelands
Seaside Heights Margate
You can have Miami
I love the Garden State
I’ve been a lot of places
Seen pictures of the rest
But of all the places I can think of
I like Jersey best.
We have horses, Princeton courses,
Gas stations we have scores
Trenton, Hopewell, Lake Hopatcong,
Mantoloking Shores;
Some states have their rock stars,
But Springsteen beats them all —
And our beautiful arena has
Brendan Byrne carved on the wall.
Lots of dineries, oil refineries,
Our highways make you cough,
But Spring Lake Heights and Belmar
Are places to get off.
Drinking spots and used car lots
Make the place just grand,
If you want to pay a visit,
Newark Airport’s where you land.
The Pinelands and the Vinelands
Seaside Heights Margate
You can have Miami
I love the Garden State
I’ve been a lot of places
Seen pictures of the rest
But of all the places I can think of
I like Jersey best.
Philly dogs like Chili dogs
They eat in Cherry Hill
Woodbridge they make Haagen Dazs
I can’t get my fill
Saddle River ain’t chopped liver
Nor is Lavallette
There are no Jersey strangers,
Just friends we haven’t met.
The Jersey Nets went thataway, Piscataway
No more, had another winning season
And next year they’ll win more;
Our Giants could go all the way
If they could win just one,
But the parties in the lots
Before the games are really fun.
The Pinelands and the Vinelands
Seaside Heights Margate
You can have Miami
I love the Garden State
I’ve been a lot of places
Seen pictures of the rest
But of all the places I can think of
I like Jersey best.
Our famous Parkway is the darkway
Home from Manasquan
You’d think for all those quarters
They’d turn the road lights on
And have no pity, Jersey City
Once again will shine,
With Holmdel, Cape May, Highland Park
I like our state just fine.
The Pinelands and the Vinelands
Seaside Heights Margate
You can have Miami
I love the Garden State
I’ve seen a lot of places
Seen pictures of the rest
But of all the places
I can think of, I like Jersey Best!
Thanks for posting the videos Jay. Last night was very special in many ways but for me seeing Steven and “The Out of Work”guy having so much fun up there (and lucky for me last night up close and personal in Row A at the Basie) brought so much joy to the hearts of everyone there.
Any thoughts on why Steven doesn’t play Undefeated? It has long been one of my favorite Steven songs, but maybe I’m in the minority? I know he can’t play everything in the catalog, but just wondering. . . . .
As I was exiting the Fillmore East in February, 1970, my 15-year-old-life forever changed after witnessing Santana, The James Gang and Catfish, I pointed to the mural-sized portrait of 6 long-haired, naked men grinning at us from a backwoods stream. “Who are those guys?” I asked aloud. Well, we sure as hell found out. 47 years later, with the first 5 notes of “Statesboro Blues” long-since inked into my shoulder, the awesome prowess of America’s greatest band seared into my soul forever, there is now no one left who can really tell Mama to wake up and turn her lamp down low. Thanks to Tom Skevin, a truly gifted writer and raconteur, for bringing more sweet memories of The Coyote to life. Well done, Brother Tom, as always. Give Big Broh a hug for us all, Gregg. You guys will never be forgotten. You were the greatest.
I despise what she did and think her comedy is generally more about narcissism and nasty comments about celebrities than wit, but this will not kill her career.
This will certainly cost her many fans, but her fan base expects her to be nasty and outrageous and is unlikely to be largely Trump supporters. Did Ted Nugent lose any fans after his vile comments about Obama? Did any sexist or racist lyrics by a rap or country singer ever cost them significantly?
In addition, Trump’s actions towards Obama and recorded remarks towards women made him in the minds of many a bully who deserved being insulted.
I do not know what Michael Richards has been up to since his racist remarks, but Andrew Dice Clay still has a career and Chris Rock saying he “understood” why OJ did it cost him nothing.
A key question will be whether she made good enough friends among late night and talk show hosts that she will get airtime.
Which one of the above copied the vile image of an ISIS beheading of our President. Where is the humor? She should be jailed, but the Secret Service are becoming snowflakes too.
Gentlemen, many thanks for your kind remarks.
Yes, a major loss in the music world and one that caused memories to flow forth.
The silver lining is that the music of the ABB and G.A. will live on. After all, that’s what it always was and is about, and only about: the music.
I was at this concert. It was just wonderful. Tommy James sounded fantastic and the whole experience was top notch. A Big Thank You to everyone involved for a great night.
Nicely done, Brother Tom. Thanks for keeping us all up-to-date on what’s good in NJ and around the musical universe. Appreciate your “contribution,” as always!
Thanks for sharing this. I’m sure we were all waiting to hear whether Jacqueline liked Springsteen. However I think the intention of the comments was to find out what Springsteen fans think about this, not that Jacqueline doesn’t like him. I do look forward to hearing from her about everything else she doesn’t like…
Great article, Tom! I have two of RRE’s albums and love listening to them. I had no idea that Carbone had a side band. Very excited to chek out their work now.
Yes folks rise up and pay attention to Tim and his music;
We need to protect the Delaware River, it is under threat daily from pollution and the byproducts of hydraulic fracking from the Pennsylvania
Side…
Please sign up to the Dealaware Riverkeeper Network and get involved !
Ton Skevin once again sheds light thru music and social awareness !
Always proud of your endevours. You’re a generous caring person. see you on the road. Jesse Roe funny thing at Del fest. don’t remember his name but after we chatted awhile and he realized I was the owner of Home Furniture Warehouse. He is one of the few people that remember tha you and Tucker did my jingle for All County Office furniture. Small world for sure.
The film is a favorite of mine, drawn into it by the bluegrass score and the fascinating story. The musical changes many plot points, but the impact is both the same, and different, but both powerful. Which do I prefer–the film–the musical? Both will remain as extraordinary tellings of the life of Little Jo.
The cast in this show at Two Rivers, so intimate a venue, blew me out of my seat–the leads outstanding, as well as those in supporting roles. The voices, the talent, stirred my soul– the acting; the sets; costumes; the music–all of it Broadway worthy. Bravo to everyone involved in this production.
This interview is amazing. I thought I liked Phil X before, this has revealed so much more. He’s truly one of music’s unsung heroes and I’m so happy for his success.
WOW! This guy has an incredible story. I’ve been a fan of Phil X for years, long before Bon Jovi, and this immense talent deserves recognition. The kind of recognition you’ve given him here!
And I love the photos and videos. The videos especially. You really get a glimpse into his personality which – next to his talent – is probably one of the most fascinating things about him. He’s truly one of the good guys!
This interview is so good. I actually read it this morning and came back to read it again as I listen to Phil X on Adrenaline Radio… I find it highly unusual that the jock at Adrenaline Radio is asking nearly ALL THE SAME QUESTIONS!
I also read the SharpNotes.rocks extended version. And there are questions from there this woman even lifted. What a shame. This interview is so thorough and so comprehensive and someone else lifted your work. Too bad.
I actually heard the Adrenaline interview myself. I’m glad somebody else took notice. What a shame.
Debbie Lynn Elias – the jock in question – has actually blocked me from twitter. The only reason why I know this is because I just went to look up her full name to make sure I had the spelling correct. Apparently she knows exactly what she’s done.
Always wondered about these side men, especially those good ones. This piece that looks into the soul of Phil tells me a little something about all of them. Well done, indeed!
This is the best interview I’ve ever seen ! You did a great job Jennifer P.
Phil X is an amazing Guitarist and Singer and a very nice Guy with his feet on the ground and the heart on the right place !
Just getting started on my listening but i am SO JOYFUL that you included Basia’s ‘
“Glory Days!!” I accidently found this months ago while connecting to the A.V. series from the Onion site.
Just touches me every time I hear it. “Born in the U.S.A.’ the album came out when I was 16 and i can still remember taking my girlfriend Melissa out on the back roads in my 1973 Nova listening to it on cassette. Now that I’m approaching 50 “Glory Days” as well as “Dancing In the Dark” (Wanna change my clothes my hair my face!!!) and “Downbound Train” take on entirely new meanings.
Hearing this played and so angelically sung by Basia helps me to accept better that “look in the mirror.”
That would make sense since concert promoter John Scher owned the Capitol and he did a ton of work with the Dead over the years, not just in NJ but all over the East Coast. I’m not sure if this is true but it’s been said that the arrangement was that Bill Graham would do all shows west of the Mississippi River and Scher would do all shows east of it.
I can confirm this arrangement per both promoters splitting the US in half like that Scher and Graham had a good relationship so this worked well for them.
I was at the tribute for Gregg at Rockwood Music Hall. It was an intimate setting and absolutely beautiful the raw emotions of not just the audience but Scott as well was so touching there was nothing but love in that room. I am so grateful I was able to attend such a touching tribute.
I hope this is made into a concert film. Try not to edit out to much. Fans like the stories it helps them feel close and helps with closure.
The new album Southern Blood which Scott did a few songs from is definitely awesome and will be very welcomed.
I have been a fan of Scott for many years 10+ and he definitely gives it his all not just with the GA band, but with the Brickyard Band as well.
I look forward to the upcoming tributes. I was the one who when you mentioned you had not heard a Live version of Win Lose or Draw said I sent you one previously.
I think Gregg is smiling saying this is what it is all about bringing people together, inspiring people through the music and Scott is doing just that.
Peace and one love.
Joni
Joni Nelson, Scott Sharrard, thanks to you both for trying to help GREGG’s children, his niece the other members of ABB to heal.
Scott Sharrard, you have been so kind!
We were at the 1970 Middlesex County College show, right up front in front of Jerry. I remember one of the roadies sold an audience member his big ten gallon hat.
‘Cause it ain’t the glory days with Bruce Springsteen
I’m not a virgin so I know I’ll make Madonna scream
You hated Michael and Prince all the way ever since
If their beats were made of meat, then they would have to be mince
Rock the bells
Lots of interesting references. Worst by far is Church; thinking that just naming a song after Bruce somehow buys him credibility. Saddest is Mellencamp; while he would emerge a few years later as a great songwriter (perhaps even rivaling Bruce in the 80s and 90s) in 1979 the lyric was all too true.
I was always a fan of Smokey Robinson’s, but had never seen him perform until two years ago. I was visiting my mom in Florida and looking for activities to do with her. In searching the internet I saw that Smokey was performing at the Kravis Center in Palm Beach. It’s a given that Smokey’s songbook is as good as any writer’s, but I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as his performance because of his age. He surprised me with an excellent show. He still maintains a strong voice, and who can argue with a greatest hits show consisting of all the Motown classics he wrote both for himself and for other Motown stars. Glad I saw him while I could.
The list just keeps on growing, here’s to part 6 and my contribution another cover of Dancing In The Dark recently released by a new UK based 3 piece group, Paradisia
Great review! Taking the artists age and history into account and providing an honest assessment, influenced by admiration and satisfaction. I saw him five years ago and it was very similar. Aged but proud!
It drives me flipping nuts when people comment on he Stephen Stills / Judy Collins tour and claim Stills voice is shot. Of course it’s fucking shot! If you saw CSN or The Rides over the past fifteen years you would had have a flipping clue. His voice is shot! Yeah, and you’ve gained weight!! Shut the hell up and respect an artist that has been able to maintain progression in his craft as he reaches an age that I’m praying to reach. I’m glad you enjoyed the show. I need a drink…
This IS a great review!! I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen GL in concert, even got to meet him post concert several years ago. At one concert, as he took stage, someone behind me was upset at how old he looked. I turned around to see an even older looking person and asked her which direction do any of us go. Yes, his voice is thinner, but his music isn’t just about his voice, it’s the poetry in his lyrics and how the musical composition compliments this. I’m no music expert but I know what I like and I think GL is one of the best lyricist/writers/poet of all time.
Excellent point. I guess I didn’t include it because so many different people have covered it, and I don’t associate it only with Presley. But it’s strongly enough associated with him that I should have included it, and I will add a paragraph and video to story about it.
Agreed! And in the fashion Joe would’ve approved of, including the festive family vibe back stage– nice place to see you, Richard, and touch base. You’re projects are inspirational!!
Wonderful, thank you to everyone involved and getting behind the StrummerJam spirit of DIY – we’d like to express special thanks to the organisers, the bands, the venue and of course the people!!
Southside and the Jukes are Jersey royalty. How is this even a question?!? Get them in there! Been following them and singing along and dancing since the 70s. The Force is strong with these guys.
Call me crazy..but i didn’t see anybody on that list of potential inductees that doesn’t belong. I guess Maxwell’s is influential..The Pony as well, and how many other rock clubs that don’t exist anymore. so is there an option to include entities as opposed to people? but my personal favorite, still highlighting great live music, is Concerts in the Studio in Freehold Boro. because the smithereens have played there…:)
Southside Johnny, it’s a crime he is not already in…
Debbie Harry
The Isley Brothers
The Rascals
The Smithereens
George Clinton
I definitely agree about Steve Fallon and Maxwells
If you want stars and semi stars ok. If you want the guys in the trenches who do this day in and day out for the last 35-40 years. Then take a look at Eddie Testa, Jobonanno, Joey Arminio, Jimmy Garcia,
Would have thought that Southside Johnny and the Smithereens were already inducted. They should be. Many other iconic candidates deserve the nod.
Another great choice would be Scott Bradlee. His Postmodern Jukebox started in a basement apartment with him and a couple of friends posting videos to YouTube. This labor of love is now a global musical extravaganza, delighting thousands of fans at every show — without ever being signed to a record label!
Allen Ginsberg, born in Newark, raised in Paterson, had a greater impact on worldwide culture than almost any of the existing Hall members. He is the most important New Jerseyan not yet inducted.
As always, Jay Lustig delivers the right words when it comes to covering and supporting the music scene in New Jersey.
And if, dear reader, you have made it to the comments section, I know you appreciate Jay’s efforts to keep independent, locally based journalism alive.
So, please join us Oct. 1 for a great night of music — and to support NJArts.net.
= Tom Skevin =
The hardest rock and roll bands in the rock and roll business and also America’s favorite band definitely The Smithereens… Yours Truly Jimmy Burns…????
Coming from Australia for the Brucebook Convention-this is a once in a lifetime pilgrimage. The Brucebook Community has a great vibe of camaraderie, bound by our affection for Bruce, the band and for one another.
Thank you for your intense dedication to this project, Jay. We all benefit from your talent and years of remarkable arts journalism. I am happy to donate what I can to keep things going.
I loved Tom Petty. First time I ever heard of him was when I was 21 years old & Damn the Torpedoes was just released. I was going through a nasty divorce, & music, my “only friend”, along with Tom Petty, helped me through such a rough time in my young life. “Refugee’ was my favorite sone & Petty followed me throughout my entire life when, at last & after almost 36 years, I saw he & the Heartbreakers in Oregon in Eugene @ Mathew Knight Arena, part of the University of Oregon. This was 2 years ago & the best damn concert I have ever seen in my life! What a performer! God Bless You, Tom & RIP! You were “The Best!”
LS:
Thanks brother for helping us all get past a really tough night. Thanks to you for thinking of TP on one of the hardest nights ever in America. You guys are both beautiful and what you both put out there keeps us all going through the darkness.
I was at the Concert in East Rutherford in 1978, at Giants stadium. I remember for a fact their were several deaths. Someone jumped off the spiral stairwell to the ground below tripping on acid.
Great job, TS. Like those other lanky fellas from Northern Florida, “Brother” Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers left their mark on our collective souls and in the annals of all that’s the best of rockin’ American music. The man was genuine down-to-the-core, a great writer, with an ear for making it sound the way it should. Along with Mike Campbell, TP crafted sounds that settle into your brain pan and thankfully will remain there forever. Hats off to one of the best. You’ll be missed, TP, Rest In Peace.
I think an inductees group of, say, Bon Jovi, Radiohead, The Moody Blues, The J. Geils Band, Dire Straits, The Cars and Sister Rosetta Tharpe would be presentable, though they could have done better (and, when the actual inductees are announced, will probably do worse).
Yes, Tom Petty was so much a part of my youth from 21 years of age to his end. He will never ever be forgotten. His songs, his voice, his charm & charisma will always be with me. Miss you, Tom! You did MORE for all of us music lovers with your songs & performances than you will ever know. You touch my heart & its in my heart that you will always stay! RIP!
Glad to see this information we have been exchanging for so long.
I was there with my bandmate (members of The Sorts of Millburn High, NJ)and we were astounded by the whole show. It was amusing to me how many teeny-boppers were so irritated by The Velvets. I ran in to Ed Cadmus, manager of The Decoys of New Providence, NJ, and he said The Decoys opened. Not so, but it could have been a show the next year.
Ran into my neighbors last week at Penn Station and they saw the show in previews. They absolutely loved it and weren’t be disappointed or expecting it to be anything like his live show.
Thanks for sharing this thoughtful review and will be interesting to see what his fans think. I’ve been following his career for 48 yrs when My band did shows with him in Asbury Pk in 1971 before his meeting with John Hammond. Since then I’ve played my Harmonica on Broadway in a few shows both onstage and in pit. Broadway and Live Music Stages are two VERY different animals. I bet by December he be all warmed up and hopefully make a few changes in the right direction…
I have waited over 20 years to see them (The original band) and most of those years were hopeless since it appeared they would never get back together. I understand that it’s Axl, Slash and Duff but the new additions are ridiculously talented and the concert in Newark went beyond my expectation and a 3 hour adrenal rush. It was awesome . Thank you GnR
The show was transcendent. Deeply moving. Soulful. An intimate journey into the darkness to find the light. So brave of Bruce to allow himself to be so vulnerable. Within it all I felt an invitation for the rest of us to do the same. Come on Up. It’s a new day, people.
Thank you, DAVID GERALD PALLADINO-SINCLAIR for this spectacular and important review of one of our community’s gems. We should have people lined up around the block to get into the NJFO concerts. I attended the concert last Saturday evening in Westfield as was speechless. David Wroe has talents so far beyond our stage it is unimaginable and our NJFO musicians are worthy of any of the world’s greatest forums. Check it out! http://www.njfestivalorchestra.org/ Celebrate the arts by buying a ticket for yourself and a friend…or bring your kids. I promise you will become a season ticketholder! Linda Habgood
Wonderful review. We were at the Saturday night version of this concert and it was also brilliant. We are so lucky to the New Jersey Festival Orchestra. Maestro Wroe has been giving us amazing music for quite a few years now. It seems as though his selections just get better and better. Thank you for sharing your impressions with NJ classical musical lovers.
Thank you for this great review. It’s so good to know that we do not have to go into NYC to experience world-class music!!!
Don’t miss upcoming NJFO holiday celebrations:
1. Return of the Three Holiday Tenors – Dec. 9 and 10 ( Westfield and Madison)
2. New Year’s Eve “ Puttin on the Ritz” – American musical theatre classics featuring stars direct from the Broadway stage (Westfield)
For tickets and information go to http://www.njfestivalorchestra.org
I don’t know if this guy is from NJ but there is a great song called, WHAT YOU’D CALL A DREAM. It is written by Craig Carnelia. You should find it, listen to it, and let me know what you think. It is just great.
Awesome and noble venture. I don’t mind my contribution being donated to a similar cause in the event of the target not being reached. The Smithereens have contributed greatly to the canon of rock n roll and I am delighted to help out even in a modest way.
The Hall is a business…. don’t they realize how DEVOTED Bon Jovi fans are? Get them in the hall then do a special exhibit on the top floor just if the band, like you’ve done for so many series and bands before! Fans will come in droves! I myself have been to the Hall and will only EVER go back for a Bon Jovi exhibit.
Is there any other Hall of Fame which has fan voting? Certainly not the various sports halls. There have been fan voting techniques for the baseball and basketball all-star games, which often resulted in manipulated results, from 7 Cincinnati Reds being voted to start the baseball game (ahead of Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, etc) to Yao Ming beating Shaq thanks to mass Chinese voting.
There has been a lot of commentary (notably by KISS) that the Rock Hall voters are elitists, but if the Hall is meant to honor not the most popular, but the very best, a fan vote is no more appropriate here than it would be for the Oscars, which also tends to nominate few box office smash hits.
Agree fan voting is problematic for a hall of fame. But if you’re doing it, it should mean something. For the Rock Hall, fan voting has so little impact it’s practically meaningless.
It’s wonderful to see the Montclair community continuing its long tradition as an incubator and source for high-quality classical music performances. I remember many amazing events — international-level events — from Unity Concerts and the New Jersey Chamber Music Society. For a new orchestra to take on the Mahler Fourth, well, that’s remarkable, indeed!
Well this should show them that we mean business then. Yes there is someone in the hall executives that does have it out for Bon Jovi that’s why I thought they were having the fan vote. To see if they were worth the shot to let in so as you see they are in the lead so far ahead that if they aren’t put in there is going to be such an out cry it won’t be funny. And their subscriptions will be going down like 450,000 way down. It really isn’t fair because they were eligible years ago and so many have been inducted before them. I don’t even watch it anymore it’s not even worth my time even when there is someone I want to see. I don’t care anymore. That’s is just how dishearten I am over this whole thing because they are so unfair with this. And I’m not the only one that feels this way. You want us back then get Bon Jovi into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where they belong.
I understand what your perspective…either make the fan vote actually count for something or don’t do it. My own problem with it is that white, male, baby-boomer friendly classic rock acts always dominate these polls. It’s very tough for other sub-genres: early rock like Link Wray, R&B like Chaka Khan or The Spinners, modern artists like Radiohead or Green Day, and alternative acts like The Smiths or The Replacements, and certainly rappers like LL Cool J or 2pac, to make much headway. Look at the top 5 right now…Bon Jovi, The Cars, Moody Blues, Dire Straits, Judas Priest– all five fit the “White, male, classic-rock artists who peaked in the 70s or 80s” mold. There’s nothing wrong with being white, or male, or a classic rocker– but the wide story of rock and roll has so much more breadth than that, and covers so much more ground in terms of genre, style, and influence.
Ultimately, I’d be in favor of scrapping the fan poll entirely, and maybe finding some other way to get people involved in the Rock Hall. Maybe allowing fans to record testimonials about their favorite artists’ impact on their lives, or something…
I don’t know if it’s really fair to bring race (black vs. white) into it. Some genres that are predominantly white (heavy metal, prog) have been as overlooked as genres that are predominantly black (hip-hop, reggae). And the Hall seems more open to blues and R&B than country, for some reason. I mean, Willie Nelson should be in before Bobby Womack, in my opinion.
Similarly, I don’t know that you need to say “male” in “White, male classic-rock artists who peaked in the 70s and 80s.” I mean, virtually all of them were male, anyway. Can you think of any hall-worthy female classic-rock artists from the ’70s and ’80s who haven’t been inducted yet?
Race should not be brought into it, otherwise, we could also legitimately claim “reverse discrimination”. We could claim age discrimination. And probably every other type of discrimination that exists. If the voting members are supposedly elitists, they don’t act like it, look at their choices. They have reasons for voting the ridiculous way they vote, the public has yet to figure it out. I will never go to the Hall of Fame based on the way it votes AND on the way it displays exhibits. How do they decide that one band gets 3 feet of exhibit space, and another group, 10 feet? How do most of the groups that get nominated even get nominated? Is this HOF for A, B, or C level performers? They need to do more to accommodate the fans’ desire to honor the best, or we should totally SHUN them and refuse to support them in any way, shape, or form, — they are the Hall of Shame.
The real problem is the low quantity of inductees allowed into the Rock hall yearly, only 5 or 6 per year is ridiculous. What that does is leave deserving acts that actually were influential and impactful to RocknRoll by the Hall wayside. Then we get newer eligible artists’ fans complaining that they’re being snubbed and deserve to be in now. That’s a lot of the reason that these ‘white male classic rockers who peaked in the 60s -80s’ are being highlighted in the fans voting. Sub-genres and subjectively non-rock genres like hip hop are also getting their share of votes but it’s almost not necessary because the hall nominators and voters succumb to the social pressures of being woke and PC. It’s an artificial acknowledgement, almost token except they often win the prize of being one of the inductees so that Hall doesn’t look biased. But if 4 times the inductees were allowed then we could actually play catchup and fix the biggest travesty which is the danger of completely and permanently excluding great acts because, well this other band has sold 2 diamond albums in the 90s and they’re the thing to vote for immediately upon eligibility. Maybe not every inductee has to be showcased in the induction ceremony. At least they would be represented and take their deserved seat in it.
You know they inducted Green Day, right? They did it as quickly as they could. I think it was based on the release date of a single or demo or EP or something…not even an actual album.
Stephen Colbert is most deserving of this award. His humour , his integrity , his deep caring of the human race and sincere desire to educate and uplift people should be applauded and recognized.
There’s a moment at the end of Jersey Boys when the original Four Seasons are reunited and inducted into the RnR Hall of Fame, and one of them says, “Nobody can take this away from us, because this is from the people!”
At the time, I had no idea what he was talking about. I still don’t. It’s a good thing Jan Wenner and Dave Marsh like male falsetto.
I saw the original NYC production. A really fun show with a surprisingly solid score. I keep “Do The Necrocomicon” on my iPod for when I feel like a little spooky dance music.
That was the album!!!….I was a big Beatles fan and listening to my older sisters Concert for Bangladesh album I still remember the first time I heard his voice after George announces “like to bring out a friend of ours..Bob Dylan”…and he blew me away….ran out and bought that Greatest Hits album….Never been the same since!
Outstanding article, going to Fridays NJ show. James M. Is a talented individual and even nicer person. Always warm and inviting for short chat. See you soon.
Kerry Kearney
Great review, I have to say Jim has been a long time friend. We grew up together and to this day he is a humble, friendly, funny, serious, long time friend. I wish him the best.
Robert Hoffmann r696144h@gmail.com
Trump is the most ridiculous “president” that ever tread the earth
As he hashes out his stupid comments about comedians in general,
further showing his ignorance about the real world , because he
lives in an aberrant delusional fantasy world all on his own, why even his
wife was bought and paid for years back. I refuse to believe she
could actually love him . For what I know , everyone that comes in
contact with him either hates him for one reason or another.
He’s even written books on how to rip people off in business ,
how can anyone expect anything better of him. Impossible. He oozes
evil in a frightening level never before have I seen. The only way he’s
danced around the system is by deceitful means by getting his lawyers
to do the dirty work for him.
Not to worry everyone , Trump’s a disgruntled old man
who will soon be regarded as a glitch , when he’s gone
and out of his limelight which he loves so much. Either
by being kicked out , or by having some miraculous
stroke which kills him. By any way it goes , he’ll soon
be counted out ! Idiots like him should just be pushed
aside and forgotten .
You should add Pioneer the Eel to the lineup, although I’m not sure if they are from the New Brunswick scene; I saw them play twice at The Court Tavern and were amazing.
I met James (Dennis and Paul en -route to see the mighty Ian Hunter and the Rant band in Hamburg this October. What an absolute gentleman all three guys were, despite what had been a long journey with missed flights and delays. I’ve been going to see Ian Hunter for 30+ years and the guy is a total legend. But over time, James and his rant band colleagues have greatly impressed us and become very much loved by the Ian Hunter Army. James is one super talented guy and he always makes his playing look so very easy. Thanks for everything James. God willing there will be many more shows to come from Ian and the Rant band.
Your review pretty much stated all the reasons why I decided not to go and see Ringo and his All Starrs this time around. No new songs, too much predictability. I still don’t understand why Ringo didn’t do any songs off his new album. If he had done something new I might’ve been a little more willing to spend $200 to see Ringo and his All Starrs for the sixth time. I remember reading years ago that maybe Ringo should retire the All Starr concept because it had run its course. Now I’m beginning to think the same thing. It’s definitely run its course with this particular All Starr lineup. I hate to say that because I’m a huge fan not only of Ringo but of Steve Lukather and Todd Rundgren as well.
Beautiful Tribute, Jay, and a lifetime of reporting and frienship by you for Pat & The Smiithereens. Very sad for all concerned, you & me included. Rest In Peace, Pat DiNizio.
Saddened and not only bruised but broken too by the loss of not only one of my rock & roll heroes but a close personal friend too #PatDinizio of #TheSmithereens RIP and thank you for the days, although you’re gone you’re with me every single day Goodbye old friend❤️ https://t.co/chzEEkqnz7
It was a great honor to perform on the same stage as Pat at last year’s NJ Arts benefit showcasing the 350 New Jersey Songs project. I can’t believe he’s gone. He will be missed but his music will live on, of that I’m sure.
A huge loss, not only on the NJ music scene, but for rock and roll in general. A gifted songwriter with a voice that could convey both the longing for a lost love or the sheer joy of that love found. I always did and always will come back to the Smithereens for Pat’s masterful writing and distinctive voice. My sympathy to his family and bandmates. Another huge loss in a year of icons falling away.
As a member of The Modulators, we did many shows with The Smithereens at the Dirt Club and Kenny’s Castaways. Pat and Dennis used to come into Vintage Vinyl Records where I worked and hang out and talk music. He was a great songwriter and vocalist. RIP Pat…
I have a story that doesn’t have as happy an ending, but it’s a great example of what being a small band on a big label was like in the Nineties. One member of Ruth Ruth always played in another band, Eve’s Plum. Michael has a twin brother, Ben, and it turned out that the twins and I worked in the same NYC skyscraper at our respective day jobs. I usually minded my own business but it is pretty hard not to notice when you are riding the elevator with identical twins. Well, one night I was at CBGB at one of their usual 8-band bills, and lo and behold the twins from the elevator showed up in one of the bands. I really liked their set too, so after the set I introduced myself, told them the weird circumstances, and asked if they’d like to do an interview for my fanzine. The band was signed at the time to Epic Records, which seemed great for them, and they told me to call the label and their “people” would set something up.
So I called Epic in New York, talked to half a dozen people, and nobody had heard of a band called Eve’s Plum on the label. So I called Epic in L.A. … and got the same results. I started to realize that being on a major label wasn’t maybe as great as bands thought it might be. Right around that time, I was in D.C. hanging out with Jawbox and their friends Shudder To Think announced they were signing to Epic. I told Nathan Larson my Eve’s Plum story and the guy just laughed, saying that would never happen to them. Needless to say, Shudder To Think had a horrible experience on Epic, released two excellent albums that never found an audience. Larson quit and the band broke up. At least they’re making money now on the reunion circuit.
I have a story that doesn’t have as happy an ending, but it’s a great example of what being a small band on a big label was like in the Nineties. One member of Ruth Ruth also played in another band, Eve’s Plum. Michael has a twin brother, Ben, and it turned out that the twins and I worked in the same NYC skyscraper at our respective day jobs. I usually minded my own business but it is pretty hard not to notice when you are riding the elevator with identical twins. Well, one night I was at CBGB at one of their usual 8-band bills, and lo and behold the twins from the elevator showed up in one of the bands. I really liked their set too, so after the set I introduced myself, told them the weird circumstances, and asked if they’d like to do an interview for my fanzine. The band was signed at the time to Epic Records, which seemed great for them, and they told me to call the label and their “people” would set something up.
So I called Epic in New York, talked to half a dozen people, and nobody had heard of a band called Eve’s Plum on the label. So I called Epic in L.A. … and got the same results. I started to realize that being on a major label wasn’t maybe as great as bands thought it might be. Right around that time, I was in D.C. hanging out with Jawbox and their friends Shudder To Think announced they were signing to Epic. I told Nathan Larson my Eve’s Plum story and the guy just laughed, saying that would never happen to them. Needless to say, Shudder To Think had a horrible experience on Epic, released two excellent albums that never found an audience. Larson quit and the band broke up. At least they’re making money now on the reunion circuit.
Jim – I love that story. I have a million of them. Here’s a quick one: We were playing in Boston at The Paradise with Tripping Daisy and Eve’s Plum (the tour where we met Michael Kotch and the rest of the band, all of whom I still count as friends). Our radio song was in the top 5 most requested songs on whatever the big rock station there was – BCN I think. So, before the show we go to Tower Records in Cambridge. There is a big window display of our band, which we paid for. We were happy to see it. Then we go inside, and there are no CDs of ours. Not one. But, there also isn’t a Ruth Ruth section in the store. So, we ask the manager “did all our CDs sell out?” and he says “no, we never got any”. We then call the record company and tell them to get some CDs to Boston as soon as possible, and they made excuses, saying we are a new band and it takes time and there’s a problem figuring out which warehouse has all our CDs… It was a nightmare that never ended. And when radio stations play the crap out of your song and they see it doesn’t result in sales, well, that is the end of your life on the radio.
I like these songs a lot more now that I’ve seen the band perform them live, so I am going to go back and give Going Grey another listen. My first reaction wasn’t as positive as yours. First, I thought Brian was treading water a bit with some of the lyrics. Secondly I didn’t like all of the radio-friendly production that the label obviously foisted on the band. The Front Bottoms aren’t supposed to sound like Weezer. It’s funny, when the Front Bottoms started out, their audience was their age. Now Brian and Matt are pushing 30 but a large part of their audience are teenagers. Do you write for them, or for your own current state of mind? That’s a conundrum that’s obsessed a lot of rock lyricists for a very long time.
Always love watching Stevie and most Of all I loved when Bruce Springsteen called
Stevennnnn on stage and Stevie has cool look on his face , just love his music.
This production of A Christmas Carol is awful. The music was flat. The acting was flat. The dance scenes were amateurish. The direction was uninteresting. I would say it was the equivalent of a mediocre high school play. I bought 6 tickets at $70 each and definitely felt cheated. Please, please, please bring back the old production with its great music & dance routines. This particular production is a crime against humanity. Poor Dickens is rolling in his grave in agony. This production has completely ruined the greatest Christmas story ever written. Shame on the all the responsible incompetents.
First time we have heard Bette in concert and she was just AMAZING. Had the opportunlity to meet her after her show….what a dynamite powerhouse of a woman even with a head cold. She is a neighbor in West Orange. So happy that her long career is taking off with GUSTO : new cd with Bob Dylan and Tony Bennet’s son as the collaborator; and Keith Richard’s interaction as well. So happy for her and hope all this wonderful new re-entry into her career. GOOD LUCK BETTE
Jay Lustig should visit Cape May Stage in Cape May, New Jersey which is a small Equity theatre in southern New Jerseydoing excellent work. Its production of “Disgraced” was chosen as best play in NJ in 2016 by Broadway World.com. The casts are often comprised of Broadway veterans and artists known from film and tv. Sets and costumes are first rate. 2018 is the theatre’s 30th Anniversary. The season runs from May through December and is often sold out. capemaystage.org
I wish I could get there more often. I have been to Cape May Stage, and enjoyed it very much. However, I live in North Jersey, and don’t often review anything south of Princeton. It’s time-consuming, and expensive, to review in South Jersey theaters. It’s been a financial struggle for me to keep NJArts.net going and it’s just not feasible for me, right now, to be doing that. You could help by becoming a voluntary subscriber to the web site. More info is here: http://www.njarts.net/friends-supporters/. Thanks for listening.
this was a great story u shared it gives me flash backs. 1st time i saw the band was at the capitol theater in portchester n.y. but the best time was in a club in nanuet n.y that fit maybe 100. he be mingeling with audence off there little stage. he be at the bar inbetween sets. those days it was 2 or 3 sets. cover charge was 7 BUCKS. THe club was the Red Rail. Those were some good times. I felt back then he was the best Harp player alive. Broke my heart when he had the throat problem. Last concert was in Scottsdale Az. he was with John hammond & Charlie Musselwhite what a treat that was 3 greats in one concert. Didn t realize that would be the last time.
I think legendary may be a bit of a stretch, as anything with the Other Band is downright mediocre when compared with the ESB. Obviously excellent and the guest appearances by the ESB come close, but not in the same ballpark as a real Bruce and the ESB show.
While I generally agree with you, I have to admit that there were a handful of shows that came close to E Street territory, including this one. In fact, he did two shows in Philly. The first show was a pedestrian run-through of the standard 1993 setlist. The second was a marathon with an 11 song encore that is in the top 5 of Bruce shows for me, (and I e been to 30+).
I hate to be critical of this guy because he’s obviously done a whole lot of work to set himself out as something different. And I love it that he digs Bruce this much to sit down and learn 350 songs – that’s crazy! But first of all, he turned up the reverb ib his video track to Maximum overdrive, and it’s very distracting, and unprofessional sounding. I suspect he may be self-conscious about his own singing abilities, and wants to cover them up with heavy effects. There were several incorrect guitar chords that I heard. Also, he has the vocal range to hit the notes of say, the tune “Backstreets,” but he hits the note weakly, like that of an inexperienced teenager just starting out in the business. How do I know? Because I’ve spent my entire adult life (44 years and counting) singing Bruce’s songs with my guts like it matters. I only do 50 Bruce songs as opposed to this guy’s 350, but at least my versions have a little feeling and soul in them, like they were meant to be by the master who wrote and performed them.
Thanks for the kind words, Jay! Always happy to be a part of LOD, especially since members of my family have been struck with Parkinson’s disease & ALS. Getting to do the Petty tribute with Bobby is an added bonus.
Just a wonderful night of Jersey Strong rock and roll. the band just exploded on every song. A great mix of vocalists who did justice to the songs. Good old time club time. Wow.
This was a great tribute to Pat Dinizio, we were thinking of coming up from Myrtle Beach, SC and Pat passed away and they announced this show we knew we had to be there. My husband, Vincent Lehotsky and I are from Carteret and he actually went to school with Jim, Dennis and Mike. Pat always was so nice to us when we went to their shows as was the entire band, including Thrilla. Would love to see an annual benefit show too
We thought we might have won the longest-trip-for-the-show award, as my wife and I drove up from Columbia, MD for it (thanks Stubhub!), but you have us beat.
I think the Smithereens are the band I’ve seen live more than any other. We would see them almost every year, as they came to the Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis almost every January. They were always every bit as strong as tight and ever. Hope the surviving members keep making music, and I’m confident they will.
It was a great, fun night, though an emotional one too, a four plus hour show that would make Springsteen proud. I especially liked hearing I Don’t Want to Lose You, sung by Dennis, which has that great Byrds flourish at the end. I really do hope the remaining Smithereens continue to play gigs and perform their music – those songs are just too good not to be heard live out in the world. Whether it’s an annual benefit as others stated, or perhaps, they could tap someone else to sing lead vocals. I’d nominate Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms, if he was available, as he did a tremendous job filling in for Pat on a few songs. Long live the Smithereens!
Ditto ditto on everything. Robin Wilson was the most impressive guest vocalist. So good, such a great impression of Pat’s voice and passion, and he seemed to love the songs the best, as, unlike other guest singers, I never once saw him look at the teleprompter for the lyrics– he knows the songs and loves them like we do. (Only problem is I love the Gin Blossoms too– including their newer, grossly underexposed, releases).
The challenge with the “New Maxwell’s” was the disparaging remarks the owners made about the music history there. Particularly about the people who attended the shows. I feel had they respected the history of the fabled back room and concentrated on making the front the best restaurant possible they could have retained it’s mystique as well as provided a future for The Hoboken Sound.
I hope he includes “I Believe”! His version is one of my favorites of that beautiful song! Wonderful guy, friends from the 60’s with Dino Danelli! My favorite group!
Remember Jones was absolutely awesome whether he has his full band with him or his outstanding keyboardist. Where I was standing I didn’t hear any talking, people were paying attention and loving every minute of his beautiful vocals. I felt ithete was way more talking during Southsides performance . As to werher It was a smart move to put Remember Jones on as an opening act for a packed house, It was a brilliant move; so brilliant that remember Jones will be opening for Southside Johnny July 7 on the outdoor stage. ! He has a tremendous following in Asbury , actually wherever he performs so if anyone last night had never seen Remember Jones, they walked away mesmerized by his beautiful voice and outstanding showmanship. The night couldn’t have been any more perfect and the buzz feed today over social media agrees!
From where we were standing for the Remember Jones set. Everyone was grooving. I also think the pairing of the two bands was great. People are gonna talk no matter what. I once got shushed at a Paul McCartney concert. LOL.
I loved that they played the David Ruffin song. As great as Johnny did with it, nobody could sing it like David Ruffin. But I’m still abuzz that it was played. Totally unexpected. I wonder if they had ever played that song live before?
Looking forward to seeing Remember Jones open for Ronnie Spector and then Southside in the summer.
I’m not sure where the complaint about people talking “incredibly loudly”, whatever that means, comes from. From where I was, people were actually pretty respectful for RJ.
I had never seen or heard of Remember Jones before last night…… I was blown the hell away! When they did Edgar Winter’s “Dying To Live”, I was awestruck! What a voice! And his range is phenomenal! I’m an instant fan! I too was not aware of the talking during the show. With music, I get in to a zone that doesn’t end until the the house lights come up. Thanks for listening.
One song I’d love to hear at SSJ concerts is “take it inside”. It is a song I never hear sung and I’ve been going to many shows when SSJ comes to NH or MA. Thank you for considering this. Another song I’d love to hear is “Forever” which I believe SSJ sang with Little Stevie way back when. I know he has played this a some shows but I have not been fortunate enough to hear it in NH or MA. I did hear him sing this when he played in RI last February.
Southside and The Jukes put on a stellar performance. Everyone got some time in the spotlight and Johnny was in fine form. The setlist was ridiculously strong and they chose some choice covers as well. Amazing, amazing version of “Without Love”. The band still delivers like no one else.
ISM / 1982-1983 (?) “A Diet For The Worms” LP – Song called “White Castle at 3 AM” before The Beastie Boys sang about White Castle https://youtu.be/-4DL7Q5c-Do
To promote Grand Funk without Mark Farner is as big a joke as Mike Love heading the Beach Boys. Please don’t waste your time going to see this bogus band. Buy yourself a couple of old Grand Funk albums and listen to Farner play Inside Out.
The NJFO produces the best concerts and operas this side of the Hudson River. This yer’s opera, Madama Butterfly is a don’t miss experience!
Maestro Wroe and artistic director Maria Todaro are at their best.
Have been looking forward to this concert since the beginning of the season. Can’t wait to be blown away by this group of internationally acclaimed guest performers. Definitely a performance not to be missed!
Super excited to hear this opera with soloists who have recorded albums and sung with the best operas in the world. So grateful that we have this gem of an arts organization in our own backyard meaning we don’t have to fight the traffic and expense of traveling to Manhattan to see a similar production. This should be a fabulous evening for opera fans and non opera fans alike.
Sounds great Marc!
More power to ya!
Feel so privileged you performed at my house the other night. Even if it was without a pic. It was awesome! Thank you.
Hope you’and Maria will come back and spend some more time with us.
Hot tub and flotation spa!! Same good vegan foods!
Van & florence
Exceptionally articulated the N.J. attitude and experience. So touching home to the eyes of a born and bred girl of Hoboken living overseas for the past half century.
I am a native New Yorker now living in Norfolk VA. I remember fondly listening to WBGO all the time and really enjoyed a weekend announcer. Mike Anderson who was a really. Hip. Guy. And Jazz historian. A great memory. I also enjoyed. WKCR. And Bird Flight. Daily dedications to. Charlie Parker
The Young Rascals played at Fairleigh Dickinson in Rutherford sometime in 1967. I was there, and if memory serves me right it was before Jay and The Americans played at FD, I was there also.
I love Bruce Springsteen’s music, and more than that, his spirit. Tonight I listened to selections of Bruce’s music from 15 of his albums, spanning the years 1973 to 2014. I did this because tonight I had a dream about dancing with an angel…after I chose Bruce Springsteen’s song “Dancing in the Dark”. I spent some time talking to the angel (he’s a tall, burly “Warrior” and a Native American) about Bruce afterwards, and so I decided to listen to a good selection of Bruce’s songs. I think Bruce Springsteen is more than just an American Rockstar and an Ikon of our people and our times. I listened to many of his more inspiring songs tonight.. songs from the heart of a Christian, and I think, more than that. Bruce Springsteen is a bard for the American people…in fact, I suspect he is actually a modern day saint. The last songs that I heard tonight were “Blinded by the Light”, “How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live” and “We Shall Overcome”. This is a man who could have led our people into battle…a man who could have led our People through the greater battles of our time..the culture wars that we are facing as we rise to stand up to the oligarchs and the evil men who now control the destiny of our nation and our people. Bruce Springsteen is a tremendous Christian Soldier, and an inspiration to us all.
When New Jersey raised the drinking age from 18 to 21, it dealt a huge blow both to the Garden State club scene and live music as well as to the Aquarian itself. By 1988, when you guys came along, things were getting pretty dire, as I recall.
I wrote this three and a half years ago, so I’m not sure why I wrote that, but I can find no evidence now that he has died, so I have changed copy to reflect that. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
What a great interview. I’ve read many interviews/profiles of Paul Stanley and even conducted one, but this is the most thoughtful and provocative I can recall.
Would like tickets for shows… Please respond .. When I call 732-442-9200 no operator answers and instead of leaving a message for calls to be returned the cal reverts to the Turnpike Authority. I am bob Cleary 732-610-0538 or bobecleary @aol.com
Thanks
half of the white album is utter garbage, just dreadfully bad
and it is just a twist of fate it had its name changed from a dolls house, and theres old john strung out on heroin and his hag from hell telling him to break up the band, yeah good times
The White Album or given it’s correct title ‘The Beatles’ is a masterpiece. It’s organic roots are stamped all over music released in the last 50 years.
Although not the happiest of times in the Beatles camp, through adversity and India came this outstanding collection of songs from John Lennon’s Yer Blues, Paul McCartney’s blistering Helter Skelter, George Harrison’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps and yes, Ringo Starr’s ‘Good Night’ to name but four.
I love the Beatles ‘White Album’ and look forward to it’s 50th anniversary release along with Apple Records first single release Hey Jude/Revolution.
The White Album is a musical masterpiece with its musical diversity reflected by the brilliant execution of straight rock n roll, blues, country, a touch of acid rock, 1920s era, Avant-garde, crooner style singing, and finally their own Beatles rock that some tried (never completely successfully) to mimic.
The white album is the greatest most eclectic diverse compilation of music ever produced the album is so great they had to make a double album they we’re at there creative peak and only a tone deaf conservative couldn’t recognize the brilliance of enlightened creativity, it will stand the test of time like only the greatest artists throughout time bask in the glory of time transcending brilliance so do your mind and heart a favor and listen to 30 of the greatest songs created by one group on one album
Mr James, when did recording artist realize they needed to copy write their music they wrote? Have you heard of a recording studio in Clovis , NMSU? Iit is where Buddy Holly started recording before he moved to NYC. Me Petty has all of his music copywriters just before he died. Any response can be emailed to Gentlegnt@comcast.net
Thanks for any feedback
Richard King
Yes….I was involved & married to one of the group members..Eric Rackin in the come back of RYL that never made it. They were so good old and new. Too bad we lost Richard Tepp and Eric Rackin.
I went to one of his showings and he was so rude that we walked out after waiting 2 hours in line at the Short Hills Mall. I happened to have my AMEX Gold Card with me and was excited to make a purchase. Upon entering the gallery, we saw Paul come out from the back. We were all excited and saying hello. He RUDELY made an announcement that it wasn’t a “record store” and that he was there to “sell art” and you would only get to meet him if you “bought his art”. He then clicked his heels and turned around and went in the back again. I yelled out “what an JERK”. He didn’t even have the decency to say “Thank you for coming”. A total ASS!!! He not only lost a sale but a fan. I have loved KISS my entire life. His art isn’t that great anyhow. He should stick to music and fix his wig.
If this was how you feel…you were never a fan. A fan wouldn’t blast a icon and then cowardly post about it so they can get a second of personal gratification. Kiss Army is loyal. Wannabe
Bonfire of the Vanities was one of the best novels of the 20th century; The Right Stuff one of the bet nonfiction books; and Radical Chic one of the best pieces of journalism.
Well written piece that captures the spirit and the reach that Tom Petty had on us all, not to mention the influence on music and a generation of fans. Wonderful tribute Tom Skevin!
I have been the nice guy my entire life. The pricks increase their bz with high pressure and illegal sales tactics, the assholes crap on their gfs and they stay for the abuse and I am still working making an honest buck and the nice guy , alone , cause maybe I am just to transparent and out my heart out there too frank , too bad…B
Is there any chance you could reupload this video? I’d REALLY apreciate it, or if you could send me the video to my e-mail fcuevas.traduccion@gmail.com
My wife & I were coming back from Franklin-Vermont (where I have a camper) to Montreal,Quebec Canada and we always listened to Cousin Brucie on Sundays around 5:00 p.m. on our way back home.
This past Sunday (June-10th-2018) we’re listening (Great Music selection) to channel 6 (Sirius) & it dawned on us that 10 years ago You were at Joey Dio (My Brother-In-Law) of the Fall Guy’s Surprise Birthday Party & so were we in Fort Meyers, Florida!!
Man, was that a great get together with some of the Fall Guy’s Present & other Musicians, music played & even performance by the Birthday (Joey) Guy! Plus friends of Joey & the Fall Guy’s were there!!!
It was worth the trip to see Joey’s Surprised Face & Happiness about Old & New Friends and listen to Rock & Roll Music, which always brings back good memories. Yes, I’m not afraid to say that I’m part of the Baby Boomers Era and that I’m 70 years YOUNG!
If ever you’re in Montreal, please give us a call (514-984-1234 My Cell phone) as we would be happy to see you & maybe have lunch or supper.
I would like to talk to you about possibly booking our Carole King Tribute show, called “ONE FINE TAPESTRY, A CAROLE KING TRIBUTE” at New Jersey Botanical Gardens for the summer of 2019. Sue mentioned to me that 2018 has already been scheduled.
My husband Gerard and I have been doing the Carole King show for 7 years, and we are very interested in scheduling a date at your venue. Not only do we perform many of Carole’s solo hits, but we also cover many of the classics she wrote for other artists such as the Drifters, Shirelles, James Taylor, etc.
This ( ONE HOUR ) show is very well received, and we are sure your patrons will thoroughly enjoy it.
“ONE FINE TAPESTRY, A CAROLE KING TRIBUTE” can be performed with our ( FULL BAND ) for large outdoor concerts or
just my husband and I “Gerard and Diane ” as a ( DUO ) .
Also, listed below are some references from NJ Libraries, Cultural Centers and Summer Concert Series where we performed the tribute in the past year.
For additional info, you can check out our :
Facebook page ~ ( “One Fine Tapestry “A Carole King Tribute” )
They represented NJ very well at Punk Rock Bowling this year. Although you’d think after I write this nice piece that they would have sent me their new record to review. Grrrr.
No one knew who The old guy with long hair was.Willie Nelson became famous about 6 months later.I also remember him onstage with the GD.Donna and him were singing together.
Tim JacksonJuly 12, 2018 - 3:36 pm
I am all over this one, this will be cool and obviously there is no shortage of dead singers!
I had the most wonderful time at Tanner park last night. Max was a most gracious host and very accomidating to his audience . I wanted so badly to have him sign my vest which I have signed by 2 e street members so far. Hope to have Bruce and Patty sign at broadway show. Anyway my only disappointment was that he wouldn’t sign. The opportunity will probably never come around again, and I already will never have Danny or the big mans signature. Nevertheless if the opportunity comes around to see Max and his band, jump on it, you will not be disappointed. Thanks for a great night .
I saw the George Theiss Band at “Big Man’s West” on Monmouth Street in Red Bank back in the mid 80’s before it closed. I remember having Clarence and his Swedish wife walk into the retail store I worked at in Shrewsbury one day and telling him the fun I had at his club after it closed. His response was, “boy was my lawyer ever glad I closed that place!” Also saw George Theiss in “ The Warehouse” once in Asbury. Rest In Peace.
Are you sure about that? No source lists a Capitol show that month, though they did play at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City. Do you know the exact date or have any other info?
Barbara
You may remember me
I lived next door to Paul Popkin growing up and saw the Castiles practice there many times
One day after I heard George on an interview on the radio I called him and talked with him for awhile
He was such an awesome guy
Rest in Peace
Coincidentally, the Pumpkins played Maxwell’s 17 years ago today. I think it’s safe to assume that when Corgan said one of the first markets to support the band outside of Chicago was New Jersey, this is what he was referring to.
Tony and Diana make a great team! Their voices blend effortlessly and the true Gershwin mood and message comes forth loud and clear. This album will certainly be next on my shopping list. Keep ’em coming, Tony!
Bruder is probably one of the most under-recognized songwriters in NJ and the Who the hell is Dan Bruder web series was hilarious. Thank you Tom Skevin for bringing well deserved attention to him.
Thanks. Yes, there are some other ones on YouTube that are easily findable, for anyone interested. I didn’t want to overload post with videos but did want to share at least some.
I don’t think he’s any other character’s son, but yeah, he’s basically a local hot-shot guitarist (who has a crush on the main character’s ex-girlfriend’s daughter) whom they drag into the band. The original guitarist had died.
Not underrated by me. I think it is the pivotal song of the album. After introducing himself on Thunder Road and then the band in 10th Ave., Night sets the stage for the rest of the record. Now we are ready to scream off into the night with Springsteen. And, in one 3 minute song it has some of the most vivid and iconic images in his whole songbook: the Rat Trap, the Circuit, Soul Crusaders, Chromed Invaders. Born to Run is a masterpiece from beginning to end, and so if you are going to water it down by ranking the songs, one of them is going to have to be the Ugly Duckling. But that’s all it means.
What a wonderful soulful and haunting version of one of my favourite Springsteen ballads. If I hadn’t known that Bruce had written it I would have wondered if it was originally a Ben E King song. Thanks for the list of 350 Jersey songs. Have only just found yr web page today from a link on the No Surrender Festival.
Was listening to Sirius this evening and heard you on the radio. Took me back to Niles and the time we went to Hoosier Favorite for my birthday. You didn’t have a sport coat so my mom had to go to one of her friend’s home to borrow one for you. Hard to believe just hearing your voice took me on that trip down memory lane. Best wishes to you. Sue Hurd Lindsey
Tony was a dear friend and I will miss him terribly. We talked for hours and he always had a positive attitude. He was a good man and always rose my spirits. He loved when I’d sing for him. I pray his family finds peace in his passing, they were always kind to me. Rest easy my friend, sing with the angels. Thankyou for inspiring me to be a better person and reach my goals. I’ll miss you Tony Maroney- love always Dawn Barry CNA .💕
Wow I have a collection of 370+ tracks mentioning Springsteen, so I am impressed that you had one I did not know about (Bleu Edmondson Our World Now ).
By the way Hannah Hennessy is now called Hannah Mahoney for those that may want to buy her track.
Many of the tracks are country and there are many rap tracks too but all genres seem to be represented. Some only on bandcamp.
Latest addition was released on 21st August this year Springsteen by NIGHT TRAVELER.
“Ow, A Bad Singer’s Pony Rent” is the only known protest song about the the price to pay to see Springsteen On Broadway. If you want some balance to your list this is the one! http://www.richlynchband.com/ft-songs/pony-rent.php
Dave Warner corrcet weight’ album @ dave warner .com ” song- john arlott makes me chuckle’ – ‘bruce springsteen wouldn’t have me as his main protagonist, I’m far to ordinary”
the whole album is a gem.
I don’t know the title as I’ve only heard the song live but Joe Gruschecky has a song that references his collaboration with Bruce. A line that says something about “Springsteen on the line”.
Here’s one left out, by the great singer/songwriter Lori McKenna, “All it Takes.”:
5 strings on a 6 string
Initials on a gold ring
Anything Bruce Springsteen…
Sometimes — that’s all it takes…
To remind me of you
You close your eyes and your at an age that seems unreal. Tony just finished Gladys Knight and the Pips cut. The song says so much about his “gift.” My band was on the road to Atlanta, Georgia. We looked into the song and their was Tony. He came out to see us in NJ several times. He was a great guy and I’m sure we’ll see him again. RIP Tony Camillo.
The band identified as Samhill was actually called Highway 9 when their album “What the Samhill?” was released with the song Between Your Eyes and Mine, which references Springsteen. They were named Samhill but I believe they had to change it when they got their record contract because there was another band with that name. It was a great band, great album and song. Unfortunately, they broke up before releasing another album.
Public Enemy, “The Long and Whining Road” – A song that tells the history of the group and is filled with Dylan song title references, it also includes this lyric:
“Beethoven, Bach and Brahms, I want some James Brown
Even Bruce, Brian, Bono, Beck, yeah Chuck Berry
Prince, Stevie, Sly, Smokey, Johnny Cash in my Chevy
Heard some call me Uncle Tom – now that’s Petty”
Live, “People Like You” –
“In a dream I had
I was on the stage with Queen
Michael Stipe and Elton John
Bono, Springsteen
Singing ‘Hallelujiah!
Rock and roll is king'”
I’m on Fire also covered by LeAnn Rimes and Theoretical Girl….A couple of obscure versions of Dancing in the Dark by Anna-Marie Blixt, Ruth Moody and Lauren O’Connell…If I Should Fall Behind by Catie Curtis and Cindy Bullens. There’s an Italatian version of Because the Night (Notti Per Due) by Ana Oxa
Here’s another obscure reference. Christine Lavin’s song, “If You’re Drunk You Cannot Buy a Puppy”. She has a whole monologue about The Sopranos in the song – “that actor from Bruce Springsteen’s band turned out to be a punk”.
I took my girlfriend to a Tommy James concert in west Baltimore in 1976 or 1977. It was in a nightclub setting. He was angry because they announced him before he even got onto the stage. After the two music sessions and his night was over, my girlfriend and I walked up to the stage and met him. We kept dating and eventually married. Been married for over 35 years and a couple for over 42 years. Let’s just say we have very fond memories of Tommy James and his music. Whenever one of his songs comes over the sirius radio, she looks at me with affection as both of us remember that great evening!
We were introduced to NJ Festival Orchestra and were so imprerssed with the programs, the musicians, and with the enthusiasm and leadership of conductor/music director David Wrote.
Looking forward to another wonderful season at Drew University, Madison.
“Belushi had already done his Blues Brothers routine on “Saturday Night Live” a few times at this point, though the hit movie “The Blues Brothers” did not come out until 1980.”
The above is misleading. Not only had “Belushi … done his … routine” on SNL, he and Akroyd had well developed the act by that point. The Blues Brothers *album*, which contains a swinging version of Hey Bartender, was released in 1978, so that version of the song would have been well known to the Capitol Theater audience by 1979.
Belushi does do a cartwheel that can be seen on the video during Dicky Betts’ solo beginning at 1:25.
Stop talking about lip syncing. Who cares that is not important. He and the music are what matters. He has earned the right to perform anyway he wants and we are all lucky to have him.
I thought the opera was outstanding and very relevant for our times, and most unfortunately, all times in history. However, much was lost on the audience because Hatuey is not well known as the hero of Cuba or of freedom fighters, everywhere. I would suggest more detailed notes in the program to prepare the audience for the detail and the careful choice of costumes, headdresses, etc as well as the back and forth of eras and countries so diverse as Cuba to Ukraine. It is an important and fascinating story and the singers and instrumentalists were excellent.
You support the arts, but not artistic freedom or freedom of speech? Let’s see how that works out for you. Incidentally, I do NOT support hatred of any kind.
No one is saying anyone should be arrested. There’s nothing inconsistent in criticizing those who practice or promote hate speech, and supporting freedom of speech
You can practice Free Speech all you want, have Nazi’s at your bar but don’t get mad that Free Speech has consequences. That’s not part of the first amendment is it? Does it say anywhere, you can have freedom from consequences and spew all the stupid bullshit you want? This is why we have Nazi’s feeling brave. Great, you’re a Nazi, you want to spew stupid shit, well don’t be surprised when the rest of us enact our freedom of speech rights to speak out louder and tell you YOU ARE WRONG and to the cowardly owners of Dingbatz, I hope their’s enough Nazi’s out there to keep you in business.
Freedom of speech is freedom of speech. You don’t like the music don’t go and don’t listen simple. Sjw and Antifa deem everyone a Nazi for not agreeing with them. The show happened everyone had a good and it looked like all the sjw stayed home that night anyways… So much for all the Internet talking haha.
exactly. freedom is speech is freedom of speech. people (or “sjws”) not paying for entry or showing up to this show is them clearly showing they don’t support these bands or their message.
and with freedom of speech there comes an equal reaction for any speech. just as someone shouting “fire” in a crowded theater will likely get in trouble for causing a scene – bands that use “lyrics that seem to be promoting the idea of white supremacy, or that are anti-Semitic” will also have to face an equal and just reaction. lol it’s that simple really.
whether you snowflakes like it or not, freedom of speech has its consequences. man up and take it. understand that promoting those types of messages can and will have real world reactions.
also, i doubt this is an issue of “sjws” or antifa calling everyone who disagrees with them a nazi. the bands in question have lyrics that promote ideas quite similar to nazi rhetoric. if you’re a true fan, you already know this. if not – then all it takes is a little research.
Intolitarian is fronted by Antichrist Kramer (https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Antichrist_Kramer/380679) who also ran Satanic Skinhead Productions (https://www.metal-archives.com/labels/Satanic_Skinhead_Propaganda/162) who have had many NS bands on their roster.
it’s that simple really. you will get called a nazi if you’re a legit nazi lmfao.
Great book and a super nice guy. Met him about year before book came out on Poughkeepsie NY at Bluecoup show. He posed for pics, signed my muscle of love album and just talked with me.for like a half hour. No ego just telling stores like an old friend catching up. Cannot say enough nice things about this man.
Can anyone, anywhere actually define ‘hate speech’, other than something you do not like? Being told to keep silent, even about things I despise, is hate speech imho. If someone took a jew/arab/xtian and started beating them up, like some groups do who are against so-called hate speech, like antifa and groups associated with that ideology, then it would be very warranted to protest and go firmly against them perhaps including arrest and/or street justice. But none of that happened, not at this show or any others. Stop being wimps over the breeze blowing too hard. This is Metal and metal offends period!
James Moody – tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, flute
Flip Ricard, Earl Turner, Sonny Cohn – trumpet
Ethel Merker – french horn on Last Train from Overbrook [4]
John Avant – trombone
Bill Atkins, Lenny Druss – alto saxophone
Vito Price, Sandy Mosse, Eddie Johnson – tenor saxophone
Pat Patrick – baritone saxophone
Junior Mance – piano
Floyd Morris – piano [5]
Johnny Pate – bass
John Gray – guitar
Red Holt – drums
One of my fellow lieutenants in Vietnam, Bob Refelt, was a Rutgers grad in
Engineering. But he never said just Rutgers. No, no, he always said, “Rutgers,
The State University of New Jersey.” He was a good guy — and smart.
> .
> Later on, Bob was promoted to the rank of captain. So, by Army regs, we
were expected to salute him. Yup. So we did — but with our left hands. Ha! We
called him “Cap’n Bob Sir.” He took it all with good humor. He survived the war.
> .
> From time to time I remember such happy times that were mixed in with the
horrible events of those days. “There is an aesthetics in all things.”
(Melville)
> .
> LT
> .
In 1987 or ‘88, they played at Shea Stadium in Queens NY. It was the first time I saw them. I remember everyone stomping their feet to Satisfaction and seeing the concrete levels across the field swaying up and down. Great show!!
Good for you to boycott and make this information available to others. I, myself have become to hate plastic in all forms and uses. It’s horrific what it’s doing to our environment and sea life!!!
Why not boycott them cause they refuse to give their bay area employees a raise to a living wage in the last 5 years but have DEFINITELY raised their room rates…close to $800.00 a night at the San Jose downtown convention center location??? Nobody cared when those workers were on strike….
From Lori Buch and Ray Aument, We are scheduled to attend the 2019 International Sea Turtle Symposium from Feb.2-8 which is being held at Charleston, SC Mariott. In order to qualify for special registration rates which are very important for many sea turtle conservationists you must stay at the Marriott and we have already committed as has lots of others due to an early registration discount. We can contact the symposium organizers about this issue however the conference is run by sea turtle biologists, researchers,professors etc.in other words folks with a lot on their plates in addition to setting up and running the conference . I doubt at this point it is possible to tell Marriott they’d move the conference at this late date since attendees, both speakers and students and even volunteers of the sea turtle community come from all over the world and will have made arrangements already to help save on cost as again conservationists are not typically overturned or overpaid. So, What can we do aside from also expressing our concerns to Mariott? Jackson, we think you may be acquainted with (Wallace) J. Nichols who may have given you an award several years ago for your commitment to our oceans .We don’t know if you know him well but he is probably involved in some way with helping to make the conference a success . We are volunteers in the sea turtle community so we don’t have much control and are lucky just to be able to attend this event however it is just ironic and sad to get this news about Marriott ‘s choice to change to plastics considering the ultimate effect this could have to negatively impact sea turtles. We will make our concerns known but must do so carefully as this year’s president of the symposium did us a very kind turn to make it possible for us to attend and he may not have much of a choice in dealing with the Marriott as a large corporation now that many plans are in place. There is always hope and again if you can offer any other suggestions it would be appreciated so we can maybe involve the sea turtle community in assisting Marriott to understand yet another negative outcome off their new policy. Thank you and Steven for speaking out and thank you for your attention to this matter. If we get any helpful responses we will try and pass those on to you. Sincerely, Lori Buch and Ray Aument.
We posted a fairly long message regarding an organization We are a part to protect sea turtles holding it’s 2019 symposium at the Marriott. Was the message received?
Marriott’s Codes of Ethics and overall business practices are plastic; its executive rhetoric is plastic; its green, sustainability, Serve360 and “people first” initiatives are plastic. Room service on plastic? No surprise there. The most authentic aspect of the Marriott modus operandi is its hypocrisy.
Just seen him in London ,have been to see him every time he’s been to London,can’t believe his age he’s just fantastic from when I was 15 I’ve always loved his music
Hope this isn’t his farewell tour and that some of the others who had several farewell tours this is what happens with him.
Classy that he threw a nod to the rest of the guys that are out there performing….which is the best part of the entire B.S. and the e street band experience.
What an AMAZING handful of super talented women in one place at one time. Except for Nalani and Sarina I did not know them, but I know them now, and I want to know them better. Anybody who can give me chills one minute and smiles the next deserves top cool in my book of music. More folks have to see these dedicated babes- so hats off to them. To Jay and Tom and Crossroads & et al who made it possible, and who continue by their spirited support, make live music in NJ something special!
Tom, This is such a nice article. Clearly, these exciting rhythms and new music rise to shine even brighter this time. Congratulations, FGH and all of your creative team players. I am thankful, you continue to rock my soul from there to here and beyond. The best of all things your way. In-love-speed, Laurie Cagno (Witter)
Hope the class does some exploration on another important branch of music in Middletown — the Middletown Folk Festivals at Bodman Park in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Each Festival was three wonderful days of concerts, crafts, music workshops, food and a massive gathering of both professional and amateur musicians from across the country, and from Europe and beyond as well. Created by Dr. Dick Levine and his wife Marlene, along with a small army of dedicated volunteers each summer, the festivals were a national highpoint in the ongoing folk music boom of the day, for adults and children alike. The Levines personally hosted many of the visiting artists over the long weekend at their home in Lincroft, and they also sponsored house concerts throughout the year for those interested in listening to, and performing with, a wide range of folk musicians, including the Levines. Many budding folk musicians were able to debut at one of the many Festival concerts, which were supported by state arts grants. Dr. Levine, who practiced dentistry for many decades in Hazlet, passed away last week at age 88, having devoted much of his life to the promotion and presentation of the very finest in traditional and contemporary folk music for the estimated 33,000 people that attended the Festival concerts. The Middletown Folk Festivals, and Marlene and Dick Levine, made Middletown one of the bright stars in the Folk Music universe.
Thank you Ralph for sharing your memories of the Folk Festivals at Bodman Park. I attended many of them when I was a teenager in the 80s, but I did not know much about them or anything about the Levines. Very timely to remember Dick Levine’s contribution to the local culture!
I watched the Netflix production of the Broadway show on Wednesday night …ithad been a dream to see him live on Broadway, but this was still a wonderful experience for me. My son, Lt. Michael J. Cleary, was killed in Iraq on December 20th of 2005. I was incredibly sad on Wednesday night… this show, even on TV, had so much raw emotion coming from such an incredible talent. How I admire his ability to express these emotions through song and storytelling. I was able to open myself up, such a difficult thing for me to do… thank you, Bruce.
Thank you Middletown students and thank you Jay Lustig for bringing back a major chunk of my teenage years. The bands of that era in our small part of the world were simply incredible: Steel Mill, The Motifs (unbelievable, to me back then, that a local group actually cut a record [Molly]), The Mods (they played on Candid Camera, of all places), The Shadows (the first beach club dance [Edgewater] with a live band that I ever went to), The Source , The Chlan, The Clique (maybe the best of all, at that time), The Doors of Perception (a tribute band before tribute bands were invented)…
I just assumed bands were this good everywhere, as I had trouble getting mine out of the basement. The closest I came to all these great musicians was a jam session with Chris Plunkett in a friend’s basement and working at the Port Monmouth Foodtown with Steve Van Zandt, briefly. Getting $20 for my entire band at a Catholic School CYO job was about as far as I got, until I left the area and could get into South Jersey clubs, like Tony Marts and The Dunes.
A few years went by, Greetings from Asbury Park was released, and the light bulb went on in my head…”oh, that’s why it was so tough breaking in, up in Monmouth County!”
Bernie was such an underrated guitarist who really deserved national attention….New Jersey music fans were so lucky to have known him….to have seen him….to share his extraordinary gift…..I miss my friend and think about him all the time…..
A few years before Bernie’s passing , I first learned of him when he was in a band called Attaboy. There were a whole bunch of videos of the Uncle Floyd show on YouTube back then and Floyd Vivino had Attaboy play four of their songs. Just the way Bernie looked was unique. He stood out because IMO, he didn’t look like your stereotypical rocker. Yet, there he was playing his Strat with mastery like the best of them. There were no credits to say who the band members were so I did some internet surfing and eventually learned the guitarist was Bernie Brausewetter. I don’t know if he ever played in Southern NJ but in retrospect I remember a band that was playing at a local bar in Clementon NJ way back around 1980 and the guitarist could have passed for Bernie. Sorry I never got to catch him live and meet him. I read that he was a very nice guy and very accessible.
wow talk about strange, My wife just got me B.B. And The Stingers cd for Christmas. Bernie was my guitar teacher when i was a teenager, and recently i found the empty case but not the cd. I haven’t listen to it yet but when i do ill def be remembering going through the garage into his smoke filled basement and watching him just listening to a song once and know how to play it perfectly. RIP B B
HI I am so glad to see the success Kinderhook is beginning to have.
I was their first manager and they played at the Widow Browns in Madison NJand They created so much energy.
Hope they make it to the Country show in Nashville
any stuff with Todd Rundgren roundabout Todds only human album ii reckon did some jams at east im pretty sure on this , also thanks for puuting this together Jay its an awesome tribute to the Big Man and rightly so well played !
You missed one of my favorite Clarence solos outside of the E Street Band, his searing sax solo on Silver Condor’s 1983 cover of “When A Man Loves A Woman.” It appears on the band’s “Trouble At Home” album, appropriately named because the band broke up shortly after the album’s release (I had tickets to see them perform at the Stone Pony, but their breakup occurred that day).
This song started a love affair I’ve had with Deano’s music which has lasted over 40 years & counting.
I’ve seen him live 4 times this side of the pond over the years, & hope to many more times in the future!
Thanks for the music – and the amazing lyrics! How does anyone think to set such dialogue to music?!?!
Mike, great review of the second night, thank you. I saw the first show and am surprised how little is available online about the show (or how inept I am at finding anything of substance). I have the album and the CD and highlights for me include James Taylor dueting with then-wife Carly Simon on Mockingbird, Ry Cooder’s Little Sister, Bonnie Raitt , The Doobies with then-new guitarist John McFee and Poco, but I don’t remember if Gil Scott Heron played both nights .
Do you have a anything that provides full setlists and lineups for both nights. I am closer to your brothers age and, while I didn’t vomit in the stairwell, beer was in the equation, impacting my memory. Thanks again.
Forgot to mention why we chose that show, Crosby, Stills & Nash. Made up for it over the next forty years catching up with Springsteen but back in the 70’s Stephen Stills was The Man
I agree plastic is bad when used improperly. And I agree a boycott is need and for these reasons I will be boycotting concerts from now on. Every concert I go to they empty my bottle of beer into a plastic cup just so I won’t throw my bottle at the artists already damaged head.
Why can’t these Hollywood types be consistent and really dive all in for a cause even if it affects their income.
This is an artist’s version; the real building does not look like that, also is not finished yet. One problem that is not mentioned: there is NO public parking at this site.
And where exactly will patrons of the Arts Center park?? This Arts Center is at the foot entrance to the Station Village Apartments. The only parking there is only available to those residents.
Catherine in New MilfordFebruary 4, 2019 - 7:34 pm
My husband and I are two of those 30+ years RT “nerds” (one opera singer and one EX-college professor, thank you very much). This is a superb interview, respectful and knowledgeable on the part of the interviewer. If anyone asks, I am an ex-college professor who is out there in the audience dancing (though it embarrasses the daylights out of my husband who, however, joins in enthusiastically on the “Tear-Stained Letter” singalongs). Glad to have Richard in Joisey.
I somehow bumped into Fairport’s “ Moveable Feast” as a freshman in college in 1974. It changed me, leading me into a genre that moved passion and excitement of a good story with the revolutionary spirit of the times. I am forever grateful…
Beeswing – an epic story, an epic poem, set to lovely, compelling music. Love, tragedy, regret – it is all in there; the ingredients of an epic. If I were himself, I’d be content to be judged by history by this one offering alone. Welcome neighbor – Montclair’s a fine place, a warm space, and if its love that brings you here, you’ll stay.
Hello My name is Solomon Williams I lived in Paterson NJ for 2 years. I wanted to manger Riff some guy name Skip had them. I worked for Arista Records under Clive Davis. I had Angie stone signed T alk Lisa Left eyes signed. I can still get them a good deal. SO some get in touch with me. We have a free studio for then to record and can put on a dhow for 2 night back to back 1 in Charlotte the in Columbia SC it will be a fund raising with guys and girl with HIV teaching to live. Not on the street where they die, If u have a new demo if copyright u have I will be glad to listen to. So think contract.
Hello My name is Solomon Williams I lived in Paterson NJ for 2 years. I wanted to manger Riff some guy name Skip had them. I worked for Arista Records under Clive Davis. I had Angie stone signed T alk Lisa Left eyes signed. I can still get them a good deal. SO some get in touch with me. We have a free studio for then to record and can put on a dhow for 2 night back to back 1 in Charlotte the in Columbia SC it will be a fund raising with guys and girl with HIV teaching to live. Not on the street where they die, If u have a new demo if copyright u have I will be glad to listen to. So think contract. #m 9802372883 call me.
Just found you Mike on the net , love your sound and guitar playing , your guitar sounds a lot like a friend of mine, same style. I think the covered are better than a lot of the originals .
What a terrific show Tommy James and the Shondells performed at The Palace Theatre Valentine’s Day. Such a humble man leaving the stage and letting us shake hands and sneak a few pictures. I’m 52 and I knew all but one song. We had a blast. Can’t wait for the movie to be released! God bless!
Fascinating discussion…I can hardly wait to see “An Enemy of the People.” I know that it will prove as rewarding as “Oedipus Rex” and “King Lear”. We in Hackettstown are fortunate that Centenary University is home to the CSC and makes these enriching productions available to our community! Liz Gordon
Over analysing methinks. It is a simple sentimental “pop” song and nothing more. There is no meaning beyond the nostalgia expressed. This is the trouble with too much thought being given to what is merely slight music of a past time.
The piano is by george martin ,increasingly melodious and I’d say i consider this the best song of the beatles and especially best song john has ever written. Its a story of all of us.
I sang this song to my husband in front of friends many times. It really ment what my feelings still are.
Every once in a while I listen to this song after his death. 46 years with him
Sounds a lot more like a harpsichord and some piano. I don’t know much just theorizing by a self taught musician and I stink at lyrics. But Mr.
Martin was quite talented and not many people realize that.
Sounds a lot more like a harpsichord and some piano. I don’t know much just theorizing by a self taught musician and I stink at lyrics. But Mr.
Martin was quite talented and not many people realize that. I lost my love just 20 years ago and seems like yesterday
Jamie CarrMay 1, 2022 - 1:13 pm
I’m sorry.
I like the song.
I wish Bette Middler could sing it at my funeral. I like the way she sings it.
It’s from the movie Beaches.
Well Pogosound, it’s only simple if the simple is all you’re willing to embrace, wouldn’t you say? Making an assertion that cuts out other options simply posits your unwillingness to consider that there Could be other interpretations than yours, and I think you will admit that isn’t really very open minded.
The Beatles were, as a song writing entity, one of the very finest of their time. As artists, they appear to me to know when to make something explicitly stated and when to leave enough ‘wiggle room’ for interpretation.
What do you say? Are you coming along for the Magical Mystery Tour, or holding onto a more restrictive, limited interpretation? The choice is yours.
Leave the music alone and quit trying to put a spin on what YOU think it was supposed to mean! Your thoughts are not Lennon thoughts! Nor could you ever come close to that brilliant man!
Over analysing methinks. It is a simple sentimental “pop” song and nothing more. There is no meaning beyond the nostalgia expressed. This is the trouble with too much thought being given to what is merely slight music of a past time.
Well analysed and written Jay – thank-you for taking the time. I agree with you 100%. Using the seamless transition from memories (past) to actual reality (present) to put the latter into the right perspective is a fine literary art. It must be a pain for artists to have their work misinterpreted or even repeated incorrectly, but as the level of true appreciation and careful understanding is decreasing globally, such unfortunate mishaps continue to occur more and more often – basically unnoticed by most but the handful of us.
I never considered this song to be misunderstood but perhaps I am not as close as some to how it may be viewed today by those living in a very different environment with different values and tradition. I never felt the meaning of this song as strongly as when I first fell in love and left things behind that used to seem so important, but only important in the absence of love. It is only when love is absent that we retreat to the past, rather than look ahead to a future.
I recall John saying at the end of his life that this was a song written to an imaginary lover, who turned out to be Yoko. Indeed, if it had been written in 1968 instead of 1965, no one would misunderstand the meaning.
This is always how I’ve thought of it… A love song. It’s how I’ve always felt about my husband, who’s nine years younger than me. As such I had friends, lovers, memories, that I’ve always cherished, including a previous big live, but once I met him, those all became cherished memories of an old life that was over once I met him
I saw the show and was more uncomfortable with another lyric change. and it doesn’t change the essence of the song, just came across as careless …. the line “I know I’ll often stop and think about them” was sung (and appeared on the lyric thread above the stage) as “and though I’ll often stop and think about them”.
Any chance they’ll be doing any Ian solo material? I love Mott, however, I’d love to hear some of Ian’s solo stuff especially from “you’re never alone with a schizophrenic” and “welcome to the club”
I’m hoping they’ll be doing some Ian Hunter solo material, I love Mott, however, I’d love to hear a few Ian solo songs, like when the daylight comes and just another night, bastard, mostly material off of you’re never alone with a schizophrenic
Love me some Mott, but I really hope they do some solo Ian material, particularly songs from you’re never alone with a schizophrenic, that was one of the first albums I ever owned, I bought it when I was 12, my dad may have actually bought that for me, but I would love to hear when the daylight comes, just another night and bastard live while there’s still time
Ian still tours with his Rant band -, especially on the east coast. This is a Mott the Hoople tour, specifically a Mott the Hoople ’74 tour: I doubt there will be many if any solo songs. When the band did its 40th-anniversary shows, in 2009, at Hammersmith (HMV) Apollo, the original “classic” band, including Mick Ralphs, played both Bad Company and Ian’s solo songs.
Bender and Fisher replaced Ralphs and Verden Allen, who left in “73 and Overend Watts and Buffin Griffin both passed away in the last few years, leaving only Ian from the original line-up.
I have been a fan of Celtic Woman for ages now and was thrilled to see you are touring the UK later this year. I have now bought two tickets to bring one of my sons to the show in London in November. Really looking forward to seeing and hearing you live instead of on U Tube X
I don’t recall the year–had to be in the ’60s–a concert in Asbury Park, NJ. It was a Joan Baez concert and Bob Dylan was a surprise guest. Does anyone recall that? Hope somebody does.
My then-husband and I went to the concert–all dressed up as young married couples were wont to do back then–me in heels and a pink polka dot dress, precisely made up and coiffed; hubby with a tie and shined shoes. Anyway, Joan Baez comes on stage and says she has a guest–and she introduces Bob Dylan. Don’t recall all the songs he sang–probably Blowin’ in the Wind, Hard Rain. What I remember most is that I got back home, stopped curling my hair, ditched the make-up, the heels, the pink polka dot dress and, of course, the bra. Started looking around, really looking around, understood “Maggie’s Farm,” marched in the ’70s against Viet Nam and for civil rights. I’m 79 now, but still, when I’m at a loss for words to say what’s goin’ on in our world, an old Bob Dylan song’ll pop into my head and lay it all out for me. Anyway, if anybody recalls that long-ago Asbury Park concert, sure like to know the date.
Just came from Westbury Music Fair show – OMG Tommy still has the voice and a great entertainer. Saw him a few years ago atbthe venue and just love love love him!
A third channel would be a brilliant idea. I’d suggest a Howard History Channel that plays entire shows of exactly X years ago. When I work at home, I’d like to listen to the show all day long. But 101 is like 100 a replay channel that replays stuff for sometimes four days.
Howard Stern should never leave the air ways. I’m 38 now and started listening with my pop’s when I was 6 on 97.1 in Los Angeles. Radio would not be the same with no Stern.
I do not think Stern would ever let other people (like Shuli,etc) work under the Howard Stern umbrella.
I believe the sole purpose of the wrap-up show is live spots. The live commercials bring in more revenue than taped spots. An advertiser can still have some live presence in the Stern show without paying Stern rates
With that said, I think he would only allow Fred, Robin, and Gary to work under the Stern umbrella.
The rest of the staff will be offered jobs on other channels. JD can edit recordings for a news channel.
I am not sure if Sal and Richard can do anything more tha a podcast
They are all good enough for having an hour show. Stern rates won’t be needed to float the channel anymore being the big three paychecks will be gone (H, R & F)
Just put them on sale… sick of all the fundraising… bidding etc… loyal fans will buy them. Why does everything associated with Bruce Springsteen include or involve some sort of cause?….. some ppl just want to be an old fashioned fan!
Kristin Carr was Barbara Carr’s(Bruce’s manager) daughter who died of cancer. So I guess I would say this is personal to Bruce. Bruce is also a great marketer would never suspect these would be mass produced as the novelty would wear off.
I know right? The way he’s always helping people and doing the right thing. So annoying! And now this! Helping kids with cancer! What a selfish prick Bruce Springsteen is. Why can’t those kids do their own research and not have to rely on millions dollars from donated money in hopes that the top minds in the country will provide them help or maybe even find a cure?
Jeff,,I have never heard a more idiotic statement..Ever. This is a great thing to do for all children with any cancer who are in need of help. You stated “let the children do their own research”..Quite honestly, you are either the dumbest person on the planet, or just a heartless basterd..more than likely, you are both. And to call Bruce Springsteen selfish is insane. It’s a great thing to do for children. Please Jeff, you really need to stay off your computer, shut your idiotic mouth, and go back to bed..
Howard doesn’t want a third channel plying rarely heard early bits. He wants to hide most of his history. That’s why they replay very recent shows ad nauseam.
This “show” is a complete disgrace and an insult to Italians everywhere! “The Soprano'” help solidify in the public’s brain that all Italians are ignorant no class mobsters and thugs. And Mr. Sinatra fought that idea his whole life. Shame on you!
Frank Travisano
Woodbury Connecticut
Proud Italian and member of the Italian American One Voice Committee and Unico National’s Anti Bias Committee
I think I was at this show. I do remember driving to a stadium in Englishtown..but I was also tripping, so, maybe it was the show in 77. I thought it was later, like early 80’s. some memories are hard to place. Thanks for the list.
Kind of ironic that this page has a link to the story about the North Bergen, NJ high school production of “Alien: The Play” that DIDN’T “clear all copyrights”
RT has been one of my major musical heroes for 50 years: spanning from the days of Fairport, his partnership with Linda, and his solo career. I can hardly believe that we will now welcome this great artist as a resident of Montclair.
RT has been one of my major musical heroes for 50 years: spanning from the days of Fairport, his partnership with Linda, and his solo career. I can hardly believe that we will now welcome this great artist as a resident of Montclair.
They were wonderful at Fox & Crow yesterday, even better than the album (which is terrific.) I sat down with the whole band on the new JB Podcast. http://jerseybeatpodcast.blogspot.com
I think I can call the three guys that play with Max Weinberg friends I met Max a year ago August at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park it was very nice we spoke we shook hands I told him he’s been an idol of mine for 40 years we both play drums we started around the same time he’s a year older than me 1964 and Ringo was everything if you haven’t seen the show with my three friends John Glenn and Bob go it’s fantastic
Thoroughly enjoyed the article/interview. Perhaps Richard is correct in his speculation that much of his audience is made up of nerds and college professors. But I can guarantee that is not entirely the case. I would consider myself more of a bohemian non mainstream type, a music lover who has traveled and seen many concerts in and out of the USA. All different types and styles of artists, predominantly rock and folk. Indeed, I have seen Richard perform 2-3 times a year from 1995 until present.. And doing the math in those parameters it averages to about 62 times. That’s without even trying, lol. Anyway, we have danced and have attempted to dance at Richards shows like he would apparently prefer, but it is generally frowned upon. Maybe an advertised, ‘RT Spring Fling Dance Concert’ somewhere like, ‘The Space’ in Westbury NY.? It has a GA open floor plan without seating, room to dance and a balcony with seating for those who desire or need to sit. Just a thought, please carry on..
You are so right about the nature of RT audiences, often pretty staid and reverential.
It’s ok, being mesmerized by his musicianship is reward enough, but it would be fun to dance more. I’ve seen him on a similar regularity (well maybe not quite 62 times, but a lot … ), but maybe the most outright fun were electric gigs at relatively small venues — Showbox Seattle, Fillmore in SF — where you can get right up to the stage and DANCE — great fun
Guillermo F. Perez-ArgüelloApril 5, 2019 - 7:25 pm
On August 11 and 12 of 1969 both the Jetro Tull and Led Zeppelin bands attended two of Elvis Presley’s 58 sold out shows at the International Hotel. Zeppelin was playing the Ice Palace on the 11th,so they took a night off to see Elvis. This is how the top groupie in the world a woman who bedded Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, Keith Moon,Nick St. Nicholas, Noel Redding, Jim Morrison, Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons, Waylon Jennings, and actors Brandon deWilde, Michael Richards, Woody Allen and Don Johnson, LOL, said about the experience of seeing Elvis. And I quote from page 139 of her auto biography. “I am with the band”
He was wearing black and looked like ten Greek Gods as he tore through “Love me Tender, “Don’t be cruel, and “Jailhouse Rock”. He was sweating, in the flesh, alive, inhaling and exhaling. And there I was, breathing the same air, sitting with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, completely and entirely beside myself. Some sideburned greased monkey appeared after the show, asking Jimmy if he would like to meet Elvis. He said “No, thank you,” and I never quite got over it….Unquote. Pamela Des Barres, blaming her then love interest Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin for declining to meet Presley after his midnight show at the International Hotel (now the Westgate, Las Vegas) on August 12, 1969, ostensibly in reference to the fact Page knew she was a huge Elvis fan but because of his jealously-derived decision, never got to meet him.
I just heard this winsome song about LBI – Brought so many memories back of gorwing up summers … first job, first love, learning to surf, so many summer friends. Thank you
Lovely review- wish i wasn’t on the other side of the continent! I’ve been told that Ian/Mott has never performed Trudi’s Song live. I’ve never seen a video…
We made it to Philadelphia to see an absolutely amazing rock and roll show, and like Mott The Hoople of old the band came out of the stage door to shake hands, sign autographs, and take pictures with the people who love them. For me they are THE band. What a show.
Had the pleasure of seeing Mott the Hoople in October of 73 at John Carroll University sitting in the gym on pullout bleachers. An act opened for them we had never even heard on WMMS radio. Arrowsmith. Great show.
Would love to read the lyrics for this or any song about LBI. I’m deaf woman. Just because I can’t hear doesn’t mean I can’t feel anything though music could hear music when I was little & young. Please CC for Deaf Closed Captions …
I saw them in Cleveland. They put on a great show. They just weren’t going thru the motions. Ian’s voice was very good.Dream Syndicate opened for them,
Totally gobsmacked to learn my all-time favorite singer/songwriter/guitarist is actually living in my hometown. What a great addition to Montclair. Welcome, Richard. There’s a great local music scene here. I hope I run into you some day so I can tell you in person how much joy you’ve brought to me for the past 50+ years.
Turning 70 and for my husband and me and it will be our 50 anniversary and our bucket list is to be at cousin Brucies reunion this year. What hotel is close to the show and how can we get tickets for the June Show?
I don’t think show details are available yet but it’s part of State Fair Meadowlands and tickets for that are available at http://njfair.com/. Information on hotels is available at https://www.mlcvb.com/
Only Dylan and his management could answer that, but I suspect the answer would be something like:
“We’re releasing things regularly via the bootleg series. It’s impossible to release everything immediately, because we want to make sure everything we release is of the highest quality possible, and things have to be negotiated with record companies, music publishing companies, film directors, etc. We’re going as fast as we can.”
Lou Gramm in our opinion since his Black Sheep days forward is the most talented singer of all time. He also is a very down to earth, kind, humble person to talk to. He loves his family and friends and fans. Not at all the untouchable haughty Rock Star as most. He has shown us personally much kindness and generosity. We treasure the time spent with him at his concert shows. He will Always Remain Thee Voice of Foreigner! Only 1 Lou Gramm Voice. Miss you Lou.
We went to Cleveland for the show there from North Carolina. Pure class and nothing I ever thought I’d see as Mott The Hoople split when I was a child. Fisher is spot on on his assessment of Ian Hunter though. One of the best rock writers ever. And the merch I was most thrilled to buy at the show was finally getting a copy of Fisher’s “Miniatures” after looking for it for 39 years. I had not heard about the 2000 version also in that 2xCD set.
I am the daughter of Warren Ryanes of the Monotones. I remember a camera crew coming out and interviewing several members of the group as a young child. I have been desperately searching for the tape with no success. Please help!!!
I am the niece of Warren Davis and would love to interview for something I am writing. My daughter is also working on a documentary which will expand. I have some memorabilia from The Monotones at Baxter Terrace. I would love to connect. Perhaps the website owner can connect us?
Congratultions on getting your own show on Sriys XM! We really enjoy your show and of course love all your songs. Crimson and Clover is my favorite. Great sound. The 60s had the best music, in my opinion.
How about the doors tribute band? They were by far the best act of all the shows put together for at least the last 3 years. Very disappointed to see they are not playing.
There’s a folk song, titled “The Asbury Park Rebellion,” which was posted at following music site link a few years, that recalls what happened in Asbury Park in July 1970, which might also interest viewers of this film: https://bobafeldman.bandcamp.com/track/the-asbury-park-rebellion
It never ceases to amaze me after following Bruce for 45 years the extraordinary things he keeps accomplishing. A national treasure to say the least,thanks Bruce.
I attended a Class of 75 Reunion in 2015 in Niles, Michigan and went down memory lane as I walked the halls of Niles Senior High School. There in the NHS entranceway hallway, next to the Auditorium, was showcased one of your guitars behind a framed glass box, and a plaque of you, stating you were inducted into the Niles High School Wall of Fame! How cool was that! I have always enjoyed listening to and singing your many hit songs! Congratulations on getting your own show on SiriusXM!
The acting was very good, but the script needs a major edit, in particular paring down the first 45 minutes, which achieve far too little. The Freedom Riders were true American heroes and I felt their story was short-changed by the tepid and contrived domestic Tony Sally Mae plot.
Bob Seger is awesome, however PNC is not. The sound system is awful, one of the reasons we were on our feet the whole night on the lawn was because we were packed in like sardines. And because we had to stand, we couldn’t see well. The owners of PNC should take a trip up to Bethel Woods to see how a venue treats the patrons and respects the artists.
I agree with last commenter. Bob Seger was great however PNC sold me lawn tickets and I could not get within twenty yards of the lawn. Had to be oversold.
Wow I’m sorry I missed this concert. SMH .
I’m NOT sorry I missed being smashed in like sardines Not a great enjoyable evening like that & that is a shame because it could ruin the evening of a perfe8great concert depending on ur attitude ..I will have to look into the Venue someone spoke of called “Bethel Woods”
I’m glad a was enjoyable concert for most or many ..Sorry I missed it…Darn!!!
I did leave a comment above. It says awaiting moderation..
In essence I said I was sorry I missed it and PNC does pack u in like Sardines & sometimes can ruin an evening depe6on your mindset at the time and the ppl.around u..Again regret not knowing about his concert because I Love Bob Seger
& said I would look at the Bethel Wood Venue to see how that’s set up..
I sometimes purchase tickets that allow.me.ro be pretty close but sometimes not .I don’t enjoy being packed in like sardines as they say either. It is what it is .I doubt PNC cares much as long as ppl con’ t to pay for substandard seating arrangements. Why would they? My orig comment is above..Not quite as harsh as this 1…
EXCELLENT review, couldn’t have said it better myself.
Love Bob Seger, and your comments and observations about how is music resonates with people is spot on.
I just saw Seger for the first time at MSG on Oct 30. But have been a fan since he broke out onto the scene around 76 or so.
I’m saddened that this is going to be his last tour, and I’m kicking myself for not seeing him before. His show was so good I even considered driving to Philadelphia for his last night.
Very few musicians have the gift of writing songs that touch people in ways that Seger does – “a working-class hero to a generation of Americans who heard their perennially youthful dreams and frustrations in the lyrics of his song” – “songs about lost youth and the passage of time“
You hit it right on the nail with those observations about his catalog of songs – Perfect
How many comments do I need to leave I’ve left 2 …as well as my info ask for below..
For the 3rd & FINAL TIME I will provide my name & such as needed!!!
I enjoyed this video very much. I had been a fan of the band in the 80’s (they were my first concert at 12 years old!) and then a couple of years ago, I saw that they were playing locally and I realized that they were still really great to see live. I started going to the shows (many are fairly local to me) every chance I get. As much as I love their music, one of the things that is equally enjoyable is seeing how they still seem to love playing together after all these years and that they seem to be good guys. They come across in this video to be the good guys I always believed that they are and it makes me like them more. I love their story and learned a few new things from the video. Thanks for taking the time to create it!
Florida Georgia Line is my favourite country music band. Headliners Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are those guys that could make anyone sing along. It’s the reason I like to visit their concerts. And – that’s surprisingly wonderful – in 2019 they have CAN’T SAY IT AIN’T COUNTRY TOUR which covers all the USA cities and towns. For tickets info visit fgltour.com.
Why was your scheduled concert on June 9 at Hudson Gardens near Denver Colorado cancelled.I see from website you just released a new album
Would have liked to hear the new cuts live.Disappointed.
i came from albany for the concert. it was such a wonderful evening. i have seen seger in concert around six times the last few years. the man never disappoints. this was the first time i have ever been to pnc bank arts center. i cannot comment about what other folks are saying about how this venue is set up. especially on the lawn. i originally purchased a premium lawn seat the day of presale. . since i was coming alone i checked the ticket master website and saw they did have a few good single seats left. the day before the show i upgraded my ticket and i was seating in section 301. i have no complaints about the seat, sound or venue, etc. if another act that i really liked was playing there i definitely would seriously consider coming back.
As a long time and current Fan of the Smithereens I feel compelled to say this .. It is a shame that Pat and the Smitheens did not get this recognition before he passed, he was compelled to share good music that people love and was doing it for years … For all the hits that band produced They all should have been inducted years before .. I am sure he is smiling where ever he is and I am absolutely thrilled with this and I am so happy for the Band Members .. They are all SO loved
Great performance to the first Springsteen song I ever heard in a hot summer’s day in 1979 as it’s the first song on the Darkness album. Fabulous. Keeping doing these guys.
Heard CC Revisited last night on their final reunion tour. They rule! I jumped in my seat non-stop for 90 minutes with a couple of thousand other fans. Goodbye CCR. You surely revived your fans on your last revisit. Peace brothers.
I can’t believe the writer of this review thought the swordfights did not have urgency or danger to them. They were the best swordfights I’ve ever seen and I’ve been coming to this theater since I moved to NJ in 1998.
The swordfights were dynamic, intricate and theatrical. I’m convinced the writer knows nothing of how swordfights are created for the stage or is too inexperienced to be reviewing theater.
I also question a review that’s published the day before the show closes.
Come on NJARTS.NET, what’s disappointing is a lame review that shows up too little and too late, I guess I’m not surprised since your organization seems a bit cartoonish for a state with such great theaters producing wonderful shows.
I’ve seen the show twice, since I liked it so much. That’s something I rarely do. The fights received applause both nights I saw the show. So maybe your reviewer has an agenda since he devoted so much attention to the fight work.
Sorry you didn’t like review, but it’s just my opinion. I may disagree with your opinion but I would never say you’re wrong for having it.
As far as my credentials, I’ve been an arts writer and editor in NJ for 35 years. If that’s not enough for you, so be it.
Agree with you that’s it’s terrible this was published so late. I started NJArts.net four and a half years ago, after 25 years at the state’s largest newspaper, The Star-Ledger. I do the vast majority of the work for the website myself, and make very little money from it. I’m very proud that in those four and a half years, the site has published more than 3,000 posts about NJ arts.
Now, sometimes things happen and it’s impossible for a review to appear in a timely manner. When that happens, I figure it’s better to post late, than never. I HATE when that happens, trust me, more than you know. But it happens.
You think I have some kind of agenda! Great logic there: A reviewer who doesn’t like something — and, keep in mind, this was overall a mixed review, not a negative one — must have an agenda. Makes perfect sense.
I’m impressed you felt the need to respond to my comments regarding The Three Musketeers.
You’re right. I don’t like your review. I do respect your right to an opinion and acknowledge you have been writing about NJ entertainment for 35 years, which surprises me since I found your review so snarky.
I’m sure you realize the STNJ, like all the other theaters in NJ is a not for profit. They depend on ticket sales to keep their lights on. Their pockets are not as deep as Papermill or the McCarter nor do they have rich benefactors paying their bills. They depend on reviewers like yourself to help generate word of mouth. Your review did neither.
While I can appreciate that you created NJARTS.NET and you basically run it by yourself, the least you can do is try to release your reviews so they can have some kind of impact on the show you are writing about. Not only was your timing off but your review, in my opinion, was not a very informative one and the dig at the fight direction made me so angry my wife and I actually went to see it again tonight.
The house was full and the audience absolutely loved the show. The fights were rewarded with applause on three separate occasions. The big fight at the Luxembourg was a stand out, then the fight in the tavern received an extended applause and finally the final fight with Milady against the all three musketeers brought the house down.
I couldn’t help but wonder why you thought the fights were lacking when, after seeing the show for the third time, I joined the rest of the audience clapping my hands raw for the best fights I have ever seen.
My wife and I did not go see the show thinking we were going to see Hamlet. We knew it was written by Ken Ludwig. We knew it was going to be light hearted and zany. I would think, after 35 years of writing about theater, you would have expected that seeing as Ken Ludwig put his name before the title.
In your 35 years of reviewing theater, please tell me when you ever saw sword fights better than these on any NJ stage. I’ve been seeing theater in NJ since 1998. Nothing has ever come close.
So yes, my great logic did question why a reviewer would go see KEN LUDWIG’S Three Musketeers and question whether the tone would be cartoonish and ask why there was no danger to the fights. You missed the boat there Jay. The fights were rock solid and perfect for the tenor of the play.
With the Star Ledger losing the great Peter Filichia and no longer reviewing plays, theaters like STNJ need you. Please consider your writing and release dates. It’s vital to all the non profits. I look forward to continue reading your column.
My best to you.
This post has been around for a while but I just saw it as I was moving down a Dylan rabbit hole. I was at this show and it was astonishing. Dylan only spoke once that night. He sat down at the piano and said: “you’ll have to excuse my voice, I just got over a bad case of leprosy.” Then he launched into “Ballad of a Thin Man.” Almost 54 years later I still recall that comment. I also remember that just after the electric set started someone yelled out “rock and roll sucks!” That kind of stuff was still going on at that point but I assure you, it did not suck.
Hey Tommy, Great to heat your voice again. I played drums for you in the mid 70’s. Part of the time I played drums with you and the Shondells we toured with Jay and the Americans and the Four Seasons. We also played a lot of nightclubs and colleges. It was a great time in my life and I really had a blast touring with you and getting to know you.
Best of luck with the radio show. Your doing a great job.
Warm Regards,
Tony Assalti
I like the list so far. Hoping to see some of the top spots occupied by Devil’s Arcade, The Line, Long Time Coming, Brothers Under the Bridge, & Moonlight Motel. I don’t wanna even SEE those titles before we get to #30.
Saw you on Long Island in the early 70’s and in Fayetteville, Georgia last month. Your voice is still fantastic and your show was phenomenal. I just finished reading your book, “Me, the Mob, and the Music. Very interesting book, and I look forward to the movie. Keep on rockin!!!
I am not sure of his marital status but suspect this may be a reference to his ex-wife (i.e., some people who are divorced continue to refer to their ex as their husband or wife).
I considered that song but ultimately rejected it, because it doesn’t really say anything about the state. I mean, you could substitute any state name for “New Jersey,” and the song really wouldn’t change.
Like the concept of the list. Across the Border (off Joad) has to be in the Top 5 (or no lower than 10) as it’s one of the 10 best of his career. There’s a beauty to it lyrically and musically that is rarely matched.
Others that I love that should be in the Top 10-15: Land of Hope & Dreams (all that is righteous on E Street encapsulized into one song)
Real World (from the passion of the initial Christic Institute performances to the soulfulness of the Human Touch version it’s a great one)
Happy,
Back in Your Arms
This Life (one of his great relationship songs about growing old together with Beach Boys-esque harmonies)
Long Walk Home
Living Proof
Better Days
If I Should Fall Behind
Beautiful loser is Bob Seger. Bob Seger’s been writing about greed for many years that’s what the line means in the song, you can’t have it all. A couple of other songs about greed are, cross of gold and neon sky. Great review . PS bob Seger never cared about making a gazillion dollars , he cared about making a living doing what he loved to do Music.
Saw the film on PBS here in Chicago, shown right after a 2 hour special on the 50th of Woodstock Festival..well done film, enough for me to want to find out more about it all, thus leading me here. The Carole King connection is unreal.
The enthusiasm of the crowd on Monday evening, August 5, 2019, was electric. The crowd never sat down once, stomped, sang, cheered and went wholly wild. The Rolling Stones exceeded my wildest expectations. They are still the World’s Greatest Rock n’ Roll Band and prove it all the time.
I was the bass player in the Chlan. It was a magic time at the Shore. Bruce was in the Castiles and Steve was in the Shadows. Those were the best days of my like. Mark R
the Castiles and the Shadows played at our teen club, Teendevous! the Chlan, did, too I think. the coolest of times. all of them, the Clique, the Source, and such.
Oh, I always thought of the ending as him running and launching himself off the edge of the cliff. That prevents the cops and his own darkness catching up with him or having their way with him.
My wife knows I listen to your show and she surprised me for my upcoming birthday with tickets to see you at the Minnesota State Fair next week. I Think We’re Alone Now is my favorite song of all time. Keep on Playin’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHTsxcWavXc
Croatian / ex Yugoslavian version of “I Will Survive” from 2LP compilation “Socialist Disco – Dancing Behind Yugoslavia’s Velvet Curtain 1977 – 1987”
Wonderful tribute – it deserves to have the live version from Charlotte embedded, as it is especially moving – and an intro that covers off much of the above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3m0BXVKPu0
I cant believe it what happen ? I was shocked and sadden to see the red carpet and VMA broadcast not mention or show any member of the Jersey shore cast. I expected to see at least a glimpse of the Jersey shore crew somewhere at the VMA event, a few were present. It makes sense for MTV to show the shore crew because its an MTV show that is mostly shot in Jersey. Hay MTV who dropped the ball ? the same celebs kept getting face time on t.v along with some fans but no Jersey shore member was shown. I’m sure I’m not the only fan that was expecting to see them. I was hoping to see at least one cast member make a presentation.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are the equivalent to the e streeters, consistent,loyal and great musicians
No throw away songs,put the album and let it play,hey Bruce you should cover a Petty classic…please?
Jay… this may be my favorite song on the album. The guilt and remorse of a man living with lies he created in his relationship. I hate to admit… I can relate. One of my takes is this…. the movement of “stones in my mouth “… to fields of crows…..leaves falling down. From a few lies that fill the mouth like stones…. to enough to cover a field. It’s from minimizing to seeing the reality of the impact of the lies…
Well, that’s one take. Don’t take the easy (if not accurate) road and say it’s projective. 😉
just want to add that this is one of a couple of songs on the devils and dust album that allude to ezekiel 37:1-14 — the valley of dry bones. bruce always used biblical imagery in his writing, but around the time of *the rising*, he got serious about it. it added a kind of brutal starkness to his storytelling. i continue to think that some of his best and most moving writing comes from this period.
Jay, the fundraiser is for Succeed2Gether, our tutoring program aimed at closing the opportunity gap. The Montclair Literary Festival is also a fundraising g event for S2G. Please correct.
“Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” (Proverbs 20:17)
This is undoubtedly the inspiration for “Stones.” Can’t you hear the nuns of St. Rose of Lima telling the young Springsteen and his classmates, “Don’t tell lies or you’ll get a mouthful of gravel!”
Where are the “top-tier” actors from “The Sopranos”? As a huge fan of the series, I find it *more than annoying* that the show glitterati cast members are too good to participate in this momentous occasion. They are behaving as though “butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths”!
Oh yea, what a day this was. Stevie brought it big time with all that jersey has to offer our new city. Linda Chorney was with me, celebrating the release of her feature film When I Sing. The film actually has contributions from a couple of the Disciples, Marc Ribler and Andy Burton!1 we danced the night away
I have listened to JLP since he was in the Zappa band. I have attended more than 25 live concerts all over the world. When a new album can out and he toured, I was there. His work in the 70’s and 80’s was unparalleled. I finally met him up front and close in Albany, upstate New York. I went back stage and had a great conversation with him. I asked him if when he was writing he music, did he take into consideration that his music effected the audiences that were, in most cases, stoned. His arrangements of deep bass integrated with high shrill violin, send chills up all who were in the room. His response was beautiful…he said “I just write what is in my head”. I can’t thank him enough for all of the pleasure his music has given me over these years. I hope you never stop…
I think you meant to write: “Sadly, Springsteen has continued to HAVE new reasons to sing this song over the years” He doesn’t need to find reasons, the reasons present themselves.
Thanks. I think you’re right that “find” isn’t the right word. It implies a kind of search for reasons that isn’t really accurate. But I don’t like “have,” either. Have changed it to: “Sadly, additional reasons to sing this song have arisen over the years.
So glad you put this song on the list. I remember the grief reviewers and fans gave him for writing a song they seen as “too soon” to ask for understanding of Muslims, but totally misses the point of the MUSIC ans well as the form of the lyrics. The music, yes, has Qawwali singing helped bring into western popular culture by Nusrat Fati Ali Khan via Michael Brook and Peter Gabriel, but the chanting at the beginning and end is Native North American(!) and it’s in that seamless compatibility that he is saying “we are more alike than different”. The lyrics are a Sufi love poem with lines like “Let’s throw the truth away, we’ll find it in this kiss”; “May the living let us in before the dead tear us apart”; “Where the distant oceans sing, and rise to the plain in this dry and troubled country, your beauty remains”. These lyrics are pure poetry.
As a massive Bruce’s fan, I have really appreciated and enjoyed this list, especially because I had the chance to go back into the details of many songs. Bruce’s discography is humongous but focusing on the last 30 years was an original and solid idea. Cool, really!
(I’d like someone to do something similar for all the unreleased outtakes…).
But…
being a Bruce’s Fan, which stands for notoriously choosy and demanding pain in the arse type of fan, I have just a couple of complaints to make:
First and foremost, the lack of “the Wrestler” from the list.
Secondly, the lack of “the wrestler” from the list :-)
I would have chosen a couple of different songs off Western Stars and moved some tracks up or down the list, but you know, that’s just unimportant comparing to this very remarkable celebration for our man’s 70th birthday.
Where the hell is “The Fuse”? Like a miniature Tennessee Williams play attached to a hypnotically driving rhythm, it’s one of his top songs ever (the version from the closing credits of “25th Hour” doubly so) yet there’s no sign of it in this list…
I have been a patron of this club many many times. I will be at the Last show September 28th. One of my favorites is Bob Baldwin. I will miss this friendly, cozy spot and especially the kindness of Kristine Massari and her amazing staff. I just hope the next owners or as wonderful as the last.
Once there was Eddie Murphy funny but dirty. Then came Richard Pryor dirty at times but the funniest man who ever lived!! You are very close to the top. You have all races and genders ( forget that 5% walkout they don’t understand comedy ) you are the best show I have seen lately keep it up . If you need a joke or two email me @rusty58377@gmail.com thanks for the show
I was there last night and it was an Excellent Gig.
One thing you really should check that the set list
was correct as there is No song called “Hug you like a mountain”
It was in fact the Jazz Classic “Cry me a river”.
Other Artists included Kate Rusby, Maddy Prior And
loudon wainwright 😊
I absolutely loved the play. She’s a master wordsmith and an equally gifted actress. This play should go next to an off- broadway theater. I could see this play again and again. My 4 friends also were blown away.
Dear Jay, Please interview Stanley Jordan for up coming HENDRIX performance at Crossroads Dec 8 2019. Contact me Jan Greiner JG Production to set up phone interview soon Ok ? 973 801 8444. FYI. Just sold out 3 nights NYC Iridium
Jay, love your work as always terrific NJ updates 🎶❤️🎶. Please join Stanley Jordan as Jimi Hendrix at Crossroads Garwood. NJ. Dec 8 2019 in his only NJ performance . Would you like to do a phone interview let me know Jan. JG. Production. 3 nights 5 Show sold out Oct Iridium.
I don’t think Whitney Houston has anything to do with RocknRoll and it would be a shame to see someone who IS deserving not get in because she gets in. Meanwhile, Todd Rundgren, who is SO deserving of being in, is still just on the ballot and not in.
I don’t think you understand quite a lot in music, man. Whitney Houston can sing, and have sung any style of music better than anyone. She’s one of the greatest voices of all times, and deserves, more than Madonna, Janet Jackson, and many other artists, the right to be in the Hall of Fame.
“It’s interesting to see what what E Streeters recall. Tallent remembers seeing a letter from Raitt’s manager to her booking agency, asking that Springsteen never open for her again (presumably because he was so hard to follow).”
It was because Springsteen played far past his contractually allotted time in the first show, promised Raitt’s manager (who also booked the show) in between the performances that he would not do it again but then did as part of the second show. Everything was already behind schedule and during Raitt’s second show set, her fans were having to leave early to catch the subway before it stopped running.
Funny that the jazz festival is being cslled Love in a Hate Nation when it’s being held in a rapidly Repiblican town where Trump flags fly from the yachts in the basin! A house burned down here this week and commenters blamed Obama–I kid you not.
In the late 70’s Tom and Bruce were definitely a big part of my life. I always had this crazy idea that the two of them should swap bands.
Tom with the likes of Stevie and Clarence and Bruce with Mike Campbell & Co. It kind of happened when Mike Campbell and Bruce worked on the Patti Scialfa album. Although Bruce and Tom came from different places, to my mind they were lock-step connected and dialed into the same FM station.
It is simply self explanatory that Grammy are a fake, a disaster. Grammy are driven by lobbies as always…
But thanking God, Bruce does no need Grammy and as you written he is the most important US rocker of the last 50 years (minimum)
Prince is more important to me. BTW, I don’t own any Bruce records, so I am biased. I also think that all award shows, esp the Grammys, are skewed to what is currently popular.
Well let’s face it, Born to Run, is one of the best albums of all time. So how it wasn’t nominated and won is unbelievable. You have three top songs of all time on one album. So you need to start there. It’s a travesty.
I have loved Bruce since 1985 when I discovered him. No one compares th him!!
Loved Cover Me, Tougher than the Rest, Murder Inc, Atlantic City etc. So many phenomenal songs!!
I love all of Springsteen’s work. Western Stars, while very different from earlier works, is amazing. I think he has always done an excellent job of doing his own thing, grammy or no grammy. What talent!
I agree that he is one of the most important rock artists of the last 50 years. Easily. If not THE best. However, that’s a tough crowd he’d be up against. Lol
Still he’s a legend and fuck Grammy for not acknowledging him even more. And in the right category with the right song at the right time.
But just goes to show that like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it’s primarily a joke. Just bullshit all the way around.
I agree sell them and put all proceeds to the charity…. bet it would raise a lot of funds..
But kudos to the band for always helping local and personal charity’s..
The E Street Band Rocks..
They need to make one of Clarence for ol times sake as well as Danny.
I absolutely love this all time classic love song that turned out to be a gospel hit by Foreigner and the New Jersey mass choir fantastic collaboration even though it’s been recorded my favorite will always be the original version by New Jersey mass choir and Foreigner.
My husband gave 22 years to NEMF and they gave him 3 days notice and closed the doors…a damned party in New Jersey? Really? What a F you to all the people who worked for them…
The so called rock n roll hall of fame lost all credibility years ago by nominating non rock n roll acts like Madonna and numerous rap artists. This only proves that their committee members are grossly ignorant about what rock n roll even is.
Bought a Mr. Reality demo cassette tape years ago at a thrift store. Always wondered why they didn’t make it big. Now, thanks to the Internet, I found out that they did. Yae!
I met Tony back in the summer of 1988 when I was playing drums for one of his recording proteges Valerie Ford. Tony generously provided lodging for the band members and myself while we played gigs in New York and North Jersey. He was a very nice guy and had an amazing studio where he allowed us to jam between sessions.
thank you for writing this. this one hit me way harder than rock star deaths usually do.
as much as i loved neil as a drummer — and i sure did — i loved him even more as a writer and a thinker. subdivisions was the first song i ever heard that described my reality. i was ten years old and growing up in a new jersey automobile suburb, and every line of that song resonated. neil’s description of the world as he saw it was completely different from what i was getting on mainstream radio. that’s because it was honest. neil was the rare rock star who cared too much to lie to me.
by all accounts he was a wonderful guy as well as a wonderful musician. his unbreakable bond with geddy and alex speaks volumes about the sort of person he was. while other famous musicians feuded and jockeyed for power, rush hung tight to the end. it breaks my heart that i’ll never get to see those three onstage together again.
Western Stars, not to be nominated – that is a surprise. His recent work has been stunning. It is surprising too to see that nothing off the Wrecking Ball album has any Grammy recognition. Retrospectively ‘Born to Run’ should be recognised and ‘Darkness on the Edge of Town’ gets many hard core fans contending that this was possibly his best album. Roll on 2020 with a new album with E-Street Band mooted by the Boss.
Dear Tris, my name is Marco Inzerillo and I am Federico Uribe’s partner. Thank you very much for the beautifully written article. We truly appreciate it and it moved us. There is only one point in the article which is not accurate and I thought it would make sense to draw your attention on it. You namely write “It’s probable that some computer modeling was used to realize these works, but there’s nothing digital or impersonal about the results”. As a matter of fact Federico does not make use of any computer modeling to create his artworks, nor any kind of digital technology. We thought it is important to address this. Thank you very very much
So heartwarming to see musicians gathering together to support one of their/our brothers. I played with Mr. James Mastro in the Mott the Hoople tour last April – he is a rock Maestro of the highest calibre. This is a show Not To Be Missed – for multiple reasons! So – be there!!!
🎶 Heartwarming to see numerous talented artists gathering to support one of their/our brothers in need like this. If I weren’t many thousands of miles away I’d be there like a shot. Last April I had the pleasure of playing with Mr. James Mastro on the US tour of my band Mott the Hoople. He is a Maestro of rock. Just one of many reasons to come and enjoy this fine event. So please consider attending, to help Ivan’s cancer treatment. Love 🙏
— Morgan Fisher, in Tokyo
Thank you for being candid about this. As a visual artist, I’m trying to have frank conversations with my associates about what will be feasible (for exhibition openings and other expectations) in the short term. It comes down to the fact that we are not prepared for this as a nation. We just aren’t. News coming out of Italy right now is grim. A robust, well funded federal science and health research community would have been smart – but it was decimated. Generations of institutional knowledge has been supplanted by cultish anti-science madness from a weak leader who currently sits in the White House.
He’s talked about how he was absorbed by work, and they grew apart, and that it was very painful. He’s also said there was no affair (and I’ve never heard anyone contradict him on that). I don’t really feel like I need to know any more.
Alert , local musicians and entertainers have lost their source of income. I’m fortunate because my wife career is supporting our family during this pandemic crisis. But many of my fellow bar musicians are lost , with no way to earn a living. Let’s all band together and help our local bar band musicians. Our brothers and sisters who entertain us weekly while we have a burger and a beer with friends need us now.
Right now they are without anyway to pay bills, buy food. There is no unemployment money for us. And most of us have no savings to draw from.
Don’t forget about them. Someone out there with the organizational no how please step up, band together and help out these local musicians
This is wonderful and thank you all so much. Love to see our Jersey stars coming together to help lift others up in times like these. Please don’t forget about the non-profits that are also on the front line feeding people and helping with non-food emergencies also. We’re all in this together! God Bless you all!
Good Idea. Fully support this worthwhile project. Northern Canada says Hello to all the great people in the great state of New Jersey. Be Safe, Be Well. Be Kind.
Thank you for taking care. Stay at home. We are going throught hard times..
We may think that we are many millions of people in the world and it will not touch us .. but I have an uncle in the ICU since Sunday night .. Sedated and intubated .. Sometimes, he plays closer than we can think ..
What we would like to think about .. Please stay home .. This is very contagious when there are no symptoms yet and that is very dangerous ..
Wash your hands often.. Use your “bad” hand to open doors and touch things .. The “good” hand will be the one you will instinctively use to touch your face..
Attentive to lesser-known symptoms .. Nausea, diarrhea, loss of smell and taste ..
Thinking of yourself, but especially of the others, take all precautions Possible ..
If the health system collapses, soon they will have to choose to save a person or the other, as it is happening in Italy and Spain ..
Maybe someone has an accident or needs an urgent operation and there are no resources to attend to it, because they are overloaded. I know some organ donations have not been done, because there are no sterilized rooms available to carry them out and these are more lives being lost, collateral damages … Anyway, I could tell you more … but I think you may have an idea already …
My best wishes from Spain .. Bruce !! Take care!! We need you back in Spain !!
Tom Tom Club was not founded after Talking Heads disbanded, as the article states. It was started as a side project in the early 80’s while Talking Heads was still active and was featured in Stop Making Sense (the concert film for Talking Heads).
HedgeFund Road
The Coronavirus slams
Donalds hair sways
On a mission he complains about the fake news – as the ticker tape plays
Andrew Ross Sorkin singing for the Lonely
Hey it’s the small business hurting only
Don’t leave them out again
They just can’t face this crisis alone again
Don’t you run back inside –
Mnuchin you know just what I’m here for
So your scared and you’re thinking
that maybe the dems wont shell no dough anymore
Show a little faith there’s magic in the night
It ain’t perfect, but the bailout’s alright
Oh and that’s alright with me
You can hide neath your covers
And study Boeing’s pain
Watch Jim Cramer and others
Say the market – its just so lame
Waste this quarantine praying in vain
For a savior to rise from Wall Street
Well now Fauci’s a hero that’s understood
But all the redemption he can offer
Is straight talk just as he should
With a chance to make it good somehow
Hey what else can Powell do now
Except roll down the window
And let the liquidity blow back your hair
Well the Dow’s busting open –
These fed guys will take us anywhere
We got one one last chance to save this deal
To trade in our politics on some wheels
So climb in back
Prosperity waiting down on the tracks
Oh-oh come take Gupta’s hand
We’re riding out tonight to save the promised land
Oh-oh-oh-oh HedgeFund Road, oh HedgeFund Road,
Oh HedgeFund Road
Lying out there like Virus in the sun
Hey I know its late we can make it if we run
Oh-oh-oh-oh HedgeFund Road, sit tight, Take Hold
HedgeFund Road
Well I got this iPhone
And I learned how to make it Squawk
And my Broker’s out back
If your ready take that long walk
From your home office to my front seat
The door’s open but the ride ain’t free
And I know this virus, – we’re flattening the curve
Soon it’ll be waiters again, and no more self serve
There were ghosts in the eyes of all the bankers you sent away
They haunt your Hamptons home in the skeleton frames
gone the Bear and Lehman way
They scream they’re going broke each day on Wall Street
Your Harvard mba gown lies in rags at their feet
And in the lonely cool before dawn
You hear the traders roaring on
When you get to the social distanced porch they’re gone
On the wind
So Buffett climb in – Doot Doot doot doot do
It’s a Capitol full of losers and were pull’n out of here to win!
I don’t think they’ve officially announced that yet but usually in cases like these, the ticket will be honored on the new date BUT you can also get a refund, if you’d prefer. I recommend contact the venue’s box office for more details.
It is a sad day for us hearing that Bucky
Has passed on.
He was one of few great guitarist who have
Died in the last 15 years. Al Caiola and Don
Arnone among the NJ born great guitarists.
May you Rest In Peace Bucky.
Lynn Arnone Tsukalas
I had the pleasure of meeting Bucky in NYC – March 2009 .– he was playing in an Italian restaurant just off Central Park and I made myself known to him – when he found out that I was from Ireland he wanted to know all about Louis Stewart whom he had played with in the Benny Goodman orchestra on a European tour in the early sixties — a more approachable and likeable person would be hard to find – he will be greatly missed — condolences to all the family.
John Whaley
Sadly, my memories include seeing him at Godfrey Daniels, a club in Bethlehem, Pa. I also got to see him in Kutztown, Pa. as backup for Stephen Grappelli.
Wonderful times with a wonderful man!
John “Bucky” Pizzarelli,was a wonderful gentleman ,an Iconic musician who led music into decades of originality. It was an honor to met him and spend a few hours getting tutored and jamming with one of the greats.John asked what i needed help with i said chord melody He said “I’ll teach ya that in a couple of minutes.””Play this chord, and so it went .”We met a few more times while he was still touring venues..Proud to have met him and sad he’s gone….but his music lives on….’ll missies growl”
Paul bracco
What a sad day for all who loved him and his music. I was fortunate to enjoy his playing in Seattle a few years back at Jazz Ally. Bucky and John filled the club and it was magic.
used to hear his wonderful playing when he did gigs at Shanghai Jazz in Madison, NJ, and if my memory serves me well, Gullivers in (West)? Paterson. another tremendous talent gone from our world…
Thank you Bruce for all your contributions to our community. Right now your hometown of Freehold NJ community hospital Centra State is hit hard and we need help providing PPE and supplies to our healthcare workers. It is a month now and we are tired, worn and doing our best, your uplifting music gets us through our 12 hour shifts. If there is anyway you can help your old hometown it would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely a Nurse on the Front Line xo
Are you insane? Can you read? Obviously not. Because if you could you would realize this video was made in 1995! Btw, there are many wonderful groups that teach adults to read. I suggest you try one.
Hey John ; Weren’t you in Freehold , NJ back in 2000 filming an independent movie ? Was wondering if you checked out the Jersey Shore scene and Springsteen landmarks.
Tony produced my first album for RCA Records with my group Valentine 1977 in his studio. As many have stated he was a wonderful funny warm person, who was. Dry generous with his time, talent and positive attitude. I spent a lot of time at venture studios and have nothing but great memories. Rest In Peace 🙏🙏🎼🎼🇮🇹🇺🇸
Awesome footage John. Thank so much for sharing. Love you, John Fogerty and Bruce Springstein of course. Great music. Loved every minute of it. Wasn’t that you on the drums?? Excellent.
Check out my tune for the front line people working right now I think you will like it it’s free to share at http://www.zeeblues.com and to the guy at the top comment you need to read not skim articles
I listened to Howard from about 1994 until about three months ago. I found myself paying but not listening. The show changed. Not as funny as it used to be. He grew up and I didn’t. I’m 75 but I liked the show before he grew up. Blame me.
I keep imagining this song being reworked into a tourism jingle like
🎶Jersey, Jersey, just think of all the fun we’ll have in Jersey
There’s lots to see and lots to do
We’ll see the tigers at the zoo
It’s all a great big hullabaloo
Over on the Jersey Jersey Jersey over on the Jersey side!🎶
I know the lyrics are completely generic and could use improvement but anyway there really is much more to your state than that stretch of highway from Newark airport to the Lincoln Tunnel that gives the state its undeserved reputation.
Look for my name, Carla Auld on You Tube.
Won an International Competition performing at Carnegie Hall, organized the first organization in New Jersey celebrating the beauty of the Flûte ( New Jersey Flûte Society) and more!
I would love to be a part of this event!
Apologies, but my website is down for updates. Thank you for your consideration.
It’s always great to see Jeff Kazee perform but last night’s in house concert was a grand slam. Your piano playing, your singing and your heart felt tribute to Hood hit home for me. And it’s great to see your dedication and love for your family and their love for you. Stay healthy and keep on rocking. Thanks for the great tunes!!!
Bruder is a good song writer and a profoundly strong lyricist. As the follow up to his debut album “Act of Kindness,” the new album “Evolution” has more meat on the bones from a production standpoint, but that doesn’t get in the way of him still being able to tell wonderful stories with vivid imagery with songs like “Indivisible” and “City Tear.” I’ve been a fan for 40 years, starting in his bar band days in South Orange and Maplewood NJ, and glad to see he is still going for it.
Thanks for a beautiful cover of this song, one we’ve gotten so used to as a concert staple over the past 18 years. And appropriate: In our lives, in good times and in bad, Bruce is always there, channeling everything we feel and giving voice to it. After all these years, he remains the adult in the room — the musical conscience of America.
I remember buying the live album when it came out in 74.. I was 14 . The woman who checked me out looked at the record , smiled and said This is a great album… she was not wrong . I just listened to it again the other day…Still great .
All the money goes directly to the artists. And why shouldn’t they be paid? Even in a crisis, supermarkets and gas stations charge for their goods, they don’t just ask for donations.
Ms. Phillips has a lot of talent and her collaborations with Mr. Richard Thompson give evidence that they are in a good place artistically and otherwise. Conversely I look at 2018’s “13 Rivers” as one of RT’s strongest albums. I consider it a bookend to the 1982 masterpiece “Shoot Out The Lights” which was written as Thompson’s marriage to wife and musical partner Linda Thompson was falling apart. Three plus decades later, Thompson is leaving another long term relationship from wife and manager Nancy Covey. No one depicts angst and inequities of life in time of marital displeasure better than Thompson; guilt, regret and bile punctuated with lacerating guitar riffs. I look forward to seeing Ms. Phillips and Mr. Thompson when some rendition of normalcy returns and live music replaces this quarantine.
Not a performance by Dylan but 2 Jersey connections. 1) in 1965(?) Dylan tracked down Levon and the Hawks at Tony Mart in Sommers Point to sign the group that became The Band to back him on his electric tour. 2) About 10 years ago Dylan was stopped by the police in West Long Branch as he was wandering around searching for the house that Springsteen wrote Born to Run in.
Evolution has a couple tunes that are SO timely for the current political turmoil in America. I got chills listening to “City Tear” talk about “A big man’s come to town this week to sell us our flag” but yet it was written by Bruder in the early 1980’s. “Indivisible” is a stunning portrait of our country today with the riots, protests and oppression, and he prophetically wrote this in 2016. This guy writes some worthy material, surrounds himself with killer musicians and delivers!
it should ud not be so difficult to figure out how to pay to hear Philemona tonight. I want to pay for the event not give a donation. The email address . bounces back that is post on either facebook or instagram
i have videos of shows from late 1977 on. because of the location of my house, reception was mediocre at best. many are fuzzy to very fuzzy. not all but enough, yet the audio comes through even on these.
if someone wanted them i could send on a thumb drive(i transferred them from tape to computer a while back). you could determine if they are worth watching. they are funny.
Hi: I appeared on the show around ’79-’80 in a band called Dizzy and the Romilars. Do you happen to have that episode? If so, pls contact me at janturaninfo@yahoo.com. Thanks.
Reminds me of the Netflix ZZ Top Documentary. They played a show and there was only one person in attendance. The fan became a life long fan attending many shows. They still remember him to this day.
I would like to receive a refund on my tickets but can’t find any correct link to go on. A response back would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to know why I wasn’t contacted directly about the postponement of this years show and had to hear it from a friend. Purchased two VIP tickets, at a large expense, and I should have been notified via email
When I was younger, and more easily influenced, as well as being more susceptible to the transgression of adulation/idolatry, I more or less committed said trespass. I had already recognized that visual entertainment, watching TV shows and movies were a waste of one’s time unless they were specifically documenting facts and reality, or current events and developments, news which every intelligent citizen should unaccountably follow if they are aspiring to be responsible citizens and even Christians per se. As it were I still admired and appreciated The Boss and his messages representative of the common working class. I don’t think I was mistaken in that accordance of recognition and admiration. However, after he Bruce had failed to maintain His Commitment and Promise to his Spouse and immediately wedded his back-up vocalist,( Who, I will not deny, was and still is an attractive Lady.) I was so disappointed in his failure to maintain the lifelong commitment to his first wife, and I felt a tangible disappointment with the man, himself and refused to listen to his music altogether, due to his betrayal of the beliefs that he’d always sung about. However, having always appreciated The Professor’s ability to tickle the ivories and thunder on them as well and Clarence’s incomparable soulful expression on the Tenor Sax, I accepted the Truth that we all are guilty of youthful indiscretions, and to overlook The Boss’s failure to maintain that dedication to fidelity. So, I swallowed my bile. As it were, and it wasn’t many years later, that I was committing the self same faux pas…How amazing it is to realize that you are not superior to others and in accorded humility, accept an idol’s errors and rejoin the human race and once again enjoy music, which is essentially one’s Spirit expressing itself auditorily and to receive the soulful expression of a fluid group such as The E Street Band is a worthy form of relaxing entertainment, a human necessity in anyone’s recognition. Rock On Boss… and continue to Vocalize the American Experience!!!
Love South…. From Club Bene’ to the Garden State Art Center to Count Basie. Always the real deal. No hype- no b/s, just a great rocker and entertainer.
Roosevelt was a nightmare to get to and especially leave from after the show–the night of the rain-out was extra nightmarish. But all of those early ’70s shows there were unforgettable, peak Grateful Dead. Seeing them in ’76 at the Capitol in lovely Passaic was also a treat, even if it wasn’t one of their greatest nights. By the ’80s, the bottom fell out. Saw them in ’83 at Brendan Byrne with Stills and they were beyond bad–Stills especially. I got off the Live Dead bus after that one, although I continued to see the Garcia Band every chance I got, right up until the end (2/28/80 at Kean College was especially tasty). You don’t miss the opportunity to see a musical genius in action.
Whether you have loved Judy Collins your entire life, or whether you just listened to her for the first time, this detailed and beautiful interview will inspire and renew your determination to make this world a better place. xo
I would like information on being a participant at the gospel fest. I’m a member and business manager for Alma Brown and the A-1 Gospel Singers of Little Rock Arkansas. We would like the opportunity to be apart of such a grand event. My contact number is 501-831-5004
A fine interview with one of the nicest guys in music (we’ve met several times), and one half of one of the greatest rock’n’roll couples ever. His book deserves to be a runaway best seller topping a field where, frankly, the quality is variable. Not all musicians can write well, with care and with heart. I can’t wait to read it!
the Castiles and the Shadows played at our teen club, Teendevous! the Chlan, did, too I think. the coolest of times. all of them, the Clique, the Source, and such.
Saw Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers there in June, 1980. Holding out hope that some day some video may surface from that show. With Tommy Tutone as the opening act, years before “Jenny” :-)
I donated to see Richard Thompson . I was sent an email to register and was rerouted to a service called Aliza ; a music, book and video game provider. I then had to register an account with them and after several attempts to log in had to contact someone at Aliza , who told me they didn’t carry an live performances. That took 40 minutes of trying and I gave up searching. I had forgotten that NJ Arts was presenting in the first place . Is the show still available to watch?
I’m not sure what you’re talking about but you can find some of his recent streams archived on YouTube. Here’s one of them: https://youtu.be/zRF71ClkXbg
There is no one I’d rather see live (except Kate Bush!) than Richard. He is always fabulous, funny, warm, and utterly committed to giving you the best he’s got, and given what he’s got, it’s a musical banquet. I haven’t seen him in a few years now, living at the edge of beyond, but hope to again soon. Lucky Woodbridge!
There is no one I’d rather see live (except Kate Bush!) than Richard. He is always fabulous, funny, warm, and utterly committed to giving you the best he’s got, and given what he’s got, it’s a musical banquet. I haven’t seen him in a few years now, living at the edge of beyond, but hope to again soon. Lucky Woodbridge!
I have loved Richard Thompson since seeing and hearing him at the Fillmore East (when Fairport was third on the bill), and I will say to anyone in hearing distance that he is the most lyrical and creative guitarist of our time. What a wonderful treat for the folks of New Jersey to have this warm, giving, caring artist in their community.
How I would have loved to have been there! Thank you very much for posting this, next best thing to being there. How great of Richard Thompson, and how great he is. I still can hardly believe he’s living in N.J. now. Cheers!
Nice review, it was a terrific show. Amazing to be seated a stones throw from this legendary musician. My first time seeing him and boy does he get his moneys worth out of an acoustic guitar and that voice, Richard’s classic phrasing, musically he hasn’t aged. I did notice one type-o, I believe the mayor said the attendance was 499. Thanks for the set list, if you don’t mind I may need it for reference of my photos through the show.
I miss my guys. I miss Johnny & the band. I miss his wise cracks, his silliness. I miss his heart & his voice, but most of all, I miss his soul. His soul lifts me to new heights all the time.
I don’t know who he was singing about, specifically. Maybe no one. I think prolific songwriters such as Lennon write about love so often that they’re not necessarily writing with someone in mind. Sometimes, they’re just writing about love in general. It is interesting to try to put this song into some context in regard to Lennon’s life, though. He wrote “In My Life” in late 1965. He met his first wife Cynthia in ’57 and they married in ’62 (after Cynthia became pregnant with Julian). It’s unlikely that he had her in mind for this song, though. It’s a song about new love, and even if he was thinking back to when they first met, that wouldn’t make sense, since he was so young in ’57 he couldn’t have had an abundance of nostalgic memories then. He didn’t meet Yoko Ono until late ’66. But it’s interesting to think that this song expresses his yearning for the kind of romantic rebirth he found with Yoko.
I believe he was singing to Paul. Although not romantically lovers, John and Paul loved each other. This is why years later he was truthfully able to say that it was about past friends and lovers. Because Paul was then also in his past. I believe Lennon-McCartney songs fall into two categories: songs written together and songs written about each other. This becomes really clear to me in the Let It Be documentary. Two of Us, written by Paul supposedly about him and Linda definitely seems to be more about John and Paul.
Right Reverend Hunter S. ThompsonAugust 17, 2020 - 11:42 pm
Hmmm, bet he can pronounce ” Yosemite” though. And he only has to use one hand to drink water. And have you seen him walk down a ramp? He glides!! LOL!!!!!!! 1
Perfect song for the times that we now live in. Joe Biden is the one who will help us get back on the right track & help better life for all of us, no matter what we look like. He will clean up Trump’s mess. Gotta love Bruce Springsteen!!
Beautiful moment. Made me feel hopeful, along with Michelle’s powerful speech. Hate, lies, corruption, and racism will not triumph in an America founded on hopes and dreams of freedom, and on equality. The threat is so big we must all come together.
This is my response to the anti-abortion sentiments expressed above:
What does it mean to be “pro-life”? Many of President Trump’s most faithful supporters proudly trumpet their pro-life stance, fervently wishing that the Supreme Court will one day eliminate Roe v. Wade. They believe the president’s policies will lead to a better, more life-affirming world. They are wrong. They have a shockingly narrow definition of what it means to be pro-life and are in fact culpable in ushering in a world of far greater death and misery.
On the home front, Trump has abandoned any semblance of leadership during this pandemic. His clownish antics, disdain for masks, and glaring incompetence leaves the world appalled and America ill-prepared for the long, hard, Covid-19 fight that lies ahead. Trump and the GOP work to eliminate the Affordable Care Act, knowing they have nothing to replace it with. Their new budget cuts food stamps and the CHIP program that provides healthcare to children. They gleefully slash environmental regulations, lower automobile mileage requirements, and promote coal. How many cases of cancer will result from this increased pollution? How many children will die? How is this a pro-life president?
Internationally, Trump’s dismissal of climate change and our abandonment of the Paris Climate Accord make humanity’s future more precarious. His 2020 budget cuts foreign aid by 21%. How many vulnerable people in the third world will suffer and die? Enormous sales of American armaments to Saudi Arabia allow the war in Yemen to rage on, a war that has killed tens of thousands, caused a million to flee, and threatens a famine that could starve millions more. Abandonment of the Iran nuclear deal allows that regime to enrich ever-increasing amounts of uranium. And lest we forget the North Korean “love letter exchange” that yielded nothing but a photo op for the president and emboldened Kim Jong-un to add to his nuclear arsenal. Our transactional president would happily turn a blind eye to Xi Jinping’s placing a million Uighur Muslims in “re-education” camps as long as that nation purchased more soybeans from states important to the president’s reelection. It is speculated that a Trump reelection means the United States exits NATO. A destabilized Europe, combined with Putin’s desire to exert regional dominance, has global implications. What could possibly go wrong on that continent? And isn’t separating this thin-skinned, volatile man from the nuclear launch codes the ultimate pro-life act? But that would require that he lose in November. Again I ask, how is this a pro-life president?
There are innumerable other Trump-sponsored policies, here and abroad, that I could cite, but the common thread is that they are all hugely consequential and destructive with respect to human life.
The pro-life community, so steadfastly loyal to Trump, should employ a broader, more realistic moral calculus in November. Continued willful indifference to this president’s dangerous, soul-crushing actions would make them complicit in incalculable human suffering.
Hey guys…can we all try to remember that we’re all Americans and respect each other’s right to have conflicting opinions. Personally, I’d like to see some decency rather than petty, childish squabbling. Also, it’s OK to keep an open mind. Whatever happens in this election we’re going to need a united effort to get out of this mess we’re in. Standing up for yourself has nothing to do with attacking other people, and being strong has nothing to do with being a bully.
I believe the Dems have picked the wrong Bruce song for this campaign.
They should be using a newer more current song off his last LP called
Sleepy Joe’s Cafe.
You can’t just give songwriting credit to George Martin just because he “composed” the bridge. The verses and melody have already been laid down, and obviously also the key of the song. The Beatles just needed a bridge to the last verse of the song and this isn’t hard to do. But you can give credit to George Martin for using the harpsichord in the bridge. That’s what producers normally do, determine which instruments to use in certain parts of a song.
And I doubt whether Lennon needed help from McCartney in composing the song. Maybe in the arrangement but that’s what Paul usually does, arrange their songs. Usually, in the Beatles, the one who wrote the lyrics also wrote the melody. This is how John, Paul, and George write. The melody is in their heads. They write down the words, and just try to remember the melody or put it in tape. They are not the sort of Elton John / Bernie Taupin type of songwriters.
My thinking was that the solo/bridge, composed by Martin, does not grow naturally out of the Lennon/McCartney melody, but feels like a mini-song of its own. Certainly, people have been given songwriting credit for less, or for the same kind of thing: Ray Manzarek, for instance, is credited as a co-songwriter on “Light My Fire” just for coming up with the organ intro. On the other hand, I concede that tradition dictates that that kind of contribution usually does not result in a songwriting credit, so perhaps I overstated it. Mainly, I just wanted people to be aware of Martin’s contribution.
You’re so right. This song has new meaning to me as I’ve had friends that left, places changed. So I choose to focus on my son and husband. In my life, I love them more.
“For ‘In My Life’, I had a complete set of lyrics after struggling with a journalistic vision of a trip from home to downtown on a bus naming every sight. It became ‘In My Life’, which is a remembrance of friends and lovers of the past. Paul helped with the middle eight musically. But all lyrics written, signed, sealed, and delivered. And it was, I think, my first real major piece of work. Up till then it had all been sort of glib and throwaway.”
John Lennon.
As stated to David Sheff in one of Lennon’s last interviews. Sheff interviewed Lennon for a three week period in 1980. Sheff authored the excellent “All we are saying”.
As for who wrote the song, I read that’s it’s heavily John Lennon. I even read that the only true musical portion contributed by Paul was the unusual “A 11th” chord on the phrase “with lovers and friends” and on similar phrases in the other verses. This chord is voiced with an “A” note on the bottom and a G major chord (first position) above it.
As for George Martin getting song-writing credits, I agree that he did not earn that. If he were to be given credit, there are numerous other Beatles songs to which he contributed keyboard parts on which he would then have to be credited as a co-writer: He was classically trained. E.G. “Lovely Rita”, “Misery” and many others.
Huge Springsteen fan, over 60 concerts planning to tour over to Europe in 2021. This song was for all the lost souls in the 911 attacks. Every time I here that song I have tears in my eyes. Not anymore, it should be for the memory of that day not as a political song for anyone. Bruce what’s going on in your head, I am sad for you.
Dan A.
I am really pumped up about the “Jem Records Celebrates John Lennon” release coming soon! Great article covering this album. Some of my favorite bands are on it, like the Grip Weeds, the Weeklings, and The Midnight Callers. Absolutely amazing bands, Amazing Music, and amazing John Lennon! How can you beat it! Take care, Matt Street
This song has all the meaning of love; love of life and love of relationships past and present, all inclusive of friendships, family, and lovers. The title is perfect! It would be even more perfect if that last solo line sung by John Lennon said “In my life I loved you all.”
It’s meant for everyone who has crossed your path in life. There aren’t any coincidences.
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. ECCLESIASTES 3:1
Too bad Bruce and Don have absolutely no problem enabling the monsrous evil of abortion. Never thought Bruce would be such a coward, but he has chosen to be on the wrong side of history just like slave owners and Nazis.
Right on Rich!! These damn elite celebrities using their platform to push the liberal agenda is disgusting. How can you be an advocate for anyone when you support pro abortion politicians.
What hypocrisy.
It appears they did. When they played at Harrah’s in Atlantic City in 2014, they posted on Facebook that this was their first show in AC since they played the Steel Pier more than 40 years before. https://www.facebook.com/jayamericans/
Jay, I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve it, but Tom Parker, Albert Grossman, and Peter Grant were never on the Nominating committee. Jon has been on the committee almost since the start of the RRHF and Chariman of the committee most of that time. Maybe that gave him a slight advantage? But to his credit, Bruce and E-Street still play and sellout the big venues world wide, so he must be doing something right.
Even though it’s only a few snippets of songs, the memories evoked in those moments are priceless to many of us raised in the late 50’s and early 60’s.
I have followed them for a while now, their live show is always impressive.. unfortunately due to the pandemic, concerts are sadly banned, but this streaming performance of the “Letter to You” album was amazing and so enjoyable for all Bruce fans who were dying to hear these new songs live. Garry Tallent and Ron Aniello heard the news and both commented on Blood Brothers band social profiles “bravo, bellissimo, wow!” . Well done Blood Brothers, way to go!
Been a fan for decades but Garry could have found a more diplomatic way of saying he’s afraid of Covid. I’m in NY; NJ is bad. But he basically said Performing 2 Songs With the E Street Band on arguably the best show, SNL, is not worth it. I guarantee Sister Soozie wouldn’t put it so obnoxiously.
Wonderful musician,person,devoted mother and grandmother. Met her at Montclair Unity Church in the late 80’s when she Accompanied me when I had a solo at the church one Sunday service. Enjoyed many big band programs she arranged at Trumpets over the years . David Mc Lean , Nutley , NJ
I am 160 year-old New Jersey board and educated musician and photographer I hope to draw your tension by the buzz from my emerging work this year I found your site through WBGO.org. 160 should have been “a 60”!
I have only just come across this article. As a fan, from the UK for several decades, I have not read a better or more revealing interview with the man. I now live in the Azores, so Covid or not, I stand little chance of seeing him ‘live’, where once I would catch every tour or Cropredy appearance. However, my pretty full CD collection of his music gets a regular airing.
So thank you Cindy and Richard for sharing these fascinating insights.
The most fondly remembered Sanctuary concert had to be for me the last time I saw Richie Havens in concert for what was (unbeknownst to everyone) one of his final concerts. It was an evening that I will remember for the rest of my life from this man who epitomized such deep spirit and kindness to his audiences. And not a day goes by that I do not pray that someone (post pandemic, of course)will take up the reigns of this so sorely-missed venue.
Been a Springsteen fan since I was 16. I am now 52. I watched him tear down walls both physical and social with his music. I have to say I am disappointed with him. In the last 12 days I have seen the very citizens he wants to welcome back censored and silenced. Had companies threaten to not do business with them and heard newscasts about de-programming them. And who speaks for them Bruce? Where are your thoughts on these dangerous thoughts? These people are not outcasts. They are not cultists. They are not racists. They are people who buy and listen to your music whom just happen have different political viewpoints than you. They have been forgotten. The very people you write about. Where is your voice on this Bruce? Right now it sounds like condescension not a voice for the very things you used to stand against. I remember that Bruce. The one who stood against Censorship and advocated for free speech. I wish that Bruce had the courage to show up again.
Bruce is one of the greatest singer/songwriters in American History. However he is just another liberal celebrity. People must understand that just because celebrities have a national platform, they also have a must different lifestyle than the average citizen. Years fom now these people will understand what Trump did for the good of the country. The worst reason why this country is so divided is the media. Years ago the news was strictly based on facts. Not opinions as it is today. These 24 hour “news channels” brainwash the public to believing whatever there side is. Do the intelligent citizens really think if all you got was the straight news the country would be this divided. I think not.
But yet they area all okay with the whole corrupt Biden family, that’s okay and all the irregularities that went on during the election. How can anyone who really supposedly cares about our Country look at all that is going on and be okay with it all. These people do not live in the real world or our world. And I really could care less wtf they think. They are only entertainers and nothing more. But really has turned me off on all of them.
Hi! Tommy james I’m from Texas! I 💕 love all your songs! But most insoerational song Of Mine Is Crystal Blue Persuasion! It’s a Beautiful Song! And Every Word Is True If you Really listen to it! It’s like saying just look beyond and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel! Love n ✌️Peace
People please. Bruce was talking about a man who sent people out to try an overthrow a duly elected President and government. People were killed a treasured historical building was destroied
The life of every congressman and senator in our country along with the targeted Vice President of the United States was threatened or in danger. It is not a partisan stand to be appalled by that and more
Trump at the very least sat by and watched it and refused call for help
And people are ok with that? Sad and tragic
Thank you Bruce. Play on
Yes, much like the riots that destroyed lives, families, and businesses all summer. Democrat leaders said nothing and in some cases supported the violence. I’m not trying to argue with anyone. But to find unity we have to hold all our leaders to the same standards. We can’t have rules applied to some and not to others. Hate Trump the rest of your life if you want. But once that hatred starts infringing on people’s rights and targets people for simply exercising their right to vote for whom the want. Well that’s when things like censorship and spying on citizens becomes the norm That should bother everyone.
I clearly remember Joe Biden speaking (more than once) in public about how the violence and looting has to stop and has nothing to do with your constitutional right to protest. That was during the presidential campaign and the protests in Portland. It was televised nationwide, so it is not true that “democratic leaders said nothing”.
I agree with you on how even hatred of a despicable person like Trump can lead to wrong acts and discrimination of those who supported him – in doing so one would follow the simplistic logic of the Bible’s “eye for an eye” policy. Expressing an opposite view is fine, hatred is always wrong.
But don’t you also think that something like censorship and “spying on citizens” became more often the norm under Republican presidents like Nixon and George W. Bush?
The part that George Martin played was on a piano not a harpsichord. The tape was sped up so it sounded somewhat like a harpsichord. This part of the song is not “the bridge”.
The bridge is the term for that section of a pop song the is usually the middle eight bars, and connects the verses and chorus with a different melody.
The part in In My Life that John said Paul wrote was only ” the bridge”(middle eight), where the lyrics are…. though I know I’ll never lose affection, for people and things that went before,I know I’ll often think about them,
The Beatles used the term “middle eight” even if it wasn’t eight bars.
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Both of these phrases when used to declare how you feel about somebody in the present right in front of them are both grammatically correct and would convey the same intent and meaning.
But the effect of adding the extra “There is” in option 1 would ruin the structure and using the “s” at the end of “compare” instead of a “d” in option 2 would have the same effect as well not to mention that it just doesn’t sound right.
Well said. I don’t see it as a bad thing at all. In 2021 how does an artist remain viable. No tours and no one buys records anymore in this age of streaming. The message is nothing but positive and although the Jeep logo shows up regularly, it’s the message that resonates with me. Bravo Bruce! May 2021 bring many more surprises.
A beautiful message. I don’t mind that it’s paid for by a car company. It is aligned with Bruce’s values. As for his ludicrous image of himself that prevented him from cashing in, he has done the work in therapy to understand himself. Plus, along with his lifestyle, there is the anonymous giving that he does consistently to take care of people in need.
In that induction speech for U2 he also said that U2 didn’t take any money for the ad. I don’t know if that is true and it doesn’t matter anyway. It was pretty funny when he was going on about the “Wiley Bono”. I’m not suggesting that Bruce did the same nor do I think it really matters, at least to me. It’s a beautiful ad with a wonderful message we need to hear. I’m thinking of this very personally because my immediate family is divided.
It’s not like Bruce went out there and said “Buy a Jeep.” He’s not singing a jingle extolling the virtues of the brand. It’s more like a sponsored performance. This is a beautiful ad with a beautiful message, and I hope it gets a lot of views.
Agree with everything in this analysis. And I would add a few thoughts. 1) It’s about as soft a sell as any commercial will ever be, 2) It’s very tastefully done, with a message no sane person could argue with, and 3) it’s an American made product that I think Bruce believes in and probably owns.
Yes, it is a Jeep ad, and that doesn’t bother me. (For a car ad, you have to admit that at least 80% of the spot has nothing to do with driving a car.) Obviously Bruce wants to use this beautifully-shot spot to be seen by a lot of Americans, so I think he thought of it more as an opportunity to get a (good, heartfelt, important) message across to a lot of people all at once at a difficult time in this country’s history, more than he looked at it as an additional paycheck.
I’m assuming Bruce himself got paid little to nothing or will quietly donate his earnings to charity. The way to look at this is that Jeep bought the airtime and paid for the production, and got a credit at the end. Yes, he is seen driving a Jeep, but it’s a classic model, not one that is even for sale now.
That is a 1972 CJ-5. A Jeep you cannot buy new now. A Jeep there is no equivalent to in the current product lineup. A Jeep that was priced so that farmers and “people” could buy them. A Jeep that had no frills, electronic whiz-bangs, or anything “digital”. Some genius in marketing probably figured that the current lineup wasn’t “gritty” enough to end up in a marketing image piece that is an anachronism and hypocritical…
This comment is copied from what I just wrote on FB SPRING-NUTS.
Maybe he is donating every cent received to one of his favorite charities like the Foodbank or the foundation he has the provides help to people who need it. I would expect no less from him. I love the message in the commercial and I don’t feel that he has crossed a line. He has found a way to get an important message out to an incredibly large audience. Good for him and good for the corporation and writer that crafted the message.
Also, it’s very Christianity focused. No one wants to reunite with bigots and people that think insurrection is okay. I also don’t think Jeep give a fuck about unity, just making a profit off the back of the current trying times in the US. This was all about money, nothing else. Bruce did sell out, he sold out hard, and wants you to be friends with trump supporters now.
Good for him! The commercial – although that’s not really what it is – serves as a perfect vehicle for his message. It will stand alone during this sporting event, I am sure; the audacity of hope vs commercialism. I’ll take the yellow lab puppy and Clydesdales any day over the other crap, too.
I don’t get the whole being sullied “by any attachment to any commercial product.” This disdain for American business is ridiculous. They are part-and-parcel of our society and are deserving of our support. If one has specific issues with a company, fine — protest or boycott or try to change them. But putting up these artificial barriers to protect one’s belief turf is part of the exact problem the spot is trying to address.
He was driving west to talk with Nancy about the middle and common ground, but he gave up and turned back to New Jersey to watch the impeachment trial and to get his covid shot.
U2 did not take the money for doing an iPod commercial and the band’s commercial did not contain “a message.” That shows the band respects its fans, which is more than I can say about $pring$teen. PS: Pretty sure he wouldn’t be caught dead driving a Jeep. How proletariat.
I guess The Boss used the platform that Jeep (a product he likes and believes) offered him to share the feeling that a dignified American person feels, with all the people who live in the USA. The moment was perfect to spread hope in the heart of each of us, accompanied by a beautiful melody as a background that he composed.
Money, The Boss no longer needs. Thank you, Bruce!
Bruce wants unity now because the candidate he wanted is in office.
Where were his calls for unity before?
Bruce you insult your lifelong fans who have been with you for your entire career with your politics and your opinions. Do you think you are superior to us? Why do people who are paid to entertain feel the need to tell the public their views?
I find it amusing that for all the ‘unity of the middle’ Bruce is held as ‘salt of the Earth’ and Trump as ‘dung of the camel’ when in reality THEY ARE cut from the same cloth; for all those hypocrites that will never be able to see it. Not least which may be Bruce.
Well Bruce I guess your cash is running out and you’re trying to be relevant again. And looks like Jeep is jumping the shark for hoping for more sales from the masses who have problems driving their gas saving economical dangerous little cars
Springsteen dumped on America years back fired his band mates and moved to France. Please just move into a community with the likes of the John Cougar and GO AWAY. I have yet to see what unity you can have when your whole agenda is based on lies, But they created a message for the mindless drones voiced by Entertainers not educated experienced individuals with a view on unprivilidged reality we call working America. Was actually looking at buying a Cherokee and will now be buying a 4 Runner. Jeep is no longer going to be considered in my household ever again. PS they aren’t that reliable either kinda like Bruce.
Good point on the no mask, But he’s special I wonder if he was driving while under suspension for a DUI he is still going to court next month for. Gotta love it when people do research, I guess driving drunk putting the public at dire risk qualifies your as DEMA god. Please BOYCOTT JEEP and burn that sanctimonious Un American anti Unity has-been out of music history.
So very sad to hear this news.
When I worked at The Montclair Times, I interviewed Diane Moser — at least five times. Her vast resume of work was incredible. She was always creating and performing. Not only was she a great talent, she was a very nice person. So sweet and down-to-earth. She will be missed.
Sugar Miami Steve, Give me 1-2 hours to ask you questions re your music career 1974-1979, the time period I expect you will glance over, on your way to writing about your solo career. This was the period I admire about you the most, when you were managing, producing, writing, arranging songs for the Jukes, playing for Springsteen, and doing things like organizing two sets of Miami Horns for each band. When SSJ was sick, you and Bruce covered his shows at Monmouth County Arts Center May 12-13, 1977, with the Jukes and the E Street Band. Did you live across from the Stone Pony, or was that just a business/mailing address for Miami Productions? I need to know about the demo session for the Jukes, when you recorded “I Don’t want to Go Home’, ‘Sweeter than Honey’ and ‘The Fever’ for Steve Popovich and got them a recording contract. Did Bruce play tambourine on all 3 songs, or just The Fever? I may have couple of the tracks, they are demos, but not sure of date. You recorded their second album during the Dec-Jan break in the Lawsuit Tour, that’s when Sugar Miami took over the entire production. Springsteen had a song called ‘Little Girl of Mine’ from early 1976, next thing I know you were singing it on ‘The Early Work’. The album listing said ‘Little Girl So Fine’, but that was not what it was called at the time of your recording, and you were clearly singing ‘Little Girl of Mine’ on the album. I am guessing it was you who came up with the new lyrics, title, and arrangement, another masterpiece. You gotta tell about what happened during all those recording sessions, including 1978, when you dragged Max with you to Secret Studios to record ‘Hearts of Stone’. I know Bruce recorded the demos for ‘Hearts’ and ‘Talk to Me’ on Oct 14, 1977, while you had the day off to play at the Roxy in Los Angeles with the Jukes. I got a picture of the note Thom Panunzio wrote to hold the cassette with both songs for you. When did you start recording, Jan 15, 1978, after your Darkness work was pretty much complete? Did you and Max come to Record Plant on March 9, 1978, to record the new version of Darkness On the Edge of Town from scratch? I know Max was there, because his drum sound got a lot of attention during those sessions. Please, I have many questions for you, make some time so we can do this. These crazy Springsteen fans want to know everything, and they want music, too. So bring any old DAT tapes when you come, I hope you saved them. I promise to only ask questions about music, I don’t care about fights with Southside Johnny, etc. Take care, talk to you soon-tw
I have loved this song for this reason, “And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new”. It says to me, that he logically knows and understands that love doesn’t go away, if I loved you once I always will, that love has no location, and even if it was romantic love and that romantic feeling is gone that that is still separate from actual love which remains, that he understood the truest meaning of love, meaning there is no “amount: of love, and that love is radiated from him not something in another location or person as far as he is concerned etc… He himself did know this, he was a wise man, he espoused love and knew it couldn’t be compartmentalized. But he shows by the way he ended the song that in and of himself as a man, that although he knows the truth about love, that in the natural he was still feeling that this current love is most special. I have always thought this of awakened souls who know truth and see the bigger picture that even so, we still want to express those things we currently feel even though we know it is in reality much bigger than that. This makes this his most special song, to me.
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April 29: Ian & Sylvia at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison. Ian and Sylvia Tyson were accompanied by Felix Pappalardi on electric bass.
May 6: The Lovin’ Spoonful at Baldwin Gymnasium at Drew University, Madison. Zal Yanovksy’s guitar in “Night Owl Blues” was thrilling; he also managed a live gargle of water during the gargle-break in “Bald-Headed Lena.”
Aug. 12: Herman’s Hermits, Blues Magoos, The Who at Convention Hall, Asbury Park. As I recall it, the Blues Magoos opened the show, not the Who. Blues Magoos played “We Ain’t Got Nothin’ Yet,” and sported flashing, multicolored, battery-powered light belts/bandoliers in a rookie effort at psychedelia. The Who played “My Generation,” “I Can See for Miles” and “Happy Jack” among other songs. They were terrific. I don’t remember anything at all about the Herman’s Hermits set list.
The Cyrkle played a short set at Chatham High School, Chatham NJ. I recall them opening for writer and radio raconteur Jean Shepherd. If I’m right about that, the date would have been Wednesday, May 17, 1967. “Red Rubber Ball” was in the short set.
Totally agree with your thoughts, Jay. Years ago when my niece was in her late teens, early 20s, her mother encouraged her to get in touch with me so I could provide some her with more info and examples of classic rock music because she loved it. Now she is in her early 40s and still loves it. It is all easily available now with the Internet and Youtube, etc. I do not see the music of the 60s, 70s, 80s going away or the artists. Slate’s article has it all wrong…
I had tix to finally see the Smithereens when Pat passed away. Found the show online and it was amazing. For me a highlight was Marshall Crenshaw; I see him every chance I get & he tours with various bands so I thought it would be so cool if they played together. 6 or so months later it happened in Needham MA. That and seeing Danny Seraphine jamming with a Chicago tribute band were the best shows I’ve seen in 15 years.
I’ve seen RT 4/5 times over the years , none better than where he opened for Emmy Lou Harris w/Rodney Crowell at DPAC in NC. Audience pleaded with him to keep playing, but
he gracefully left so as not to hog the attention. Of course Emmy Lou insisted Richard return half-way through her show for 3/4 songs.
Yes, RT is greatly underrated, but what about Linda Thompson ? Next to Sandy Denny she had the best voice in that era for that genre. Down Like Silver and Shoot Out the Lights are my favorite albums.
Bruce oughta know by now what a bitch Pete Seeger is. Geez man, he tried to unplug Dylan when he went electric at the Newport Folk Festival. Literally tried to cut the power cords with a axe or some equally psychotic pansy action.
He may have a decent song or two, but he’s far from the open minded freedom for all folk singer he perpetrates. He’s a narrow minded bigot who will shake his fist at you and tell you to turn it down. That’s unacceptable Bruce. Cut Seeger loose.
I have to choose every song he has because I am one of his biggest fan. Even naming my son after him. Saw his show up in Chicago one night and didn’t have a buzz on. That’s was my only concert without a buzz and it was my favorite concert to. Wishing Bob Dylan a happy Birthday on May 24 th . Young 80 years my man.
I was waiting to buy my tickets for this very reason…. they were scheduled to play Chula Vista amphitheater, a few hundred yards from my house….o well….see you next year!
This was an interesting article. Since Napster and other file-sharing internet sites that began to “share” music by means of virtual piracy from artists back in the 1990s, it has been a difficult, grueling, unfair, and litigious process to recover losses and collect their rightful royalties to earn a living. Consequently, music journalists have suffered financially as a result, too.
The Catholic Girls were a great band and ahead of their time. I was in my early teens when I bought their first album on MCA. I then saw them at several shows they played in the Philadelphia area in the early 2000s. Maybe when this current crisis is over they will play again and we can reconnect.
Ray B.
The 2009 concert at First Energy Park was memorable for two reasons;
– the show was mostly played in a monsoon
– it was the day Dylan was picked up and questioned by the Long Branch Police department https://www.nj.com/news/2009/08/bob_dylan_stopped_by_long_bran.html
There have been numerous stories and theories as to what exactly Dylan was doing in Long Branch that day.
The reason I have retirement pay is Mott the Hoople. I used to work when younger just to have money to go to a concert show. Thats what kept me motivated-Bands like Mott the Hoople. Thank you guys in Mott and other bands
This is why I assume a lot of artist don’t explain their work… what it means to them, what it means to you and what it means to one another are all different things.. this is an interesting take on it as your trying to tell me Lennon didn’t know what his own song was about 🤣 to me this songs exactly what Lennon says it’s about… It’s about friends growing up and going their own way ,meeting new friends… It’s about the field you used to party in that is now a strip mall… It’s about the girlfriend you had before you met your wife… it’s about a journey and not forgetting how you got there… The verse that brings the song into the present is the most sentimental of them all… It’s the acknowledgment that these people places and things are an important part of who they have become… the most beautiful sentiment being the realization that they don’t want this person to become a part of their past like everything else…
Completely agree. The presumptuous arrogance of the article writer is off the charts. His “analysis” is ludicrous. Pretty sure Lennon knew what it meant, as he wrote it. The article writer would have been on solid ground to set up his analysis by saying honestly that the song carried different meaning for him. Listeners of music, readers of poetry and prose, and viewers of visual arts are legitimately within their rights to express the creation’s meaning to themselves, personally; they lose credibility when they launch into a self-important discourse that contradicts the artist him- or herself on the meaning of that creation.
Hello. Has anyone a review on this Bob Fest of 5/23 2021 ?
In all those years Pat Guandago and Tired Horses covered Dylan did Bob ever come himself?
Or can anyone refer me to a review in a paper or in anywhere? Thank you so much👌
Jay Lustig, Les Paul never claimed he invented the “electric guitar.” He started experimenting with designing a SOLID BODY electric guitar in the 1920s and built his solid body Log in 1941.
He may not have claimed it but journalists frequently use “Les Paul, inventor of the electric guitar,” as a kind of shorthand. That’s what I was objecting to. I didn’t intend any disrespect to him.
Thank you for this song about hope. My 16 year old had a tough time this past year and learned of this song from Breaking Bad, but it has become an anthem of hope in our home.
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I will never forget how generous Tony Camillo was to me with his time, his studio, the most talented pianist he knew, and his feedback. Although I returned to college and studied in another field, my first vocal recording efforts had the benefit of his feedback. Rest in Heavenly Peace, Sir ! (aka Jane Ross Rogers)
Not to imply what Lennon was feeling or going through when he penned these amazing lyrics. And everyone is allowed to relate and respond to this song in there own way. I believeIf your a parent, as Lennon was still newly founded at the time with a young Julian as his first born it makes since this song is about the love you have for your child. You would never know this love before and all prior family love and romances immediately fall short of this newly understood unconditional love. “And these memories lose there meaning…when I think of love as something new.” All these things that shape you in your life have meaning and you will never forget them of course but when you’ve experienced this new love it changes you forever on how you understood what real love means going forward. To me it’s a retrospective of a person looking back in there life and understanding the world never stops spinning – things change and people leave – but because of this new love and revelation you now understand you’ll never love anything more than this child in this moment your in. In my life I love you more. Perfect! I enjoy singing it to both my young children.
Right, everyone can and should interpret it in their own way. For me, though, there are two things that work against your interpretation. (1) Lennon uses the phrases “lovers and friends” and “friends and lovers,” underscoring, to me, that he’s comparing the present love/friendship relationship to past love/friendship relationships. Nothing in the lyrics adds children into the equation. (2) While Julian was born before the writing of “In My Life,” John, by all accounts, was distracted by Beatlemania and other relationships and never developed the kind of deep relationship with Julian that he had with Sean, later. Knowing this about him, it’s hard for me to believe that that’s what he intended. (On the other hand, of course, songs can take on meaning beyond what the artist intended; that’s one of the things that’s great about them.)
For me I dont feel he has to name a child or indicate he’s referring to a child. Hes spelling it out ambiguously, and possibly without himself even realizing, he thought he knew love before, and recalls memories of lover(s) and friend(s) and he still recounts that in the present tense as friend(s) and lover(s), past and present he always uses a plural sense. Yet, the song is obviously being sung with direction, toward one person. I agree it could be the new love of his life (not John’s necessarily, just anybody) but it works so well to point this toward your own kin. Nothing replaces the love you discover when your child is born, and you don’t really get to have a say in the matter, it just happens, its wonderfully part of being human. You now love that child unconditionally and you never knew you could love something so much, considering you thought you knew love before in other capacities of your life. Those prior feelings, acquaintances, and memories will never change but they will never compare to what you now have experienced. I do understand its hard to consider this would have been about John reflecting as a new father given his track record with Julian, but he was still his father and I imagine very proud at the time. Even absent fathers still love their children unconditionally (even if they write them out of their will lol), they just may not be good at showing it or don’t make great choices in the long run. I’m not right, I’m not the end all be all, but I personally always struggled with the ambiguity of the lyrics and tried to apply them to my owner personal love interest as I grew up, loving this song. It wasn’t until I found myself singing this to my first born son as an infant with all those feelings and emotions pouring out of me that it seemed to make so much sense! Like you said that’s the amazing part of song writing, it affects everyone differently and we all get to relate to it in our own special way. I appreciate the discussion!
Just one thought…although it can be interpreted in many ways, who are we to decide that he meant anything more or less than what HE said it meant to him.
I thought the original performance was much better than the 2o21 version which we just saw on July 3 2021. Maybe because that performance was so raw and just pure perfection. This time it seemed choppy and too staged. The part where he yelled at an audience member for clapping was funny on the surface yet obnoxious and started a massive argument in the first level section. It was even more distracting than the clapping and a group of us could not hear what Bruce was saying for a good couple minutes after. Not really funny when you are paying so much for an experience you can’t hear. And honestly he called it the bane of his existence. Come on. He should be honored! It got so bad and distracting that people were kicked out. Not the experience I expected.
I remember wearing this LP out when I was in the navy on the USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA 62) in 58 to 60–“Last Train From Overbrook” is one of my fave all-time pieces. Moody makes one feel the train, and feel Overbrook and freedom too. Richard Hoe
You claim to no longer list this venue, yet you have continued to mention and continue to list them in your venue section. Journalistic integrity matters.
Very interesting read, Jay. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Especially, in deflecting the inane debate over sways/waves.
I never tied in the depression theme, which with presently understanding Bruce’s life long struggles seems so obvious.
Have you ever seen the film “Thunder Road” with Robert Mitchum? Mitchum returns from war, forced to make a dishonest living doing what he knows best, running moonshine. I think underlying theme of escape to a better life run through that too.
Thanks again!
Re: “My car’s out back…” is because the famous little house that Bruce wrote the song (and the others from BTR), in Long Branch, has its driveway in back of the house!
A couple of observations to share. To the question of his use of the word “case.” About 20 years ago (I remember discussing how clearly we could see the Twin Towers in Manhattan, so it was pre-911) I was visiting my parents in NJ. They had a membership at the same beach club as Bruce and on visits there I’d often see Bruce and his family. On one occasion I swam out to a large raft that the club owners anchored at the outside ropes demarcating the area the lifeguards would allow you to swim. I was alone on the raft for a few minutes when Bruce swam out and joined me. We were exchanging pleasantries and admiring the NYC skyline visible in the distance (it was a gorgeous, clear, summer day with only afternoon clouds forming to the west). After a couple of minutes a young boy (I’d estimate 10-12 years old) swam out and joined us on the raft. The boy said hello to Bruce and then began questioning him about the meaning of the word “case” in his song Thunder Road. Bruce and I exchanged side glances and Bruce responded to the boy that it was like in the old gangster movies when they’d check out a place the were planning to rob, they’d “case the joint.” So if there was any question about his use of that phrase, that should shed light.
In regards to the “graduation gown lying in rags at their feet line, I’ve always interpreted that, as well as the rest of the song’s context, as Mary recently having graduated from high school and the safe environment that it provided. Bruce’s character, the “greaser” type versus the varsity types that Mary had dated during school, is trying to lure her away from the safe but boring defined course of that life to join him on an adventure, breaking from the fixed path that small town life might offer, that the open road promises.
Really smart and interesting reading, Jay.
Bruce keeps writing this “C’mon, baby” song over and over again, from Rosalita to Sherry Darlin to Nebraska. That’s what makes TR so rich. Not only can Mary go either way off the porch–back inside or to the front seat and the road–but that road trip, too, can go any number of ways, too.
One little thing. I had a new understanding of the song when I heard the live solo version of Thunder Road (link below.) Starting with “there were ghosts in the eyes of all the boys you sent away” the tone of the live solo version diverges radically from the studio recording even though the lyrics are the same.
The album version it’s almost all about the music, about the buildup to that big getaway. Calling them “losers” almost seems dismissive and a way to set up the hope of their “win.”
“We’re better than them and we won’t make the mistakes they did,” is what our narrator seems to be saying to Mary as part of his sales pitch.
On the Live version it’s much more nuanced. This town does something to you. These guys weren’t just “losers” so much as victims of fate and circumstance. (like, say, the narrator in The River)
The slower more delicate reading of that line adds both a sweetness and a darkness to the song that takes it a notch above, say, Rosalia.
Mary and the narrator, they’re escaping more than just boredom.
To me, it foreshadows Racing in the Street. That guy who comes home from work and washes up could be an earlier version of our narrator, and his “baby…who stares off alone into the night, with the eyes of one who hates for just being born” could be Mary, just a little further down the road.
That quieter version of the last line reminds me of the end of Racing which lays it out much more explicitly. What’s at stake here, Mary, is our *souls.*
“For all the shut down strangers and hot rod angels rumbling through this promised land, tonight my baby and me we’re going to ride to the sea and wash these sins off our hands.”
All around great analysis. Regarding “you ain’t a beauty . . . ,” I read an interpretation somewhere that the line demonstrates his familiarity with Mary. It reads like an inside joke. I always hear it that way now, as something he does (or at least would) actually say to her and probably already has. Whether intended or not (I’m not convinced intent is the best measure for evaluating interpretations, anyway), I like the interpretation because it says so much about their relationship and in so few words.
This has long been my favorite song and was actually part of a poetry class I took in college. As a female, the transition from innocence to experience is not just a sexual or relationship one – during this time in history, women were finally allowed to make choices and do things legally they had not before.
So you have the past for both Mary and the narrator of the Vietnam War, the vets coming home to protests and chaos, women able to choose their life path beyond marriage and kids – and you also have the loss of faith (crosses from your lovers, all the redemption I can offer).
It’s a new America being created by the younger generation the narrator wants to seek hope, adventure, love – as opposed to the gloominess of the racial and political upheaval around them in the town of losers. Before, Mary had no choice. She was stuck in the house, so he’s offering her more than she has ever been offered (I envision the graduation gown in rags as a worthless education because the ghosts in the eyes of the men she turned away only wanted a wife, kids, etc) This is a change in the American Dream of the 50’s and 60’s that Bruce grew up in, to seek out something better, leave the depression and traditional roles behind – Mary has a choice, and he does too. He has made up his mind to try to be better.
This is an incredibly romantic poem that can be put to raging or quiet music yet carries the same great power either way. The poem is a psychologically brilliant pick up line.
The narrator and Mary would probably not be considered the ‘perfect couple.’ Yet the narrator believes Mary can be convinced to come away with him.
The first verse sets the scene between the narrator and Mary. The next verses are all about the narrator and what he wants and can do. He is appealing to his strengths and weaknesses. But the last verse, the narrator takes Mary’s perspective to call out her failings and losses. “all the boys you sent away” and the “when you get to the porch they’re gone.” He basically is saying I am the only one left that really gets you. Very few poems or songs can seemlessly switch the narration like Springsteen does here.
Hi Jay- very nice article. there are a few more shows this season put on by the Garden State Arts Foundation. Gary Puckett and the Association Sept 14th 130pm. Vinnie Medugno and the Coda Band 130pm Sept 8th. Jay Siegel’s Tokens and Ron Dante Sept 28th 130pm. all FREE, no tix needed. Ron Gravino NJTA Commissioner/Foundation VP
Thank you yet again Jay. Your incredible work brings so much pleasure. I regularly share links to your page on our Australia facebook group: Bruce Springsteen – Australia where a lot of us hard-core Australian Springsteen fans gather, and always credit you as the fantastic author. You’re always a source a magnificent information. These songs are simply exquisite and even include one of our own from Australia, the fabulous Amy Shark. Very much appreciated for all the work you do. It’s a daily pleasure to check out your page. Graham (from Australia)
It’s worth noting that Jackson Browne’s Touring Band has added Asbury Park Alumnus and Keyboardist Jason Crosby to ist’s ensemble. Jason, originally from Long Island, spent many years as an Asbury Park, NJ resident and musician. His band affiliations have included the seminal NJ Jamband Solar Circus, and he has gone on to play Keyboards and Violin with The Zen Tricksters, Phil Lesh & Friends, John McGlaughlin’s Mahavishnu Project, and more!
Good luck! No you won’t. Unless it is cancelled you have no recourse or you sell them yourself. I have tickets for Toronto show and the country isn’t even open. I still can’t get my money back. That’s why they just keep postponing. He doesn’t want to give back the advance they gave him!
I grew up there marching from our elementary schools. Every family in the towns had a Golden Ticket. Miss our Park! What a way to grow up in safety. The free shows, competitions, dancing, singing stars, the circus, the pin ball and bowling machines, the food- especially the fries and cotton candy, the carousel and all the rides from kiddie to the cyclone. Don’t think there will ever be anything like The Park again. Thank you owners and Cousin Brucie, Cousin Brucie, Cousin Brucie. Nanc
Hello Cousin Brucie and Tony Orlando! So great that you are in tribute wirh the nostalgic and most amazing amusement park of the day-PALISADES AMUSEMENT PARK! Have you considered aniother act who had graced the PAP stage in the 60’s with their big hit, YOU BELONG TO ME, by, and I know who you know who they are-THE DUPREES who were all brought up in Jersey, (Jersey City to be exact)? I was only six years old, but I will always remember how Mom, Dad and I were so proud to see their son and my brother, John Salvato, (who is the survivng,original member and originator of the Duprees), sing on that famous PAP stage-still can feel that surge of excitement and honor as if it were yesterday. Thank you for making yesterday today, dear Cuz and Tony. May you have the best swingin’ swarey yet!
I’ve been a fan of Suzanne’s art for so many years, and read so many interviews she gave over the years, but this one really stands out. I’ve never had the chance to hear or read Suzanne address her childhood abuse so specifically, so thank you! This means a lot to me :-)
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Why did PNC wait until the last minute to cancel the show? I had already traveled earlier in the day. It should have been cancelled earlier in the day. This is unacceptable.
What a well written and heart touching piece about Charlie and the love his mates Bernard and Tim have for him. Of the many articles I have read since the Wembley Whammer passed, this is my favourite. Beautiful, thank you Cindy!
I wonder how big his back yard is? Because he’s not performing in my back yard, and I’m sure that I’m not attending any backyard performance anywhere else. Mostly because, there is no vaccine for the stupidity virus. While I’m certain I won’t catch the stupidity virus, I still don’t want to be around anyone who has it, and I’m certainly not giving them my money.
Hey Steve– If you’re vaccinated, what the hell do you have to worry about? YOU’RE PROTECTED! Right? The vaccine either works or it doesn’t. In either case, there’s no need to prove your status to anyone.
Certainly an Idiot. But hey it, it’s America and he’s allowed his idiotic view points. Apparently the crazy right says it’s their right to kill themselves, but not their fetal heartbeat.
Lmao he’s an idiot because he’s not forcing people to prove status of an experimental drug that has no long term studies done? Our right to kill ourselves? You mean from a virus with a 99.8% survival rate? What a crime a against humanity, NOT killing a baby. And NOT being a paranoid freak over a flu. Someone call the authorities!
Everybody has the right to do what is best for themselves you dont have to attend and or be involved if you don’t want to so save the snowflake comments and views for people that want to hear them its all freedoms we ALL enjoy vaccinated or not
Hey Jim thanks so much for cancelling shows in places that required covid test or vax. Have friend with kidney transplant who was thrilled to get to see you in a safe environment. We’ve both been lifetime fans. Nobody was forced to get vaxed, coulda been tested too. You suck.
His video spent a good amount of time saying to be respectful of other people’s opinions/decisions and then this article does the opposite in the last paragraph by labeling his opinions “non-sensical rantings.”
You try to undermine his position by doing exactly what he is talking about thus proving his point haha.
Calling his rantings “non-sensical” was being respectful. It’s a factual and accurate description. It just means “makes no sense.” They could have alled him a dope, a moron, an idiot, an ignoramus. Those might be considered disrespectful. He is, in fact, non-sensical.
Calling his rantings “non-sensical” was being respectful. It’s a factual and accurate description. It just means “makes no sense.” They could have called him a dope, a moron, an idiot, an ignoramus. Those might be considered disrespectful. He is, in fact, non-sensical.
I agree. When I graduated from school with a journalism degree, the press printed only the facts (outside the editorial pages). Now every mainstream news outlet has become a propaganda mouthpiece. This writer is a tool.
It’s insulting. There was a time when they would just give you the information people could form their own opinion. Now every writer tells you what to think.
I do give the author, Jay Lustig, credit for posting everyones comments. There is tons of censorship on most sites. Or they do not have a comments section at all. And it seems like he is allowing for an open discussion and that is truly appreciated.
I’ve heard him on podcasts act like the religious angle is from his family. Like they’re the crazy ones.
Let’s just hope he has a show and he gets it. Then gives it to other non vaxxers
You sound like a very compassionate human being. Of course I’m just kidding. I get it, I’m not very compassionate toward idiots either. With that being said, now that you have pathogenic primed yourself , Maybe we will get just as lucky on people like you will drop off the planet.
Um, pathogenic priming happens when someone is vaxxed for a disease after contracting that disease. Try doing some actual research before you spew nonsense.
I’ve always like Brewer and his comedy. Now I respect him for his conviction and his character. We are ruled by fear in this country. And when that doesn’t work they’ll start pointing the guns.
“Ruled by fear.” What a silly statement. Are you ruled by fear if you stop at a stop sign or a traffic light? If you wear a seat belt? If you wash feces off your hands before eating? If you don’t lick a toilet bowl seat in a restaurant? Or, are you being sensible and safe? What a silly statement.
The situation is ridiculous and dangerous. The so-called science is being manipulated in astounding ways. I never heard of science where hundreds of doctors and scientists were censored for raising concerns or questions. Meanwhile, Janet Woodcock who helped kill hundreds of young people during the opioid crisis as a “consumer watchdog” has been promoted to supervise the FDA. Anyone who isn’t asking questions about what is going on is either absurdly naive or stupid.
Although the entertainment field was taken over by the morally bankrupt long ago, there are many, many others who still remain true to our principles.
This can be said of both the patrons and the artists themselves.
News flash: those of us who practice natural medicine and trust our bodies over man-made “cure-alls” also enjoy the arts! We’ve always walked among you, the “vaxxed”, and yet it didn’t matter until the people WE put in power (govt officials, CEOS, etc…) decided to make this a dividing issue.
I cannot understand why fear has taken such a tight grip over such a huge percentage of this country. Fear from a virus with a <1% mortality rate. Are we this concerned about our fellow man when they shove McDonald's cheeseburgers in their mouth? Maybe we should ban motorcycles and ferris wheels because those "daredevils" sure live "risky" lives and may die. We could go on and on. Where do we draw the line on protecting ourselves and others from every possible risk factor in life? Because there are many.
If we consider ourselves a tolerant melting pot, we need to stop fearing our fellow man and understand what it means to be human. There are no guarantees in this world. You are hanging on to false hope if you believe a man-made shot, or any other medical device will make you invincible. It doesn't, and to divide a country based on that premise is beyond dangerous. It is inhumane.
You “walk among the vaxxed” because “the vaxxed” did their part and made the world safe for you to be dopey and stay unvaxxed. If no one got vaxxed, tens of millions more would die. You can be unvaxxed because the vaxxed have made it safe for you. No one sad the vax makes you “invincible.” Seat belts don’t make you invincible, but they improve your safety odds. So do stop signs, speed limits, traffic lights and — yes — vaccines. You are rather cavalier with your ignorance. Learn the data.
You are an idito, DIT! It is simple ignorance to be vaccinated and be afraid of the unvaccinated. The vaccines are causing the virus to mutate. It is the unvaccinated that trust in their immune system to tackle this virus without a vaccination because they know this virus is just 1, yes, just ONE of 40,000 subclades of the corona strain. You are ignorant. I am sick of the stupidity. This virus was created in the lab, as bio-warfare, why would someone want to inject themselves with a vaccintion that used a piece of this bio-weapon? The death rate is slightly higher than Influenza. You need to get your head out of your ass and stop being brain washed by media.
Well said, Carrie. Most people don’t know the first thing about how this vaccine actually works, or have bothered to look at the skyrocketing VAERS reports, or understand how homogenizing the immune response with a non-sterilizing vaccination is making the virus mutate even faster–and turning the vaxxed into asymptomatic super-spreaders. It’s very easy to tell in this comment section who watches a ton of TV and who doesn’t.
This is a really great piece. Thank you sincerely from a longtime Stones fan. We are crushed by the loss of Charlie but will carry on with the band, as was Charlie’s wish. I am going to the Stones concert on Nov. 15th in Detroit, and it will be sad but also uplifting, I’m sure. Steve Jordan will surely do Charlie proud. ❤️
Too bad most entertainers care more about a buck than doing the right thing. Going to spend money with all who do and boycott discriminating venues and entertainers.
Thank you, Jim!! No one should support segregation or tyranny. Great job standing up for what is right. You DO NOT sound crazy. What IS crazy: mandating a vaccine that has killed people including teens, caused thousands of injuries including heart attacks, blood clots, seizures, neurological damage, blindness, deafness, skin falling off, removal of limbs due to clotting, paralysis, miscarriages, bells palsy, etc., etc. This is all been reported to VAERS (The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) and go to Bitchute or other platforms that will show victims actual testimony, not Facebook or Youtube that will shamefully remove people’s own videos of debilitating vaccine reactions. God bless you, Jim!
Died in the wool anti-vaxxer here – 65 y/o and ZERO health problems or meds. My kids never got vaxxed after my 2-1/2 y/o daughter was injured by the MMR and they are also uber-healthy in their 20s. Big Pharma and the government have been lying to the public for more than 30 years: NO vaccines on the ever-growing childhood vax schedule have been properly safety-tested, leading to countless deaths, injuries and chronic illnesses. As for the carnage from the experimental gene therapy injections: the tally is 650,000 injuries and 14,000 deaths — more than has been reported for ALL vaccines since they have been tracked in the late 1980s. (See https://www.openvaers.com/covid-data)
Wish I had a back yard to offer up, Jim. But I will go anywhere, anytime to see you perform. More celebs need to take a stand on this issue. You are my hero!
Jim
While I respect your stand, you did not provide for the refund of tickets already purchased. Ticketmaster as of 9/10/21 states there are no provisions for refunds. So I’m out right now $244.50 for 2 tkts for the Montclair show. Now I’m disputing the charge via my credit card. You didn’t really think this through. We are really disappointed in you.
Take it up with the venue. They are the ones changing the arrangement after the fact. They are also attempting to shift the blame and you are falling for it.
Jim wake up you wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for vaccines… because Tucker says it’s worse than slavery should tell you the hyperbolic right is playing politics with millions of lives. You probably don’t believe Biden won the election either…RW saps.
New Jersey is really a leftist state. People here love high taxes. And socialism. Everyone I talk to is pro socialism. What I don’t understand is how the people got that way. Have they been teaching this in the schools from childhood? I retired from the federal gov. The majority were pro union and extremely left wing. The 1/3 that moved here from out of state that I worked with called New Jersey. “New Germany”. And this was 20 years ago!! My political background. After graduating college in New Jersey I was a pro communist……go figure. Now I’m pro religion and a tea party advocate. I saw the failure and damaging effects of a totalitarian form of government around the world. We in America are swiftly heading that way. I think the main reason myself included is because we believe the main stream media and don’t have the time or interest to do our own research. The corrupt globalists know this and are taking advantage.
I was at that show. 17 years old and 1984. RUN DMC were electric.
Agree that there were some surprised folks in the crowd, but those were the one’s not paying attention. Me and my friends knew about their album and were really excited to see them. The older folks in the corwd….Lou purists…. not so much.
But these three guys did not give a crap. Their music was solid hip-hop, but their attitude was very much Rock and Roll. They kicked ass and I still tell people about the show today. Oh… Lou was awesome too :)
The BONGOS reunion at the beautiful Van Vleck Gardens in Montclair was an extraordinary night of music for everyone fortunate enough to have been there . Listening to the soundcheck as we waited for entry only heightened the excitement . Sold-Out crowd of long-time fans watched the 90-minute performance with cheers , thunderous applause , and plenty of dancing . BONGOS were on fire and never missed a beat . Extraordinary outdoor venue , incredible performances throughout , and an unforgettable night of solid rockin’ entertainment . WOW!! What a party in Montclair!!
Went to the 2nd to last performance of Bruce on Broadway 2021! My son was able to attend his other performance in 2018 and was able to get his autograph! 😊 This time, it was a family affair, mother father daughter son! I was in totally awe! I have been to quite a few of his concerts thanks to my son Kevin Curley! I have watched the Bruce Springsteen on Broadway on Netflix soon after it came out! I have watched it four times already! So this time, Bruce on Broadway I was ready for it, thanks to my son and daughter as a gift!! Bruce never disappoints!… I do feel he talked a lot about death, actually think that’s what this show was all about! Reminiscing and passing of others that were very near and dear to him! What really choked me more this time around was (2021 version) Bruce on Broadway was “The Wish”….One of my favorite songs of his… my son sent me that song when it first came out and my heart was full!…We all get there in life as we get older, where, we reminisce of of all our loved ones! Bruce tells it like it is and that’s why I love him! My son absolutely cannot get enough of Bruce (he’s 33) Bruce is his number one fan.. we usually celebrate Christmas at our house and somehow it always ends up playing BRUCE songs….We love you Bruce!! The Curley’s!!
I got the book today and haven’t begun reading it yet. On the front and back inside covers is a list of songs that I’m assuming is an old garage band days setlist. Stevie’s handwriting (like mine) isn’t the best and the writing with a magic marker makes some of the titles difficult to read. Any idea of the full list? Or is that an upcoming article?
Not sure. I have an advance copy of book, which doesn’t have this art. Not sure if you can attach photo here but you could try to do that or email to me at njartsdaily@gmail.com
Love this! THANK YOU!
Money is the root of all evil, but the greed going on in todays society is the EVIL. I pray for the truth to come out. But, even then, people will not believe it. It’s easier to believe the lies and live in denial. The lies are so deep, I highly doubt most could handle the truth.
amazing, amazing. amazing. I loved this…when day comes, sweet honey in the rock. All I can say, is, I want to see it again, and again and again. A must see. Absolutely poetically, lyrically gifted chorepoem. It should run more often and I hope it goes to Broadway
Wonderful tribute. My wife and I saw Nanci at TX Student Union way back in about “84 and enjoyed her work every since. What a treat to hear her songs again from both of you.
To add to McCall’s ambivalence about street art, unless there are provisions for restoration or replacement, street murals will fad, peel and attract graffiti, and in a few years they will look worse than the walls did originally.
Unlike the author, I had the privilege of seeing Bruce and the ESB in a small venue in 1978 and again in 1980. And also later, as he moved into larger arena. Those earlier shows were performed by a juggernaut artist and a band that was in total synch, providing a thrillingly structured set of concerts that were enthralling and performed with an energy and excitement that were incredible.
Springsteen remains a great artist, but much was lost as he moved into larger venues, stadiums, huge makeshift fields (e.g. Circus Maxima in Rome) to reach more fans. I am very glad that I saw him in more intimate settings, and when his shows were and exhausting performance from him, and an incredible experience for the fortunate fans who saw him “when.” I’ve already done an Advance Order for the DVD of the No Nukes concert via Amazon, and can’t wait to giving it a look-see.
The first word of the song is the key: Remember.
The song is the stream-of-conscience thoughts of a soldier, his love, and maybe
his brother in arms.
Flashing scenes of memories from before, during, and after the violence of war.
It’s an evil game, a devils’ arcade, played by those in power, playing with the lives of people they’ll never know, and who they don’t care about!
Bruce wonderfully evokes a dreamy, spooky, aura of love and horror.
One of His many songs with multiple or ambiguous interpretations.
One of His best, least known, songs.
I believe that John may have been thinking about his Mother Julia who was tragically killed when he was young, when he says “In my life I love(d) you more.” Carefully read the lyrics to his song “Julia” and see if this makes sense to you. That loss haunted him his entire life.
I love Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center! They have professional plays that are both multicultural and meaningful for today’s audience. Thank you for featuring them!
I prefer the podcasts with video so I can see Boccettis fat head. I hope you bring the video back and have guests in the “studio”, not on the phone. I figured the lack of video on the current podcast, was due to, Artie finally getting his nose fixed, and not wanting film of his bandaged up face??? Either way I’ll listen to anything Artie has to say, but I think we would ALL prefer video as well. Just sayin!
I was diagnosed with bulbar ALS in the summer of 2019; My initial symptoms were quite noticeable. I first experienced weakness in my right arm and my speech and swallowing abilities were profoundly affected. The Rilutek (riluzole) did very little to help me. The medical team at the ALS clinic did even less. My decline was rapid and devastating.if it were not for the sensitive care and attention of my primary physician I would have been deceased,There has been little if any progress in finding a cure or reliable treatment. Acupuncture eased my anxiety a bit. Our primary physician recommended me to kycuyu health clinic and their amazing ALS treatment. My symptoms including muscle weakness, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing disappeared after 4 months treatment! The herbal treatment is a sensation.
Thanks. I think I looked for that one for an earlier edition but no video was available. Now that video is available maybe I can include if I do another edition.
Our primary physician recommended me to kycuyu health clinic and their amazing ALS treatment. My symptoms including muscle weakness, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing disappeared after 4 months treatment! The herbal treatment is a sensation.
Thank God for people like Jim Breuer. And I’m so glad he mentioned that he doesn’t care if you’re vaccinated. Meaning, he acknowledges it’s a personal choice and the vaccinated or whatever side people are on, so so hateful. I’ve seen them comment that unvaccinated should be shot…just disgusting and vile things. I pray for all of you. No matter your position. Put some love in your heart. It always wins, and the truth will prevail.
Thanks for this, NJArts. Ms. Chen deserves a serious artistic profile and Robert Johnson is the right man for the job. A sad loss for dance and cross-cultural arts.
““Dance of the Heavenly Flower Maiden” (1991). In this reinterpretation of a classic opera number, Chen portrayed a flying apsara come to scatter flowers over the earth to rid it of plague. ”
Michael Rasool Kareem MateenJanuary 10, 2022 - 1:47 am
Man! Just checked out the D.M.C. interview, it was bangin. Run-D.M.C. for me was GOD sent. Before the kings, I only had my big sister to look up too and even though I love her, as I moved to be a teenager she just became a girl to me. So in year 1986 at 14 years old we lost our house and my sister and mother went to live with grandma and me and my little brother went to live with my auntee. She had a friend that had a son my age and they had a relationship that I never thought a son and mother could have. He said, mom come listen to this new record. She came running down the stairs like his friend and they started listening to MC Shan and Marly’s, The Bridge.
I had never heard rap music in my life and it did something to me. Something like dragged me inward, and for the first time in my 14 years of walking the Earth, I felt like I belonged to something or was reconnected with something. So up to this point, I was a pencil artist from 8 years old to 14 years old. So at 14 years old I heard Here we go, Run-D.M.C. live at the fun house. It was my language, my vibe and my calling. I learned every lyric and studied the flow, breathing, and rhyming technique. Then I put down the pencil and picked up the pen and started writing my own rhymes.
Now mind you, I had not seen Run-D.M.C. yet, till I came across King of Rock, and Run-D.M.C. were my Gods. Now I didn’t have a constantly present father. I had a stressed out mother and a big sister for my role model and she was a very good one for a little boy but, GOD the Father knew what I needed and He sent me Run-D.M.C. and Jam Master Jay. When I saw them, I saw me in a positive way, a strong way, a kingly way. So in that same year, 1986, my mother and father dropped me off at Joe Louis Arena downtown Detroit and I attended the Raising Hell concert.
Now, all the acts came on but I hardly knew or liked them. I knew Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince but didn’t care for them even though they were okay in concert. I had just heard of E.P.M.D. and they were dope on record but sucked in concert. Public Enemy I had just heard from the booming cars up and down the street but, never listened to one of there songs, so they were kinda strange. Then the lights went out and they announced Run-D.M.C. and we lost our ever loving minds. The crowd did a shift trying to get closer to the stage and when it moved like a wave in the ocean, I went from like four roles of people from the stage to like two roles from the stage.
They came out and they looked like Gods! Heavenly clean. I mean from their black cat silky shine hats to their fresh to def straight out the box Adidas. I mean skin was glowing and gold ropes were shooting of lasers. Their stage presence was Godly, their lyrics were Godly and when D.M.C. said, ” I cut the head off the devil and I throw it at you.” He threw his towel out into the audience and the fire jumped up out of the stage; we lost our ever loving minds. One point, me and Run locked eyes and I broke down and shed a tear. Look here, you know how the people faint and cry over Michael Jackson? I was there. No. Some guys may say that’s gay but, when you are in the presence of your God and your God looks at you like, I see you my son; you feel like Daniel and John in Revelation in the Bible.
I saw Run-D.M.C. again in the nineties at Harpo’s in Detroit and they brought the heat. Then I saw them again at Chene Park on the Detroit River front for the last time in 2018 and me and my little brother lost our ever loving minds. Run was in, I am ascending back to my throne to sit with the Rock Gods forever mode. I couldn’t speak after that concert.
My husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease at 67. His symptoms were shuffling of feet, slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of handwriting, horrible driving skills, and his right arm is held at 45 degree angle. He was placed on Sinemet for 7 months and then Sifrol and rotigotine were introduced which replaced the Sinemet but he had to stop due to side effects. We tried every shot available but nothing was working. There has been little if any progress in finding a reliable treatment, I quit my meds due to side effects. Our care provider introduced us to Kycuyu Health Clinic Parkinson’s herbal treatment. The treatment is a miracle. My husband has recovered significantly
My husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease at 67. His symptoms were shuffling of feet, slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of handwriting, horrible driving skills, and his right arm is held at 45 degree angle. He was placed on Sinemet for 7 months and then Sifrol and rotigotine were introduced which replaced the Sinemet but he had to stop due to side effects. We tried every shot available but nothing was working. There has been little if any progress in finding a reliable treatment, I quit my meds due to side effects. Our care provider introduced us to Kycuyu Health Clinic Parkinson’s herbal treatment. The treatment is a miracle. My husband has recovered significantly!
“But he insists that a few words don’t define a person, and denies that Baraka was anti-Semitic.” Whether or not one agrees with that, I wonder — Do progressives grant the same indulgence to folks who have been caught making one racist statement in their lives, or engaging in one or just a few inappropriate acts of cultural misappropriation in their lives? It seems to me that the “leniency” in dismissing racist or other objectionable conduct is usually based on who the victim or the target is, and if the victim or target is Jewish or Israeli, the offense is often disregarded by progressives. But if the offended group is one of the groups preferred by progressives, the offense is unforgivable. And I say this as a bleeding-heart liberal.
Do you know whether this film is simply the rooftop portion of “Get Back”, perhaps with some of the surrounding materials from Get Back?
Or is it a different film with some different video of the concert, street reaction, police, etc.? Shouldn’t there be a lot of such different material that fans would like to see?
I believe it’s just the rooftop segment from larger documentary. But yes, there is much footage that has not been released yet. I assume it will all eventually come out in some form.
mike. you have great taste in song selection and cover them just as powerfully
as the originals…are you any relationship to Frank Chairman of the Board?
Being vaccinated or not is turning into one of those topics you can’t talk about in front of certain family members, friends or other people (for example, religion, politics or sexual orientation just to name a few). You know someone’s gonna get pissed off if they don’t agree with you or your beliefs, and that’s just life, right? What I don’t understand is why there are so many angry people resorting to violence and hate, a lot of times against innocent people. If that’s just part of our daily lives then I sure as hell don’t want to see what’s gonna happen tomorrow.
It’s very inspiring to hear Janis Ian still writing relevant music…Her remarkable voice has barely aged….She says this is her final album but how does someone of her caliber stop creating?? She generously contributed a track to the upcoming Eric Andersen tribute/compilation album that I am working on. It will be out late springtime. It’s a collection of Eric’s songs performed by many of Eric’s musician friends.
Jay, I agree with you 100% and that makes the song consistent with the theme of “I’ll Cry Instead,” “Not A Second Time,” “Tell Me Why,” and of course, “Julia.” I have thought this but been to afraid to say it. Right, right, 100% right.
Another well written piece, Stephen. I hate to sound like the old guy in the crowd, but has it really come to this? Yes, Rock may have been insensitive to Pinkett, Smith should have had thicker skin, but no matter what, once he resorted to violence he should have been asked to leave. He made his choice to strike Rock, live with the consequences.
I can only hope that Mr. Willis might see this comment when I say all this, and if he does, I hope he can understand that I mean no offense whatsoever.
Mr. Willis, you weren’t my absolutely favorite actor, but I’ve always admired you as a man, a human. The only reason I wasn’t a huge fan was because I’m not interested in some of the roles you were in. That’s not to say you did poorly, because quite the opposite is true. I could always tell, and I always heard stories, about how much you were devoted to the arts and your craft, and I admire that. I also respected how you would talk in interviews you would give. I always felt as if you were a really good man, always doing what you could to make it in this world — and in my humble opinion, you did make it. Not because you were a celebrity, but I could feel a kind of genuine integrity coming from you, an integrity that is unfortunately hard to explain, but should be noted that our culture seems to be losing with each passing day. You never lost sight of who you were, and even though I imagine we’d have differences of opinion, you appeared to have stuck to your morals and ethics. I applaud that, Mr. Willis. It shows more courage than any of your “bad boy” type of roles ever had, and that’s a truly special thing.
Also, Mr. Willis, if you do happen to come across my comment, I’m deeply sorry you’re going through your current medical journey. I’m sure it won’t be easy at all for you, especially if things seem to get more and more difficult. Please don’t lose hope, though. It may be hard to understand right now, but our Lord has a plan for each and every one of us. Please don’t forget this. I’m not saying He gave you this issue, but I do know He’ll help you through it if you can just keep your eyes toward Him and trust Him completely. As you do, stay close to loved ones, too. They’ll always love you for who you are, as well, and nothing will ever change that. Love can, and does, conquer all.
Lastly, you will always be remembered as amazing, even though you may not be able to act. Many fans will love you for the roles I’m not a fan of, some may love you for one of your more “random” roles, and I’ll always appreciate what you did in The Sixth Sense. :) That movie was amazing for me, and I will always appreciate some of the lines you gave, as they caused me to think about stuff in a whole new light. :)
God bless you, Mr. Willis, and for myself and numerous others, please let me say: Thank you for being you, and for bringing so many good things to this table we can call life. :)
When will you lift the mandatory vaccine mandate to attend a show? This is discrimination at its finest and needs to be stopped. Many venues across NJ have ended this discrimination and so should the Papermill Playhouse.
This isn’t the right place to ask this question. I suggest emailing info@papermill.org or boxoffice@papremill.org. But as someone who attends shows at Paper Mill, I can tell you that I, for one, am glad they create a safe environment by checking vaccine cards. – Jay Lustig
Great piece Stepen. I’ve seen this first-hand. I teach a course at a university in the Media and Communications Department. I asked a question the other day and none of me MC majors had ever heard of “Citizen Kane.” It would be difficult to imagine junior and senior English majors unfamiliar with Shakespear or Dickens. But today, who knows?
I’ve seen this too in literature. In my MFA program, one writer proudly said he didn’t read anything before Kerouac. I asked him “What did Kerouac read?”
I learned a great deal about movies, life, and writing growing up in Manhattan in the 50s and 60s when many local stations played films from the 30s and 40s. They still resonate for me, and is there a funnier comedy than Midnight with Don Ameche and Claudette Colbert?
You seem to overlook the (1) element of ideology and (2) tropes used by movies which came from 19th century literature and were discarded by 20 th century literature. It would seem that “old” cinema is the semi-literate wo/man’s artistic medium, which is thus shunned by the intellectuals of the 20th/21st centuries.
Maybe the tropes are shunned, but they are quoted again and again in modern films, which is one of the points the article makes. Many younger film makers and indeed intellectuals of film (appear to) think that everything started in the 60s or 70s (if you’re lucky, but mainly 80s and 90s) and are unaware that the cornerstones of their experience where themselves a reaction to what came closer.
It’s really difficult and occasionally painful discussing films with people who have no idea of the influence of films like High Noon, Gone with the Wind, the films of Ford, Cukor or Wilder (just to be REALLY populist) or the fact that most of what the world (and Amercians in particular) think about the “Wild West” is a fruit of movies from the 40s and 50s. How can one be an honest intellectual while being unaware of these things?
Yes, much of the output of Hollywood’s heyday is forgettable and the product of a factory system, and “the semi-literate person’s merdium” but no less so than American TV of the 60s or 70s. And the easy option of dragging out the same tropes over and again continues now in both the cinema and on TV, perhaps even worse than ever. But you can’t disimiss all the diamonds in the rough just because there was/is so much crap that has not/will not stand the test of time. And many classics which have stood the test of time are incrreasingly forgotten, which is entirtely the thesis of the article.
That was a far more intelligent and insightful response than his comment deserved.
Sadly, I used to feel the same before I turned 20 and took a History Of Cinema class in college as part of my education as a filmmaker.
Thank heaven for that course.
Now I can’t imagine my DVD collection without the works of Buster Keaton, Frank Capra, Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, Wyler, Wilder, and Hawks.
At around, maybe, 7 years old, I already loved watching movies. I surfed both of our available channels to catch old movies. Black and white? No problem. Television was black and white also. This was a gift, I think. Not knowing anything different and so without an opinion about black and white movies, I never judged their content, either. But I certainly hungered for them. I was entertained by them. I learned from them. They all absorbed me.
Really excellent article – and one that I totally agree with.
Even here (in the UK) the BBC showed (in a school holiday week) daily Tarzan films. I discovered Johnny Weissmuller, and those movies got to be a ‘must see’. Now, the same channel serves up gardening, antiques and lifestyle shows – and those are all repeats. It’s left to a new channel- Talking Pictures TV – to show classic movies…which it duly does. But, at the end of the day, not at least offering some of these black and white films leaves us all the poorer.
Based on an unproduced play written in 1940. The movie is set in December 1941, and it’s mentioned in the film that Rick’s attracts refugees who are trying to get to neutral America.
“Old movies” begin with Edison. I taught The History of Silent Film (Yawn,for most people), and showed my students how much of “modern” film making came from those cutting edge, experimental artists. We watched The Great Train Robbery three times in a row, and they jotted down notes after each viewing, noting the new things they saw–moving camera, editing, color,etc. We watched scenes from The Godfather ,The Matrix, Black Panther and they were amazed . Ignoring the history of film is like ignoring the history of the world.
Love early cinema. I started out when I was about ten buying 8mm films from local department stores. By fifteen, I was purchasing from Blackhawk Films, and collected Edison, MelIs, Griffith, Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy, etc. Moved up to sound films when I got my first job, then U-matic, VHS and so on. After sixty years of collecting, my library probobly rivals that of TCM. I’m trying to instill the love of “old” film to my grandchildren; they’re almost at the age I was when I started appreciating and loving these wonderful early films. I’m pushing 69 years, but I would have loved to have been able to take your course at any age. Thank you so much for your response to Mr. Whitty’s article. Y’all brought back many wonderful memories.
Dimucci holds the title most famous oldies singer….n most famous oldies dope addict dead beat dad…DION DA FAMOUS LMFAO. NOT IN THE EYES OF HIS BIOLOGICAL SON .sincerely DION FRANCIS AMBROGIO AKA DION II…dob 1956…before the fat heads fame.
Respondents to a web survey do not represent the general public, not even their age cohort broadly so I’m not sure this is such a problem. As you say, access was never better. At 15 I started reading Sarris in the Voice and, little by little, learned the canon. That’s what a critic should do – inform, educate, seduce, indoctrinate into the cinephile club. Leave the kvetching to the rest of us.
Part of me suspects The Machine for creating this cinematic void, thus leaving them free to eventually repackage the ideas of the past, and present them as their own.
I enjoyed hearing this jam session– and “just a little talk with jesus” brought tears to my eyes!!! You see…today’s mother’s day…my mother is with our Lord…but she adored Jerry Lee and Elvis and hearing these voices made me remember my sweet mother.. it’s an honor to have seen and heard this today…
Hi As I was reading I read about Arturo Sandoval
All about we know he’s 10 times Grammy Winner instead of the 5 times the article said
The trumpet player has another relevant recognitions that are not mentioned.
I realize there is much more to say about him but this was not intended to be an in-depth article on him, but an overview of things going on, around the state.
Well let’s talk about silent films … a medium that’s been dead for more than 90 years and still going strong. Turner Classic Movies still showcases silent films on a regular basis. Film festivals still screen silent films with live musical accompaniment. New silent film restorations are constantly being produced via crowdfunding and being issued on various DVD/Blu-ray labels. New books are still being published about silent films and silent film stars. We’re nearly to the point in time where the actual silent film era is not within human memory … but silent films are going strong.
I am on the mailing list for the last several years but this year I never received the schedule or the envelope to order tickets. Can I still attend the concerts without the tickets? Thank you
Perhaps it is a start on the other end, but I have noticed a vastly increased number of films and TV series featuring women as business executives, superheroines, district attorneys, lead detectives and crime fighters, tough soldiers and ex-soldiers, etc. These are both foreign and domestic productions. Perhaps, after having established their credentials in those categories, they will be able to enjoy the fleshy pleasures that older male actors can indulge in. Is this trend a movement or a passing fad to catch the coat tails of the “me-too” movement?
Yet the 1988 Tunnek of Love express tour was an even bigger Financial sucess. Of course coming in the heels of Born in the USA. He made 50 million USD in 67 concerts on the Tunnel of love Esxpress tour in 5 months time. Born in the USA tour grossed 85 million USD in 156 concerts .
That is he made 750 USD in average in the Tunnel of love Express Tour. On the Born in the USA tour he made 544 000 USD in General. He sold a lot more Merchandize on the Tunnel of love express tour to double the price of the Born in the USA tour. A t short for example cost 6 USD on the Born in the USA tour on the tunnel of love ecoress tour the t shirt cost 12 USD. And there were much more different Merchandize on the Tunnel of love Express tour. On the Born in the USA tour there was the t shirt and the tour book. On the tunnel of love express tour there were t shirts of many different types a tour book double the price fron the Born in the USA tour, jackets, scarfs, rings, pins to put on your t shirt, binoculars for short people, tour posters, and real exclusive jackets, a doll of Bruce and hundreds of more Merchandize things.
The ticket prices were 6 USD more in 1988 than in 1985. And finally the big one, on the Tunnel of love Express tour Bruce received 95 % of all ticket sales. In 1985 he only received 60 %. So for so Little workbThe Tunnel of love Express tour was a far more finsnickare sucess than the Born in the USA tour. He also got to play the biggest stadiums he had ever played on the Tunnel of Love Express tour. In East Berlin 500 000 people saw Bruce Springsteen. The final stop of the tour was in the biggest football stadium in Europe Camp Nou. 90 000 people attended. There were supposed to be 2 concerts at Wembley in London But a Mike Tyson fight Made that impossible in Bruces tour schedule. So instead of letten the usual 72 000 people in Bruce had 70 000 people at Wembley 1985, in 1988 because of the second concert not happening They cramed 80 000 people into Wembley Stadium. In Paris at the Hippodrome de Vincent 80 000 people saw Bruce play. There were lots more 60 000 to 70 000 stadiums on the Tunnel of Love express tour. There was supposed to be 4 concerts in Italy. But there was a paper strike. And the promotor got nervous if he could not get commercial out to the people and becsuse of Bruces enormous guarantee fee he was afraid to Loose money. But Italians ususally buy tickets on the day of the concert or the day before. So in Turin They crammed in 65 000 people instead of the planed 58 000 people. The same amount that saw him in Milan 1985. The Slbum that should be a lowkey album backfired. Sales were 9 million records for an almost accoustic album. And there were 3 big hit singles from the slbum somethibg never heard of before. Also he made the record in his home studio almost by himself instead of hire an expensive studio and pay the Estreet band for thousands hours of sorj as he did on the Born in the USA slbum.
He got extremely reach fron the Tunnel of love album and tour. In 1987 he made 56 million USD, in 198& he made 61 million USD and in 1989 Where the only thing he did was to release the 1978-1988 video he made 40 million USD. So in 3 years time from 1987 to 1989 he made 157 million USD. Not bad for a low key album and a 5 month tour. Off course sales of other albums helped as well. But thr big sales came from tunnel of love and the big royalty checks came from his 3 Tunnel of love singles. So there. You have it regarding Tunnel of love and its tour.
This is the first time I had to really think about whether this ultimately worked or not. I loved the concept of using the music, especially the Talking Heads songs; it doesn’t take much to understand why they were chosen. The one number that gave me pause, but conversely may have validated some other directorial choices was The Show Must Go On by Queen. This song epitomized why I was on the fence about the production. I had been feeling frustrated that the world of the play seemed to indicate – and I mean this literally – an air of people playing pre-determined roles in their lives and doing it melodramatically. The Talking Heads songs were obvious choices. Was The Show Must Go On a reference to my impression of everything that came before it? Then it’s subjective as far as if it was a strong choice to begin with. I found the enhanced delivery of the actors to be irksome. The only things that justified the world were the Queen song and the use of puppets for the elderly characters (another convention I loved).
Overall, the concept does the job of staying true to the essence of Chekhov’s play, less you forget that his plays were bold and groundbreaking at the time. A lot of careful thought and planning went into this production; and even if you didn’t like it, you should appreciate the bold risk taking inherent in the use of music, gender and color blind casting, and other theatrical elements.
I didn’t love it, but I enjoyed it and commended the creative vision of everyone involved.
I loved the opening, and the 80’s style music video dance of Heart’s song, especially with the fan and the blowing scarf had me howling with laughter.
Boy, I wish it was Skinny Puppy. That would be hilarious to be in that audience. I’ve seen both Skinny and Steely numerous times – that Venn diagram doesn’t even REMOTELY overlap. Got tickets to see the Dan tonight in Richmond. Was bummed about both Winwood and Mann being cancelled, but oh well.
Saw him perform live in 1969, 1971, 1989 and 2016. His 2016 performance was disappointing. As much as appreciate his willingness to go on, he needs to retire.
Not sure. Mosque Theater became Symphony Hall in ’64, so in ’67 it would have been called Symphony Hall. The setlist.fm website, which is pretty good but not necessarily complete, lists the following Ray Charles shows:
March 17, 1962: Mosque Theater
May 8, 1966: Symphony Hall
Dec. 4, 1966: Symphony Hall
Dec. 10, 1968: Symphony Hall
May 8, 1971: Symphony Hall
“Much Ado About Nothing” at Outdoor Stage at St. Elizabeth ‘s College was fantastic !! Weather was perfect last evening and I haven’t laughed so much in a long time!! Cast was amazing!!
Yes, a lot of people have selective memory & hear what they want to hear. I have been a fan for 50 years, he owes me nothing. I think Ticketmaster, however is criminal in it’s fees & policies. I have written to my legislators to ask them to do something about this.
Jay that is one intelligent and well
Put together summary and analogy. Thanks for the trip down memory lane of Bruce’s poetic writings. Sadly they feel more pronounced in light of this ticket debacle. It’s really so heartbreaking to see that this once humble man is completely changed . Money has not changed him for the better. It’s really sad that the very people he once sung about are the very people he is now hurting with his silence and keeping from his shows . The best seats are now out of reach for these fans which encompasses the mayority of his adoring and most loyal fans. The best is now reserved fir the elite in society. The nosebleeds and blocked views fir the rest. His silence is deafening. As a fan of 43 years having attended over 340 concerts throughout the decades I’m s disheartened and will be skipping this tour. I am so heart broken. On principle I refuse to pay these obscene prices for seats I was always accustomed to. 5600 is really criminal sorry . I would much rather put that money to use on a vacation . I’m not poor but I’m not insane.
The Springsteen Factory has a lot of employees to feed, so there’s that part of it. And he does quietly give it away often. People moan about the horror of it all but what’s the answer? I don’t have it and Jon Landau isn’t who people want to hear from still, what to do? Good thoughts as always Jay.
I come from down in the bank vault
Where, mister, when you’re rich
You can do whatever you want,
And be a greedy sonofabitch…
Me and Patty we met during the Tunnel of Love,
When my wife wasn’t on the scene,
We’d drive out of those arenas
And count all the cash, so green…
We’d go down to the stable
And onto those horses we’d glide
Oh, down to the stable we’d ride…
Cause I got Patty pregnant
And man, we had a kid of course
And for her teenage birthday
I bought her a real expensive horse
We went down to get it dewormed
And the Vet put it all to rest
No break on the price, but it’s little Missy’s vice
So I’ll do what I know to do best
That night we went down to the bank vault
And into the dollars we dived
Oh, down to the bank vault we did hide
Ah-yah-yah…
I got a job playing the guitar
For the Ticketmaster Company
But lately there wasn’t much work
On account of the Covid, you see
Now all them fans that seemed so important
Well, mister, I showed ‘em how much I don’t care
Now I just act like a working class hero
As Patty rides off on her new mare…
Cuz’ to keep us riding in a limousine
Ticket prices gotta be obscene,
So at night, in the bed, I can lie awake
Just to dream of all the money we’ll make
Now the tax man comes back to haunt me
He haunts me like a curse
Is an offshore account something I can hide
And lie about how much I’m worth?
That sends me down to the arena
So I can bleed the fans dry
Down to the arena tonight…
wow Stephen, I can actually match your lyrics right to the song, eerie and sad at the same time.
I’m trying hard to not abandon an entertainer I followed from Asbury Park and on, but this has been more difficult than just not getting to see a show. I’ve seen some tours, missed some tours, but always had a shot at a ticket. But not this time.
Pay Me My Money Down (2022 Version)
I thought I heard the Bossman say
Pay me my money down
Tomorrow is our concert day
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Soon as those tickets went on sale
Pay me my money down
All my fans began to wail
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Tulsa floor seat for a thousand bucks
Pay me my money down
I don’t really give two fucks
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Well I wish I was Mr. Springsteen
Pay me my money down
Read my story in some magazines
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Well fifty nights we’ll play for you
Pay me my money down
Make a cool hundred million or two
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
I am not upset with this dude. He’s been my idol since before I was an adult (and that is quite a while). But I don’t think we have heard the last from Bruce on this topic. I think that some arenas won’t sell out and others will have crappy crowds that will not pump up the band. It’s a disappointment – that we’re going to have a lot of people who paid north of $1,000 for a ticket to a 3-hour Springsteen show. In our house, we got in at $200 and I am thrilled. But when I saw the fracas of the ticket-buying experience, I thought, “they did not anticipate this demand pricing experience.” And I suspect Bruce will tell us that at some point.
I’m very lucky and got two tickets for $169 ea. When I saw the prices (thank you dynamic pricing!) for the first set of shows that went on sale, I decided I wouldn’t spend over $225 for a ticket. I spent $160 to see him in Philly in 2016, so I expected tickets for Tour 2023 to be in the $200-$225 range. Like many, I’m still processing why he’s charging so much this time around and why? I’m extremely disappointed he took the route he did.
You’re spot on with this and yes so many other lines.. But I do think Seeds is worthy of this article as well one of his best about the haves & have nots (haves not?.. you know what I mean)
Well a great black river a man had found
So he put all his money in a hole in the ground
Sent a big steel arm driving down down down
Now I live on the streets of Houston town
Packed up my wife and kids when winter came along
And I headed down south with just spit and a song
But they said, “Sorry son it’s gone gone gone,
Yeah it’s all gone,
All work is gone”
There is men hunkered down by the railroad tracks
The Elkhorn Special blowing my hair back
Tents pitched on the highway in the dirty moonlight
And I don’t know where I’m gonna sleep tonight
Parked in the lumberyard freezing our asses off
Kids in the back seat got a graveyard cough
I’m sleeping up in front with my wife
Billy club tapping on the windshield in the middle of the night
He says, “Move along son, move along”
Big limousine, long shiny and black
You don’t look ahead, you don’t look back
How many times can you get up after you’ve been hit
Well I swear if I could spare the spit
I’d lay one on your shiny chrome
And send you on your way back home
If you’re gonna leave your town where the north wind blow
To come on down where the sweet soda river flow
You better think twice on it Jack
You’re better off buying a shotgun straight off a rack
Ticketmaster and uber-capitalism are the guilty parties. I got two tickets for one of his (only) three UK shows. £220 for the pair. What Ticketmaster is doing in the US would not be allowed here.
Dear Tris McCall,
Thank you so much for featuring a photo of my painting “Free Fall” in your review of the exhibition “Reemergence”, the 2022 NJArts Annual at the State Museum. I am thrilled that you commented in the review that my painting is “bold, inward, anxiety-ridden, elegantly realized but unrepentantly raw and above all, painfully human_ may be the show’s quintessential piece”. The painting came from my heart and soul, and it means so much to me that you were able to call out the story behind the art. Thank you again.
Best,
Pauline Chernichaw
“doesnt talk to anyone”
Federal investigation for tax fraud, constant lawsuits by unpaid overused illegal labor, racist, sexist and art deviants.
Ask someone about Gene Thompson, a story how they use and throw away lives.
There is seating; you don’t bring your own chair. I assume they have a wheelchair section but you may want to make sure you have access in advance. I’d recommend calling the Garden State Arts Foundation, which is presenting the show, at (732) 442-9200. They can tell you how to proceed.
I don’t think there is reserved seating. And I would think the lawn would be used only if all seats are filled. But I’m not totally sure. Always best to call Garden State Arts Foundation at (732) 442-9200 for questions such as these.
Hello Jay, this one must be on the list: “Up on the Roof”written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and recorded in 1962 by The Drifters, with Rudy Lewis as the lead singer.
Bruce covered the song several times during the “Born To Run” Tour back in 1975. Here the version from the show at The Bottom Line on 1975-08-16: https://youtu.be/BQKT-okc3G8
This is an excerpt from a story written by Jack Newfield, originally printed in the New York Sun September 21 2004:
“The no. 2 record of 1953 was “Your Cheating Heart” by Hank Williams. The no. 3 record was “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton. The no. 4 record was “Shake a Hand” by Faye Adams, which Bruce Springsteen performed for years.”
URL for two free articles, but the text can be found elsewhere: https://www.nysun.com/article/arts-who-really-invented-rock-n-roll
Bonus: Faye Adams was from Newark NJ. There may not be much of a NJ connection to the ten songs you suggested.
You should do another article on the reopening of Field Colony (after the movie shoot there april – june) with their new exhibit and art classes. Just a tought.
Thank you, Tommy, for these lovely words and your support and friendship always! I’m humbled by the beautiful words in this article and so blessed by the beautiful Artists who share their beautiful blessings and inspiration in the gallery and in my life as you do. I look forward to your visit and to finding the perfect place and time to share your work there.
I just finished reading this, and it is well worth reading if just for John’s testimony. You also get a sense of what John was like as a person. Definitely recommended.
Can’t thank you guys & gals enough for presenting these shows. It’s great seeing the music you love by some rather talented old artists who can still do it well.
Please keep doing it and we’ll keep donating to help fund these shows.
Hearty Har is a horrible band!! Can’t believe they are opening for Fogerty!!
Never paying for Fogerty again. Sorely disappointed and angry! So here it is almost 9pm and Fogerty hasn’t appeared yet! Put his son’s awful band on instead. Why would anyone think s “psyodelic band” appeal to Fogerty fans!!
This is a wonderfully written review — Courtney Smith, take a bow — and an analysis keenly informed on all points of interest. A quibble, though: When was the last time anybody thought it pertinent to comment upon the concert attire of a male classical soloist? I don’t mean to get all preachy and virtue-signaling here, but strapless gowns aren’t news on classical stages. It’s true that the pianist Yuja Wang has raised many eyebrows and provoked a gush of ink by some of the outfits she favors — which are more, well, revealing — and also by outfit changes during intermissions. That’s a different case. Judging by the photo above, Ms Meyers appeared before the Princeton audience wearing a gown that would be considered tasteful and appropriate for any formal occasion. Why make a point of it?
This wonderful company is a source of great pride for New Jersey. It’s founding missions and strengths of Carolyn Clark and Paul McRae have allowed it to survive through many challenges. Being a native of New Jersey and having had many happy years performing with the company it is a huge pleasure to see it taking on the next era of directorship. Looking forward to seeing what is ahead for this special company.
It was my first album from late brother Johnny when I was a teen, from there was Miles to John and all the way to Tapscott, with so many in between. Thanks to all Jazz players, God bless Pharoah.
Joe Long should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and it is terrible that he was not inducted with Valli, Gaudio, DeVito and Massi in 1990. How do you not induct Joe Long who was with one of the most creative bands of the 1960’s and 70’s for well over 10 years. Thank you New Jersey Hall of Fame for doing the right thing.
I still visit my local AMC Theater a few times a week and also frequent the Clairidge in Montclair and Film at Lincoln Center. There is nothing like being in a theater with other people, experiencing a movie on a screen that big! I miss going to Robert’s Chatham Cinema, which had one auditorium and often showed art house films that I had trouble finding elsewhere. It was so cozy, with serve yourself free coffee, inexpensive concession treats, and lovely people working there who would ask what you thought of the film as you were exiting. I once asked the owner what happens to the movie posters after the film completes its run, as there was one I was interested in. He asked for my cell number and two weeks later he called and said I could come over and pick it up anytime. He gave it to me! I will always remember the wonderful times I had there with friends, and the discussions we would have with other audience members on our way out. While there are times it is convenient to watch a movie at home, nothing compares to going to the movies!
As a car-less, teenage rock fan growing up in suburban NJ in the pre-MTV ’70s … when a big rock movie came out, I’d read about it in Rolling Stone or some other magazine, but usually there was no way to see it except to take the train into New York and see it at some small moviehouse. I specifically remember seeing The Who’s “The Kids Are Alright” and Neil Young’s “Rust Never Sleep” that way; the excitement was akin to going to an actual concert. – Jay Lustig
Charade was my first Radio City movie too- I was a little bit too young for such a grownup movie and place which means I adored every moment of it. All that gilt and red velvet and Audrey Hepburn in Paris! As far as at home vs in theatre- there’s nothing like seeing a film you love on a big screen. It changes everything, for the FAR better. I grew up going to the Bellevue, Claridge and the Wellmont in Montclair and have fond memories of seeing Woodstock, 2001 and Star Wars at the Claridge and matinees of Vincent Price horror movies at the Wellmont. The Bellevue was pretty much reserved for movies with my parents, probably because I couldn’t walk there.
Where to begin?
I remember 12-year old me watching “Jaws” from no larger than a 1″x 1″ glass window in the exit door of a Fair Lawn, NJ theater because seeing the guy in the rowboat get attacked ran me out of the theatre.
I remember taking my then-13 year old son in 2006 to a midnight screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” after we watched the DVD at home and he didn’t get what the fuss was all about.
I remember taking my then-15 year old daughter in what Wikipedia is telling me may have been 2011 to the Claridge in Montclair for the restoration of “Metropolis.”
I remember sitting in the Bellevue Theatre on a rainy Saturday afternoon in 1989 with a dozen other people watching “The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover” and feeling like we survived a shared prison camp experience together (and I mean this in the best way possible).
I remember this past February watching “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” at the West Orange Classic Film Festival (full disclosure: I’m with that group) and hearing the laughter of the audience watching an almost 60 year old movie on a big screen as God inended.
I’ll buy movies to share with family and vising friends, but nothing beats going to a theatre and sharing the experience.
As a child in Radio City, when the Rockettes came out and the lights came on, I thought they had opened up the roof and let the sunlight in. I still remember the uproarious, nearly insane, laughter in the theater when they played the cartoons. ( I don’t know why they stopped showing them. ) And I will never forget the day when, instead of teaching a class, I had my students watch the film 12 ANGRY MEN. It was like being in a movie theater again.
Great article, you’ve touched on a lot of the societal topics some of us old timers understand and reflect on. You’ve still got your mojo, Stephen Whitty. I have always loved your “whitty”, entertaining and informative writing style, and you don’t disappoint. So sorry that you now have (presumably) a smaller audience. Keep up the good work. Saw you in person for the first time when you interviewed Jane Fonda at MoPac. My wife and I burst out laughing with excitement when you were introduced because we didn’t know that you would be involved, and you were famous in our home at that point from your Star Ledger days. Regards, Joe M.
Love the article – I recall being very young and seeing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – It was not the first film I saw, but is my first memorable theatre experience. My grandmother took me for my 5th birthday, it opened the same week. I was so amazed at all of it and terribly scared during the tunnel scene. It was a “Scrumdiddlyumptious” experience that sticks with me. Next was when I was a week shy of my 12th Birthday I walked several miles to see Grease alone on opening day. I was in love with Olivia Newton-John like many others. I stayed from the first show to the last. I asked if I helped clean the theatres and if I could watch it again. and they allowed it. I was in a bit of hot water when I got home. a few years later in 1981 I walked into theatres and applied for a job. I have worked in the exhibition industry ever since. I loved seeing people exit a theatre, the joy on their faces, and hearing the conversations about the film – nothing beats it. Nothing ever will. I like watching films at home – but the theatre experience – The best man, the best.
I’m from California and old enough to remember dish-nights at the local theatre in small-town San Joaquin valley. Popcorn a nickle a bag, as was a BigHunk candy bar, big and chewy enough to last most of a Saturday afternoon of cartoons, serials, March of Time documentaries, westerns and dreadful dramas. Also ushers coming through the theatre with cans to collect contributions for the March of Dimes. What a hoot! Only entertainment in town, except for the local pool hall, which we weren’t allowed in, except to hawk newspapers.
I am from an earlier generation, so my earliest memories of going to see movies with an i termission in nyc as a group(from sunday school) were The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, and Exodus. I was totally blown away by all of them. I had a favorite movie as a youth that i thought was so funny, and i saw it a few times at theatres. It was called VISITOR FROM A SMALL PLANET and starred Jerry Lewis and was written by gore vidal. I saw a movie at Camp point O pines that they took us too on a field trip. I had bever heard of it before; it was Gone with the Wind. I was blown AWay by it. It had an intermission too! I grew up to be a film buff, and i know evverything about movies, and have seen almost all movies. Another movie i loved as a child -,i had forgotten about it – and then a year or teo ago i saw it on TCM andvi realized so That’s where all those songs i love came from – – it was Hans Christian Anderson starring Danny Kaye. Margie, millburn (ps, i could keep writing about this subject forever!)
I go to their concerts…from 2012 till 2022…I close my eyes and just listen. It’s the closest I’ll ever get to hear them for real. I had planned on going to the 1980-81 tour. I had been into them for about 4-5 yrs. Sadly, it never happened. JBLZE is so, so good.
Growing up in Jersey City, New Jersey, through the ’70’s, we would go to the State, the Stanley and the Lowes on Journal Square, before and after they were split up into “multi-plexes”, the old palaces uglified as they shoehorned 2 or 3
theaters inside the previously ornate and expansive interiors.
But back earlier still, in the 60’s of my gradeschool days, there was the Central Theater on Central Avenue in the Jersey City Heights. I have a dim, possibly apocryphal recollection of actually seeing a movie there, but I have a vivid memory of its wrecking ball demolition. It was then considered a “neighborhood theater”, but it was big and beautiful even well past its prime.
This song touches my soul. My husband Rickie who transitioned 61 days ago, had many lovers and 3 wives before me. Yes, he loved them all. Sadly all of his marriages were very short lived. I love all of his wives and lovers as they brought him love and happiness, even for a miniscule time in his life. He was happy. We married late in life. He was my first LH Dan’s best friend for decades. Upon knowing Dan was dying from cancer when our 4 children were quite young. Dan’s mother who was visiting us when we received the tests he would be transitioning in 2 weeks asked her son, what can I do to help me and our 4 children. He told her not to worry Mom. I have a great friend who promised to help her and them. The man was Rickie and he shared 21 years together. I lost the two greatest husbands and I’m reparably broken. Thank you John for describing my loves and heartache.
Great interview. The Boss is even more handsome now in his later years. I love Bruce’s rendition of Nightshift. He croons this song just like it’s meant to be. Those leaders who left this world are powerful in the lyrics, but also expressed very powerful in the manner of Bruce’s voice. Perfecto!! And Bruce even dressed up. Just joking. But I admire the way he dressed for this performance.
I believe Bruce’s career will excel to greater heights in the years to come.
Howard, I’m happy to hear you back on the radio. Keep up the good work.
I don’t know. Stern has alluded to it a couple of times without going into detail. But it happened a long time ago and they’re not including it in replays for obvious reasons. I assume he was making fun of her voice but I don’t know that for sure.
Very Nice, To honor accomplished Folks from the State of New Jersey,
But Who ever thought it was a good idea to remove, Paul and Ringo, flat messed up, It’s awesome when the best honor the best.
Being a Drummer myself, I’ve always been a Fan of Weinberg, his skills are incredible, Congratulations 🎉
This was basically community theater with much better voices. Granted that the piece itself is mediocre to begin with, and good material is the foundation of anything. Starting with the good: the singing with a few exceptions was excellent. The woman playing Percy definitely has a set of pipes and the sheriff could sing the phonebook and make it sound amazing. I left after the first act but almost stayed just to hear him do his solo. He’s got a good career ahead of him. Beyond that, the actress playing Shelby was the standout. Solid all around as an actress and singer. You see her credits and it shows. Next would, once again, would be the sheriff. Charming, handled his scenes well. These two get the high marks. Now for the not so positive: While Percy can sing great, this part is well beyond her comprehension. the guy who played Caleb also doesn’t undertand the role, not to say that it would be much better even if he did. He’s dramatically flat. In fact, with few exceptions, this is one of the principal flaws. He has a few really nice notes in his higher register, and you can tell the guy has spent a lot of time in lessons and coaching, but you expect more from union people with some cool credits. However, the turkey award goes to Hannah. She was the weakest thing in this show. The irony is that her resume is the most distinctive. Forget that she is a terrible actress, she can’t sing either! How the heck did she get those B’way jobs????? Was it a character choice to “sound” older? It’s a musical, honey. SING!
With all of this said, I think some fault need go to the director. it’s obvious that this was a hurry up and learn your material kind of show. Actors were left to their own devices to figure out what to do beyond what’s on the page, so maybe the fault is not entirely theirs. The staging is unimaginative and, in some cases, lacking anything organic. The interludes where the group are outside in the cold were basically, come downstage, face front sing and leave. All form and no substance: sounded great, but what the hell is going on???? Make it make sense! Terrible. I know the space is small, but do something interesting and make it work.
I find it odd that a theater who does mostly musicals is in a space that is not set up for that. A small black box with no room for live musicians? thankfully the singers were strong and overcame the canned tracks and, in some cases, really nailed it. A case in point would be Shelby and Percy’s duet. That rocked.
Sorry. Call me tough but when I see a theater that is supposed to be professonial and boasts some of the performers with which they’re linked, I expect more. It’s called musical THEATER. If you can’t create that part, just do concerts or musical reviews. You’ve obviously got the singers.
Jay Lustig is being kind because he wants to help a small theater with valuable missions of diversity and inclusion and youth outreach. I get it. But he should stick to writing rock critiques.
What a beautiful review, the best kind, and a work of art in itself. True appreciation of the art, and even educates, with images and love. A privilege and joy to read. Thank you so much.
Love your lists – wish I had. made it to more of these – Carlos Villa in particular. Two others in NJ from this year that I appreciated…..I just went to hear Danielle Scott speak about her solo exhibit at Gallery Aferro – Ancestral Call. And at Hunterdon Museum of Art there was an amazing ceramic show Dish Oriented by Maxwell Mustardo, and also in the large gallery Rina Banerjee: Blemish, In Deep Pink Everyplace Begins. Keep up your good work, we appreciate it!
Get back to your own sound
Don’t follow lead put it back together or it’s curtains the media has spoken brother get outside comfort zone make music dont copy make your own or stay at home
It’s too bad you don’t venture south of Monmouth County. If you had come to Ocean County you would have discovered Surflight Theatre, putting excellence onstage night after night, show after show. New Jersey has 21 counties, and you only visit about half of them. This is the top 15 productions in the northern half of New Jersey.
When they said sit down, I stood up. Me too, Bruce. I graduated high school in NJ in 1972. We paid Bruce to play there shortly before this record was released. It was transformative.
Saw her last evening in Tonawanda (Riviera Theatre).
Excellent production, great band very talented group, Suzanne voice is very good and she plays the piano extremely well. Enjoyed the show with my wife and neighbour. Drove down from Welland. The Riviera is a grand old theatre that was perfect for the venue
First set was mostly Tapestry songs and the second set was even better. It was more energized and focussed on old hits she co-wrote with Gerry Goffin.
Sax player was a real virtuoso – great solos / guitarist was also really good as were the drummer and base player.
All in all we would go again, thrilled at the end to hear they are a Canadian band.
It can be fun watching an actor chew up the scenery and spit out the bits while the rest of the cast just stands around and gawks, but that can feel more of an impersonation (whether the character is fictional or based on real life) more than some embodiment of soul. Aronofsky, in particular, seems to get so taken with a performance, or by one of his own ideas, that the drop-off in attention paid to other elements is palpable, and there’s something of a stunt or showing off in his films.
It’s not as if a strong surrounding cast and a compelling script and direction distracts or detracts from a truly great performance. Colin Farrell’s turn in “The Banshees of Inisherin” is grounded in his playing with and off Brendan Gleeson and Kerry Condon, in particular, and by the quality of McDonagh’s writing. Another example is Cate Blanchett, in the earlier, “Blue Jasmine”. Her performance would be great in isolation, or even in poor company, but it’s more memorable because of what surrounds her.
Thanks for commenting, Mark. Excellent point, re Aronofsky, whose films often feature extraordinary performances — Ellen Burstyn in “Requiem for a Dream,” Natalie Portman in “Black Swan” — but also run the risk of going off the rails completely (“The Fountain,” “Noah,” “Mother!”).
Yeah, pretty much. My feelings about SD are basically the polar opposite of his. I started thinking about the different albums and thought, since I’ve done this kind thing for other artists and know SD’s albums well, it would be really easy for me to put together.
It’s Valentine Day and I have played “In My Life” over and over. You see I am a three-time widow and it was while living with my third husband that I finally understood the second verse.
I just stumbled on this info about the Myddle Class. I could just cry 😢. I’m so happy that garage music is still alive and well. I had a 20 page list of 60s bands that I loved 😍. May all of us rock on 🤘 forever.
Great article! I love Fran and I was also born and raised in Morristown. Fran you are brilliant!!! Keep speaking and touring for as long as you can…and when you get tired…QUIT!
I find it appalling that this reviewer gives the director of this production credit for the progressive artistic choices of Da Ponte and Mozart. Don Giovanni has always been dragged down to hell at the end of this opera for his sins. He was never pardoned by anyone. Since it’s premiere in the late 1700’s it’s been a cautionary tale against Giovanni’s womanizing ways.
I was there. My parents also at didn’t let me go. I took my big guy friend. General admission and the cops on horseback let us run in groups of 50 to the entrance. Everyone was afraid because of Cincinnati. They were brave, we all were.
Hey Chuck! Harvey has a recording of “Seven Decisions” on his Soundcloud, although it’s his violin solos against a digital midi orchestra: https://soundcloud.com/williamharveycomposer
Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt and other band members weren’t “clowning around like silly kids,” they were paying homage to The Three Stooges and it was awesome!
I saw this , and this critic is completely wrong. He misses the point. The story is not a bio of Mary Shelley. It is a fantasy about what inspired her to write her masterpiece, Frankenstein. About the creative process and how that might come to be. Not some regurgitation of her life. This critic, as usual, wants a play to conform to his idea about what he thinks a play should be rather then what he’s watching and what the author is attempting to do. Also, as a side note, his tendency to describe actors physically, is very John Simon like and should not be tolerated. BTW, the acting and direction are terrific.
I am the playwright who wrote “Shelley.” I never represented that I was telling the actual story of how Mary came to write Frankenstein. I took facts about her life and Percy’s life and imagined what might have been the genesis of her nightmare at Villa Diodati. That I don’t adhere to the “facts” of her life is a given. I researched their lives for seven years. It sounds like you pulled your facts from Wikipedia rather than doing any deep research. But aside from that, you have repeatedly faulted our plays because of the physical appearance of our actors and I simply can not tolerate that kind of criticism. You did it in Machinal, you did it in Bunnies. Sorry, Mr. Testa, but criticizing our Percy for being too burly is beyond the pale and should never, ever be a part of a critique. The same goes for your outrage that we cast a redhead as Mary. What on earth are you there to critique? The physical appearance of the characters? The “facts” that you threw together about their lives? This was a work of the imagination, a work of art that asks the audience not to follow the actual paths of these amazing peoples’ lives (there are at least 5 versions of almost every event in Mary’s life) but to look at the play as a “What if?” To dive into the creative process (which you completely missed) and to offer a possible way that she realized she was capable of writing a nightmare.
I saw the play on Friday and I loved it. I don’t understand why Shelley needed to be portrayed in one way. In Gothic he is homosexual and in Haunted Summer he and Mary have an almost perfect relationship and she sleeps with Byron. It’s such a beautiful play and I loved the story within the story. All the regrets and all the memories, It was beautiful b/c I’m old now too and live on memories. Your review is so unforgiving. Hudson Theatre Works doesn’t have enough money to have rotating stages and quick changes. Why don’t you understand their financial limits? It’s like you’re blaming them for working within their limits.Mean.
One of my favorite theatre companies in the New York area is Hudson Theatre Works. Coming from Connecticut, I don’t always “like” their work but they always manage to challenge the audience and ask them to make up their own minds.
I am happy to report that (they are actually in an old school building in Weehawken, NJ) that their latest is provocative and challenging.
“Shelley”, by Joanne Hoersch, is a radiant take on how the creation of a work of art is a torture, a bliss, a collaboration of memory, experience and courage, that takes us by the hand with its framing character, 78 year old Claire Clairmont, who, in her youth, was part of a ménage à trois with the Romantic poet Percy Shelley and more importantly for this story, his wife and Claire’s stepsister, Mary Shelley. She invites us to “come, share these memories with me.”
We follow them from their high spirited escape from Mary’s overbearing father to what they envision is a liberated France where women have the right, as Percy says, “to choose whom they will marry or even if they will marry.”
What they discover is a far cry from what they expected; France is a desolate land pillaged by years of revolution, The Terror and now the Napoleonic Wars. They meet one man, scarred, mutilated by the wars, one eye bulging from a smashed bone, his arms telling the history of attacks by both the Jacobins and Napoleon’s army. Claire is repulsed by the man’s appearance while Mary is haunted by him.
And so begins Mary’s journey towards creating what will become one of the most influential novels ever written; Frankenstein.
The play cleverly and poignantly inserts the group’s experiences with hallucinatory drugs, an experiment with reanimation (it was believed at this time that applying electrical current to a dead person could bring the person back to life), open marriage, radical politics, as well as a beautifully rendered story of a young duchess who was sent to the guillotine.
Mary’s rich imagination runs in parallel to the harsh realities of her life. Rather than witnessing the electrical spark of life, we witness the spark of creativity, the struggle to find the artist’s voice, as well as the fear but also the excitement of jumping into the void to write something that has never been written before. Claire, the least talented but most life affirming character in the play, tells us in her final monologue that “I read some of my poetry to Percy, and briefly looked up at him. I could tell how ordinary he thought I was and it delighted him “ She freely admits that Percy and Mary’s names will never be lost to history, but hers will. Yet, she stands as the lone survivor, the only one left who knows what the true, not the mythic content of their lives actually was.
Ryan Natalino brings a passionate commitment to the role of Mary, pushing her life forward towards something she knows is there, yet still unreachable. BC Miller as Claire is a delight, sexually brave, light hearted with an impeccable sense of comic timing and an important counterpoint to Mary’s intellectualism. Daniel Melchiorre’s Percy is, despite his radical views, an aristocrat, and Mr. Melchiorre expertly navigates the tightrope between what Percy believes and what Percy is. Todd Hilsee as Mary’s father, William Godwin, lets us feel the weight he carries of having once been famous and relevant and now reduced to poverty and dependency. His disgust with Percy is a thinly veiled jealousy of Percy’s standing in the world, which enhances the enmity between them. And Joanne Guarnnacia, as the older version of Claire, reliably keeps a strong hold on the narrative until her final monologue, which brought me to tears. Frank Licato’s direction, as always, is precise and spare. And, as usual, he always gets wonderful performances from the actors. The set and lighting by Gregory Erbach is evocative, as are the costumes by Ann Lowe and the sound/music by Donald Stark.
Hi
My name is Ayanna Slacum from the New Brunswick Cultural Center and the Arts Institute of Middlesex County. I would like to know how can I get my events on your site?
I could not agree more, Kathryn. Hearty Har is horrible horrible horrible. No way in hell they could have gotten anywhere near the prestigeous iconic Radio City stage if they were’nt riding on the coattails of their famous father. What a waste of my time and money. I did not appreciate John Fogerty forcing his no-talent sons on his loyal fans.
I know it’s easy to judge but I am perplexed by both the tix price situation Jon & Bruce’s comments about the prices & how much he is now worth, I can’t help but sense money has changed things & it’s hard to accept. I see Bruce in a very different light.
it’s worth pointing out for the superfans that *going grey* and *in sickness and in flames* are very different albums. *going grey* is the one that’s smoothed out and full of synth textures. *in sickness* has a poppy side, too, but it’s much more stormy — when i think of that album, i think of guitar driven emo-pop tracks like leaf pile and new song d. *you are who you hang out with* is somewhere between those two albums, but honestly, it’s closer to *sickness*. the drumming is super.
this band has always reminded me of frightened rabbit, and the new one *really* reminds me of frightened rabbit. especially paris and batman. those two would have made scott hutchinson smile. and i don’t think that the occasional use of vocal processing is a stab at mainstream acceptance. mainstream records don’t sound like that anymore. and acceptance isn’t really what the front bottoms are about. it’s just a change in the emotional weather.
Such an interesting profile on the theater! I’ve been a couple times and you can feel the solid workmanship put into it. Scott Hart is a great MC and host, always front-and-center. I had no idea about Ms. Sieminski, I’ll make sure to look for her on my next visit!
This song is actually about my mother JoAnn. My dad was the president of the Dion fan Club and was friends with Dion. So, Dion wrote this song for my mom and bobby is my little brother in the song. There is no jenny but it fit the verse.
Hi my name is Anthony Givens member of the singing group The Givens Family. We had the great pleasure of working with Tony Camelo he produced and wrote a few songs for us in the early 80s. The can be found on youtube. This was a great peace.
I recently had the opportunity to
visit the Ballentine Mansion after its closure for renovations, and I
am compelled to share my deep disappointment regarding the recent
changes made to the exhibition.
As a passionate enthusiast of historical architecture and
period-specific displays, I must express my dismay at the inclusion of
modern art pieces within the mansion. The juxtaposition of
contemporary works alongside the carefully preserved historical
ambiance of the mansion has, unfortunately, diminished the immersive
experience I had come to expect.
My specific concern lies in the inappropriate placement of non-period
pieces, particularly in the bedroom and dining room areas. These
spaces, once meticulously curated to transport visitors back to the
Gilded Age, now seem disrupted by the insertion of pieces that neither
complement nor reflect the historical context.
If the intention was to make a statement or showcase the
African-American experience during the Gilded Age in Newark, I would
suggest a more deliberate approach. Perhaps dedicating an entire room
to this theme would not only do justice to the historical narrative
but also provide visitors with a more enriching and enjoyable
experience.
The addition of non-historical pieces in critical rooms, notably the
bedroom and dining room, is particularly distressing. These spaces,
traditionally reserved for showcasing the lifestyle and culture of the
era, have lost their authenticity and historical accuracy.
I urge you to reconsider the current arrangement and return to a more
historically faithful curation, allowing visitors to fully appreciate
the opulence and nuances of the Gilded Age without distraction. I
believe this adjustment would not only preserve the integrity of the
Ballentine Mansion but also enhance the overall visitor experience.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that, as a
curator dedicated to the preservation of history and cultural
heritage, you will carefully consider the impact of these changes on
the museum’s mission
My cousin Kathy and I attended the September 13th 1975 Allman Brothers show. My car wouldn’t start after the show so we spent the midnight hours at a diner across rt. 440 sipping coffee until the following morning when we were able to start it.
My car, a 1979 Triumph TR6 was very temperamental and wouldn’t start below a certain temperature. Of course that night was quite cold for September.
Wow, this article brought back a great memory.
I’ve always interpreted the song as a man reassuring his, at least in the moment, insecure lover that she is his priority and he loves her. At the same time he is being real with her and standing up for those that came before her. Each serious relationship had and has meaning that does not detract from the current relationship, and in fact likely allows it to be what it is because of how these past relationships make us who we are today.
Not sure you’re write about that. Setlist.fm has an entry for them (though it’s just one song). And I found this photo online that’s labeled as drummer Jeff Porcaro performing with Seals & Croft at Roosevelt Stadium in 1974. https://x.com/barneyhurley1/status/1642605248177905666?s=20
You might notice that the CSNY show on August 8, 1974 coincided with the speech where Richard Nixon resigned from the presidency. We all knew that Nixon had scheduled a speech that night, and David Crosby kept disappearing off-stage between songs so that he would be ready to announce the resignation as soon as it became official.
When I sat at the Vault last night to see Wingspan, I could close my eyes and actually hear Paul McCartney singing right in front of me. Graham and the band were absolutely FAB. I’ve only been going to shows at the Vault (Beatles mostly and a couple of others) for a couple of years and I am never let down. I am so very happy to find out about this place, where I can sit back and adore my Beatles just like back in the day. Kudos to Graham and the band and everyone else involved with this. I will definitly be back for many shows to come. Very groovy, baby !!!!
The seats are first come, first served. In the case of your mom, I don’t know if it would be possible to get a reserved seat for her beforehand. I recommend you call the Garden State Arts Foundation at (732) 442-9200 or email them at Communications@gsafoundation.org. Good luck!
I don’t know — I work for NJArts.net, not the Garden State Arts Foundation — but I would guess because they don’t have any upcoming events scheduled at the moment.
I was at the art center ,I had lawn seats .They didn’t open the gates to venue until 4.40 0m concert had a 5 pm start,because they waited for a weather update. I always love outdoor concerts .the sound was horrible. Some where load,some where way low.
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Congrats, Jay! Best of luck.
Good luck, Jay.
I had the pleasure of seeing “Wittenberg” Sunday night and heartily concur with this favorable review. One of my favorite silly lines went “The Dane’s pain is mainly in the brain.”
Jay, wishing you the very best with your new venture. Nobody in Jersey knows music and the arts like you. You’ve been a seasoned music veteran for over 25 years. Here is a toast to you for the next 25 years!
Congratulations Jay! It looks great!
Looks pretty great so far Jay. Congratulations on your exciting new venture! Looking forward to seeing NJArts.net grow with you.
Well done Jay! Wishing you the very best of luck with this new endeavor.
There may be no one in the state better qualified to do this than you, Jay. I’m rooting for all the support you need to make yours THE go-to site for arts in New Jersey!
All the best Jay :)
Already added to my Feedly! Best of success. ________________
Scott Sheldon
The Sanctuary Concerts
240 Southern Boulevard
Chatham, NJ
http://www.sanctuaryconcerts.org
9.20 JANIS IAN
10.18 GARY WRIGHT “Dreamweaver” Memoir Tour
11.9 ARLO GUTHRIE
12.7 DAR WILLIAMS “Honesty Room” Performance
4.25 JAMES KEELAGHAN, ARCHIE FISHER, and JEZ LOWE “Men At Words”
I wish you all success in your post-Ledger venture.
Congratulations, Jay! Your story about “cover bands” you wrote years ago which included my Frank Zappa tribute big band was one of the most thoughtful and flattering reviews I ever received. I always read and enjoyed your work!
congratulations. An undertaking long overdue and well worth the energy. I wish you much success. Can you entice Michael Redmond and Valerie Sudol to join your effort? :-)
Thanks for the shout-out, Philip! As much as I’m cheering Jay on, I don’t see much role for me at NJARTS.net, as earlier this year we moved to Delaware and so I’m no longer involved in any meaningful way with New Jersey’s cultural life. I don’t think one covers an arts scene authentically from a distance — you gotta be there, it’s a physical thing, a people thing, a face-time thing. But I’ll be reading this site faithfully. All best, in all ways! /mr/
Hey Jay! You are the man to do this! You’re the expert about NJ arts, and our greatest supporter! Good luck!
Glad to see you continue the work that you know and love best. Please keep up the great job you’ve always done, and again, thanks for the wonderful articles you have written both about myself and many other talented Jersey artists. You are always on top of the NJ arts and will encourage others to support you also.
Congrats, Jay! You’ve hit the ground running. I’ve long respected your work and am eager to see what you do next.
Excellent! Please include Robert Johnson! We need him desperately!
Congrats, Jay! Thank God someone of stature is still writing about the arts in New Jersey.
Jay. Day 1 looks great. I can’t wait to see what’s next. This fills a huge need. Best, Saul
What will the role of arts in higher education be in this web site? Will professional artists who happen to be faculty in institutions of higher education be relegated to the “non-professional” category and therefore not previewed or reviewed by the web-based press? Will professional guest artists from national and international locations be ignored because they have been commissioned by institutions of higher education? Inquiring minds want to know…
“What will the role of arts in higher education be in this web site?” — I’m not really planning to cover that. “Will professional artists who happen to be faculty in institutions of higher education be relegated to the “non-professional” category and therefore not previewed or reviewed by the web-based press?” — I’m open to writing about such artists. Am not looking to relegate anyone. “Will professional guest artists from national and international locations be ignored because they have been commissioned by institutions of higher education?” — No
Bravo, Jay! SO happy to see this; looking forward to reading and sharing.
Wishing you all good things on the project.
We’ll never forget, though, Nellie’s answer to Ted Chapin’s question about whether she plans to do any more acting. “Only in real life,” she replied. BTW, I seem to recall a mention from the stage that the air dates for these specials will be in January.
It was an amazing experience, Bravo!
This design is spectacular! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Another fine entry in the Institute’s Dance Symposium Series! If you want to see amazing dance performances up close and personal, rather than from the 25th row in some huge theater, you’ve got to check this series out!
My suggestion: Steve Forbert’s “Strange Names (North New Jersey’s Got ‘Em)” from his album “Strange Names & New Sensations”
Believe it or not was already planning that as tomorrow’s post!
I believe it! :-)
John Gorka’s “I’m From New Jersey” is another great one!
Jay, kudos for writing exactly what I thought when I read the lyrics to the five proposed state songs in the morning paper: None of them, especially the treacly, badly-rhymed Red Mascara song, could be sung without cringing. Although I can’t imagine “got no time for the corner boys” being recited in public-school classrooms, I have to think that a competition, attracting talented professional songwriters, would produce something subtle, powerful, and inspiring.
I saw the opening ion Sunday. The second half of the show totally DRAGS.
The Can-Can numbers themselves are both in the first half and the main number stopped the show with a near two minute standing ovation.
The writer of this article may not like this but here is what should happen.
People wanted ANOTHER Can-Can number put in. That’s how good these dancers are.
Put the major Cancan and the final act (where it should be) and Patti Coloumbo should featured a Can-Can near the second half where soloists or twosomes should get a opportunity to show their skills. There are many Can-Can moves Ms. Colombo could still use.
Repetitious? This is why this production is at Paper Mill. To work it out.
Save that standing ovation for at the end of the show. That when yu remember those things…when people are leaving with smiles on their faces.
There were people leaving before the end, and you don’t want that. Not at an opening, too.
If it stays like it is, it will open on Broadway but it will maybe stay open for three months.
Cole Porter and Abe Burrows memories deserve better.
Just for the record–the underwear is cute and sexy as those the costumes!
Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
Have you done Palisades Park by Freddy Cannon yet? That’s a nice one to turn folks onto. Also, (I Wanna) Testify by The Parliaments, and anything by The Misfits. Hope the sight is a smashing success for you, Jay
: )
No, but I’m sure I’ll get to those. Thanks, Bob.
“Midnight Train to Georgia” is a well-traveled song, written in Los Angeles by Jim Weatherly, recorded by New Jersey’s Cissy Houston in 1973, then covered shortly after by Gladys Knight and the Pips in a Grammy-winning recording whose instrumental tracks were laid down in New Jersey by arranger-producer (and Somerville native) Tony Camillo. The instrumental track was then sent to Detroit where Knight and the Pips recorded the vocals.
Thanks Steve, I didn’t know that. Hope all is well….
Haunting shades of the “microbrewery” era. The biggest flaw I see here is charging $10 for the shows. One of the great things about the real Maxwell’s was the low ticket prices: Up until the very end you could see top national and international indie acts for $10 (a quick look at my old stubs shows that even in the last month, Screaming Females, Paul Collins’ Beat, and the Fleshtones were all $10 tix.) If they’re bringing in no-name acts, keep it cheap or pass the hat.
Elise Testone is not a no-name act…
Well, to be fair there were plenty of big acts that had $20-$25 covers at Maxwell’s in the past. Admittedly I don’t know who this Elise Testone is but if she’s associated with American Idol and has a fanbase, $10 is not all that outrageous. I am hopeful that the local band nights will be as fun as they were in the past and will expand to more than one night a month. But it is a start and I’m not getting the old “brew-pub” vibe from these guys at all.
There are hundred of original musicial acts in the tri-state area which are always better and preferable to Eric Clapton cover bands, even preferable to Clapton himself.
Baby steps I suppose, but a Clapton tribute band? Ewww.
They ruined the back room, stripped it of it’s soul and history.it ‘s a TV yuppie place now. Is there even a stage? I saw the pix on Fb. It was a heartbreak to see.They turned NJ’s premiere rock club into a haughty taughty bland soulless white box for pizza munching yuppies that know nothing about music culture. SHAME On THEM!
I loved Maxwell’s the way it was, the way it was supposed to be.
Yuppie this. Yuppie that. You have such hate and anger in that dark, dead heart of yours.
Obviously My heart is alive and well , which is the reason why I loved the way it was . My criticism is well thought out and formed from 30 plus years of experiencing the venue. I’m talking about love for Rock and Roll culture. You want me to look bad ,your reply is trying to FOX news Spin it like I don’t know what I’m talking about. Obviously I now what I’m talking about, I’m talking about love.
Not sure who Elise is, but glad music is coming back.
Sad thing is, is rock and blues is not what the Hoboken Resident is looking for these days as their music of choice.
After plenty of Hoboken music studies, it’s singer/songwriter & indie music that is on top.
Not sure if Maxwells “Tavern” did their research but hope they did…. Would love for it to stick around.
Who conducted these studies? Where can I read them?
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/ss/ss_Live_at_WFMU_on_the_Cherry_Blossom_Clinic_10262000/Hoboken_Sucks_1945
OUCH !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mARNZAuWf9Q
Saved as a favorite, I like your blog!
i grew up a few blocks from maxwells and went to shows there from when i was 13 until the day it closed. the new owners turned maxwells into an applebees. went once and i had to leave out of disgust.
Jay, thanks for helping to spread the Rent Party gospel! And I look forward to meeting you at our new venue …
When you write “Below is The Smithereens’ “Unplugged” version of “Behind the Wall of Sleep” — one of their signature tunes, from their 1986 debut album, “Especially for You” — with Parker handling lead vocals.” do you mean under my monitor? Because there sure isn’t any video on this page anywhere.
Sorry, I’m not sure what happened, but it is there now. Thanks for letting me know.
I’ts great to hear about the album. Where can I get it? I’m very proud of you.
Ordering info at theporchistas.com
” here’s one you probably haven’t heard before “=really? well if you are into music, this man is certainly a hero to many. super song writer and one that puts movies in your head. best nj musician hands down.
No disrespect was intended. The reality is, though, that most people coming across this post would not have heard the song before.
Here is a song that I wrote and recorded. It was used to make this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=racpaplQHcg
Dave Kleiner is a NJ treasure. I vote for “Stuck Inside New Jersey”.
here’s a suggestion. the artist is Chris Rockwell. song is Lavalette Business District. it’s about the small shore towns in the off season. hope you enjoy! =) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=echkGuUp2_A
Thanks. Will check it out.
May I suggest a song from a band called The Delevante’s. Two brothers who originally hailed from Rutherford, NJ and were also in a band called Who’s Your Daddy and played quite a bit in Hoboken. I believe they now reside in Nashville. The song that comes to mind is called “It’s A Living”. The first verse goes: Cold and dark out here on Route 3, Wind from the tunnel traffic cutting through me, Halfway through this graveyard shift, Laying hot tar on the Berry’s Creek bridge. The song is from their CD “Long About That Time”. Thanks and take care, Matt Sadecki
Thanks, that’s a good suggestion. I remember The Delevantes; wrote about them a few times, I guess back in the ’90s.
Hi, Joe..loved your Larry Doby exhibit. I will definitely come to town to see your photos. Great luck with the showing. Hope all is well.
Hey Joe…Long time and many suns and moons since the last time we shared a concert at the Capital. It looks like your happy and doing something you really love. Lots of luck and hope your family is well!
Catch any trout lately? I would love some of that meat bread!
Be well. I’ll be in NJ for a couple of days around Thanksgiving and if I have a chance I would like to stop by.
Nice to see chat with you at The Rent Party show
Thanks, Ed, good to see you too.
This list HAS to include John Gorka’s “I’m From New Jersey.” Great selections so far!
Yes, absolutely.
heidi winzinger nj song writer belongs in the 350 songs
In 100 percent agreement with everything that was said. Absolutely the best jazz station I’ve heard. So happy to have become a member and financial supporter.
Great article!! WBGO has been my university of Jazz, my family and my source of deepest comfort. As a physics graduate student at Rutgers in the late 80’s and early 90’s , I listened to you guys all the time and learned about the music and became a life long jazz fan. Apart from the ‘holy trinity’ mentioned above, my dearest, hippest jazz professor was Mike Anderson, Dr. Bop himself! His overnight program ‘Music for the Serious Set’ was the source of inspiration for countless overnight study sessions as I worked my way through all the crazily challenging problems that are the rite of passage in the training of a physicist. The parallels with the practice that is required of a jazz musician before he or she emerges and blows our minds with a delightful performance was very apparent to me and kept me on track. Mike introduced me to Abbey Lincoln’s music and reminded us listeners how lucky we were to be alive in a place close enough to hear her live at New York’s Fat Tuesday’s and later at The Vanguard. Those performances are unbelievably special experiences that I cherish each day of my life.
At WBGO my husband and I felt that we had found our community- our lives were run by the Jazz Calendar- and the point mentioned by Mr. McBride about the truth of this music was something that you brought to us everyday.
When we left the US to return to India in ’94, the biggest component of the luggage we shipped home was our jazz collection- lps and CDs- and they kept us going until the internet arrived and let us renew that umbilical connection to WBGO again!
So from a pair of old time fans across the globe, thank you for the music!
With love and deepest gratitude to the triumvirate, Dr. Bop (where is he??!!) Ms Kirk and all other wonderful BGO people whose names we don’t know,
Lekha Nair and Nalin Pant
Aloha Jay,
I think we met one time at a Springsteen concert that I attended with our mutual friend Wally Stroby during one of my visits back to my home state. I would suggest that you need to include a song by NJ icon Uncle Floyd. If I could, I would recommend his song “Deep In The Heart of Jersey” which is available on his out of print “The Uncle Floyd Show” soundtrack released on vinyl. I have converted my vinyl copy to digital if you need a copy.
Yes, absolutely, I will be getting to that one. Here’s a video of him doing it at Capitol Theatre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heMk1orhchc
life is a marathon thank u east river pipe
Great list. Never heard the Patty Griffin version of Stolen Car. Really great. I have to include one of my own:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVL5hrs8lJc
Good one! I would have included but I didn’t want to include two of the same song, and I like the Nicole Atkins one a little better.
It’s haunting. A really different take than the version Bruce does.
Your evidence is compelling … I’m convinced. “Rock Around the Clock” is a Jersey song. Hooray!
If I should behind is one of my favorite Springsteen songs. This one by Catie Curtis is pretty good.
One of mine too. So simple and perfect.
Very good list, some of which are new to me.
Also off that Dead Man’s Town disk, I really like Holly Williams’ No Surrender (she’s the granddaughter of Hank, Jr. too.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZga5ozv4uA
Also version of Save Your Love by the young NJ duo of Nalani & Sarina is really good.
http://www.backstreets.com/Assets/Audio/NalaniSarina_SaveMyLove.mp3
My vote would go to someone not mentioned in the article, Mary Chapin Carpenter, who’s covered Springsteen in live shows a number of times
Check out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l2dFhlaIRk
for a sublime version of Dancing In The Dark, and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBY7bnIxbWc
for a version of My Love Will Not Let You Down that smokes!
Where’s Patti Smith doing Because the Night? One of my favorites! Check it out.
Good question. I didn’t include that because she co-wrote it, so it’s really a collaboration, not a cover.
Have to say Amy MacDonald’s take on Dancing in the Dark is way, way better than Nicole Atkins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQGmyOgnXsQ
I also like and would include Ani DeFranco’s “Used Cars” and Jen Chapin’s “Born in the USA.” I love what DiFranco does with the “they can kiss our asses goodbye ” line in “Used Cars”. Chapin’s version of “Born in the USA” captures the heartbreak of this song in a minimalist, unique and haunting way. And yes, Nicole Atkin’s cover of “Dancing in the Dark” finally gets this one right as does Peter Yorn. I don’t know whether Springsteen has ever done a slower version of “Dancing in the Dark” but that would be worth hearing.
Y’all need some Canadian content on this list. These are both awesome – Kathleen Edwards’ “Human Touch” and Ruth Moody (of the Wailin’ Jennys)’s “Dancing in the Dark”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH8M5yeMdl4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJbRLHh3j_8
Thanks, Stu. I like the fun Ruth Moody has with the throwaway line, “Hey Baby.” line in this song.
I love Sleater Kinney’s version of “Promised Land”. I think they captured the raw urgency of the song. Almost a Punk version of the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm1Q7QVCp4k
(how about that harmonica solo!!!)
They also covered “PL” with Eddie Vedder…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Cof7Ors7z8
Love Eddie, but I prefer the version with just Sleater Kinney.
Bruce did record “Protection”, but it’s never been released. It’s available on bootlegs and here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMIs8Y23mBc
Someone took Bruce’s version and Donna Summer’s version and created a “duet” of the two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlvVHGItBwo
Maria McKee does a wonderful version of Backstreets saying:”And god bless Bruce Springsteen” at the end of the song!(Live Acoustic Tour 2006)
Cowboy Junkies (Margo Timmins) Thunder Road (onesoulnow) and Brothers Under The Bridge (Early 21st century Blues)
Suzi Quatro did Born to run
You’re only missing two of the best — Serena Ryder’s “Racing in the Street” and Chrissie Hynde’s “Nebraska” — and if the Pointer Sister’s “Fire” can be called a cover, since it was the first recorded version of that song released, then Patty Smyth’s “Because the Night” ought to be in the mix. Come to think of it, Natalie Merchant did a pretty good job on that one too.
Patti Smith also co-wrote “Because the Night.” That’s why I don’t consider it a cover
I’d be curious to ask Myers his thguohts as well, since he worked at the Rosemont for a while. I read that Springsteen has done this before, routinely breaking venue curfews, and even costing a promoter an additional $50,000 once. I think there was hubris involved, when you ignore someone signaling from the wings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0gyRXbg7X8
Badlands cover from a great italian songwriter: bruce’s songs can be fast and furious or sweet like the different versions of thunder road
I’ve done a follow-up post, compiling videos of all these good suggestions: http://www.njarts.net/?p=6213
Jay, what about Melissa Etheridge covering Born to Run at the Kennedy Center Honors? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP7RQdVZKBY
That’s in part 1: http://www.njarts.net/pop-rock/springsteen-covered-by-women-the-best-of-the-best/
Are you familiar with the Porchistas The PBR Song? https://theporchistas.bandcamp.com/track/the-pbr-song
It’s a story about The Porchistas Alan’s uncle who was a career criminal and it’s about the old PBR Brewery in Newark, NJ. Its my favorite Porchistas song! it should be in your top 350 jersey songs!
Thanks, Gail, good idea!
Awesome list.
The first time I heard a stripped down version of Dancing though was Lelia Broussard….I know there is a lot of Dancing in the Dark on the list but give it a listen….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0elkc8lnIZE
Maybe Helen Schneider’s “Hearts of Stone” qualifies for part 3?
http://youtu.be/suTLLHbZgT4
I loved both Serena Ryder and Emmylou’s version of Racing In The Streets. It was mentioned that Emmylou did several Bruce covers over the years. I would be interested in knowing of the others. I’m a huge Emmylou fan and I’m not familiar with every Bruce Springsteen song out there (so many…).
She’s done “The Price You Pay,” “Tougher Than the Rest,” “Across the Border,” “Mansion on the Hill,” possibly others as well.
I’ve always enjoyed this cover of ‘Meeting Across The River’ by Syd Straw, in fact I think it’s brilliant. She manages to deliver her own unique, haunting, and soulful interpretation.
Sara Bareilles, I’m on Fire speaks for itself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhysu3peJek&list=RDlhysu3peJek
Aloha Jay, I would like to recommend a couple of other great Springsteen covers done by women. Lucy Wainwright Roche and Martha Plimpton paired to cover “Hungry Heart” on Roche’s ep “8 More”, and Linda Ronstadt and Emmy Lou Harris did a great cover of “Across The Border” on their joint album “Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions.” Check them out.
Patty Griffin. Very few can do Bruce!
I submit “You Can’t Get There from Here in Jersey,” for 350 Jersey songs, which I had written for NPR’s Car Talk. Click and Clack later aired it and included it on a best of Car Talk music compilation. That’s John Raido backing me up on harmonica. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OfI4qm7sHA
Very nice, thanks. Will definitely include and let you know when it’s up. – Jay
is electric butter or any of your harp cd on cd
Yes, it’s available on CD. More info here: http://robpaparozzi.com/
Jay had Always has been and continues to be be the best arts source in NJ
Wildwood days. Bobby Rydell
You Can’t Catch Me. chuck Berry
Union City Blue. Blondie
Palisades Park
I’m From NJ. John Gorka
God is FRom NJ. Seamus Kennedy
Never. Going Back. Less than Jake
Thanks for the suggestion. Have done “Union City Blue” today: http://www.njarts.net/350-jersey-songs/union-city-blue-blondie/. Will probably get to most of the other ones at some point as well.
The world famous Power Stations Studios, originally in Manhattan are now located in South Florida and many great artists of genres from pop, rock, rap and commercial music are actively working in our studios. The same award-winning sound and state-of-the-art studio equipment and design in intact. Our top engineers and musicians are still associated with Tony Bongiovi’s facility. Reach us at http://www.powerstationstudios.com
another great cover is amy ray’s version of “racing in the street”, has not been released officially yet, but lives on in this terrific bootleg video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR0bqtarZQY
Visited NJARTS for the first time today and was delighted to find Mike Sinatra’s song “Jersey Bound” (one of my favorites) as the New Jersey song of the day.
I saw Mike a few times 20-25 years ago and really enjoyed his performances (even got 2 cassettes which I’ve continued to play) but, despite my being very active in the folk scene, have not come across him since. Plan to contact him (via web address your site provided) and get info about any upcoming gigs, so thanks (and I signed up for your newsletter).
That’s great, thanks!
Hi Lois, You could check out my facebook page Mike Sinatra the Songman and My Youtube channel songmansinatra120 also feel ree to friend request me on facebook, nice to hear from you.
She should have won the Grammy. This song is OUTSTANDING. The whole album is. Linda is a mega talent.
Girls Show feb 7, 2015
I have several friend that would love to see the film! We didn’t know about the date until last night! Will you be showing the film at another time? Bonnie Minery and myself have children who graduated from Rutgers and would also like to see the film!
Thank you so much, Diann
I don’t know if there are any other showings but there is a web site through which you can stay updated: ThisIsGirlsShow.com – Jay
Nice recap but you left a few out…
1985 – Nominated for album of the year with Born in the USA and loses to Lionel Ritchie’s ‘Can’t Slow Down’
1985 – Nominated for Record of the Year (Dancing in the Dark),and loses to Tina Turner “What’s Love Got to Do With It
I included all wins but not all nominations.
Great list as a tramp fanatic especially with ANYTHING The River era funny that the album dropped in October 1980 but the title track is not nominated until 1982? I guess since so late in 1980 it counts for 1981 nominations and those are the ones that were announced as winners in 1982? Please clarify. On a side note until he paid it the ultimate respect by calling his 2015-16 World Tour The River 2016 Tour n did the entire album for the whole U.S opening leg, until then I always felt he didn’t give the album it’s due respect. Getting lost as the end of the trilogy of albums that started with Born to Run. Having received a Grammy nomination adds weight to The River album itself. Wish it would be brought up more pretty much everyone thinks his first nominations weren’t til the Album of the Year loss for USA album. The one thing that has eluded him n the Mighty ESB. Way overdue if not for albums #3, 4, 5, USA, The Rising and 2012’s Wrecking Ball them when? Lol, I mean how many albums must he drop to get that one. Even the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has their usual if u dropped 3 classic albums u get in, policy.
Records released late in the year are not eligible until the following year. So the 1982 Grammys would have covered albums released from something like the last three months of 1980 and first nine months of 1981 (I’m not sure what the exact cutoff date was, but obviously “The River was released after it). The awards ceremony was in early 1982.
I am wondering why this doesn’t technically qualify as a work of art – what’s a guy got to do?
he was good for this era, especially post-911. It will never play in a few years as the political deadlock fever will have to break at some point, leading to other avenues of comedy and parody.
Another great post-Sandy song that raised money for the cause. Lee wrote it based on personal experience and what his family members at the Shore endured. The story behind the song is on this site too.
http://leescotthoward.bandcamp.com/
Another Amy MacDonald cover to consider…BTR….(several versions on youtube..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK-_Ruahtjg
This show was snowed out and is now rescheduled for 3/7/15 at 4:30pm! Same venue in Millburn…
Jay:
Did you ask if he was recording the shows?
I didn’t, and probably should have. I’d assume they would, though, to give them the option to release later if they want to
He teased us with a hint that there’s material for a new Jukes album ready. Any idea when it will be released? It would be great to have it for summer.
Sorry but I really don’t know. My guess would be fall, though, since they haven’t even started recording yet. But I guess summer is possible as well.
Do you think Bruce will stop by Saturday night? Is he even in town?
I honestly don’t know the answer to either question. I’m sure it will be a great show either way.
great interview…im gonna look up that band tuff darts…who are they?
Correction – that’s Saturday’s setlist.
Right, will correct, thanks
You’re welcome!
One minor correction. Southside didn’t have a ringside seat while Scooter and Big Man were busting the city in half — he was doing a lot of busting too.
I would línea to personally thank John and the banda for 2 great nights of spectacular Music. I have seen many many jukes shows, and i think these were 2 of the best ever. Also , i am humbled by all the positive compliments and accolades i received from those in attendance about the Music i provided pre and post show. I give my best to the best fans in the World! Thanks for your participation….see youse all soon! Gahbless! Rock on!
Great to see you in your customary spot again, Lee. Your song selections helped make the night(s) complete.
“Ole Toms River” by Gar Francis or “Down at The Ocean Gate”
RSVP for Saturday’s show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/308060586071967/
I remember “Rolling Mills” well. Hadn’t thought of it in years until I saw it today.
Song suggestion, that’s not about NJ….it’s about Texas (and about Thelma!)….but it was recorded in Camden: Blue Yodel (T For Texas), by Jimmy Rodgers
That’s a great idea. Thanks, Bob!
:-)
Thanks for the suggestion. Have posted: http://www.njarts.net/?p=9537
Surely Cowboy Junkies doing “You”re Missing”
Great blurb. Nebraska is, by far, my favorite Springsteen album. A great song that always reminds me of New Jersey, especially when I’m not there, is “Lightning Strikes a Raindrop” by Accidental Seabirds. The lyrics take you all around the country, but ultimately sings about the band’s hometown Lakewood, NJ and ruminates on “three little skeleton sisters all nervously laughing,” referencing Lake Carasaljo, supposedly named for three girls who drowned there long ago.
Also I can’t fail to mention “Come On Down To Waretown” by Pete Curry.
Thanks, I’ll check those out
I have been a fan of Jay’s writings on Rock and Roll and Music for years but now with NJarts.net we have it ALL right on our iPads and computers. Mr. Lustig is one of NJ’s top notch assets to the arts. Here’s to many more years and as they said in the 60’s “Write On!,-)”
Keep up the good work !
Please consider adding The Critters to your list – one of Jersey’s great 60’s groups. “Younger Girl” and “Mr. Dieingly Sad” were fairly big hits, and the latter is still played on oldie stations nationwide.
ringo is more of an installation rather than an induction….never on the ballot as a solo artist, and rightfully so, never seriously considered as a sideman tho he guested on a few albums, this is a travesty that reeks almost as bad as ahmet inducting his brother neshui….this was for tv rartings when paul said he would induct ringo and a lot of friends would show up and jam…higher ratings = more $$$ and sponsorships
From the time my daughter was an infant, I’d sing this to her (in a low register because I’m a baritone and to give it a calming effect) to help calm her crying. Then one night when she was 2, it was playing on the car stereo and she was rocking in her car seat. And she said “That’s my favorite song!” as it was fading out. #JerseyGirl
Hi Jay,
I’m a long time reader and fan of your stuff.
I’m sure you already thought of them, but we MUST have at least one Beaver Brown song, maybe Boardwalk Angel (or Tender Years).
Also what about something by Kinderhook? I went with a group of guys to see them EVERY Sunday at the Beach House in Point Pleasant during the summer of 1978.
Beaver Brown – definitely.
Kinderhook – maybe but you know part of the issue is there needs to be a good YouTube video out there to post along with the item. Let me check on what’s out there.
A lot of Jersey rock and roll history happened in Cleveland thanks to Kid Leo. Southside was royalty there already in the mid 70’s and of the so many noted performance by Bruce had already taken place. Kid Leo’s moniker for SSJ and the Asbury Jukes was “The Bum and his Chums.”
Hey hey….I want to nominate one of our songs from The Coalition which had Muddy Shews, long time bass player from Southside Johnny, and the indefatigable drummer from Wayne: Charlie Tappan….both of these guys played with Dramarama, The Bongos, with Richard Barone and that crew….as well as yours truly Jay Jourden. We played the Ross Perot rallies at Flemington Speedway with Johnny Maestro and the Cavaliers and Coalition banged it down for a few years with Angel Leah from Rock Kandy repute and Eleni Papanou along with Jersey singster legend Kayron from The Black Widow Band and many others, and who passed on way too early. She sang with me for two years. We also did all the Florio Free in ’93 Radio commercials for the Christine Todd Whitman people as well as the hit song before that: “Florio Has Got To Go”. Hey, we weren’t trying to get/be political but we were all hungry and needed $$..!!.. Muddy Shews is on this song with me: Our latest hit: “WORLD FREEDOM SONG (Together We Are One)”. We’re all from Jersey and that hopefully qualifies this song as it relates to some important Jersey artists still bangin’ it down to this day….you cab find an old Coalition picture on my ReverbNation site. Let us know if we make the cut.!!..
I’d consider it but I need a YouTube video to embed
LOL….I forgot to leave the links for the song..!!.. She called me to dinner and rushed me.!!.. Still my bad….not passin’ the buck..lol…
This song “WORLD FREEDOM SONG (Together We Are One)” was recorded at Blig Blue Meenie Studios in Jersey City, and we shot the video at the same time..!!..
This vid and song has Steve “Muddy Shews” Shuchuk, from “Dramarama” and “Southside Johnny”, & “Coalition” as well as Bruce Gatewood another Jersey great artist. There’s also an all star line up with Gerardo Velez from CHIC and Spyro Gyra, Benny Harrison, the Rascals, the great Tony Beard on drums, and blowing it up on lead guitar virtuoso Kristen Capolino..!!..
Here’s the links Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RinKWvFME0A
Free download ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/jayjourdenmysticwaters/song/14526256-world-freedom-song-together-we
Please add us to the list..!!.. Rock on..!!..
hey jay, How about Backroad Joe McKay? He was raised in Secaucus when pig farms were numerous there. He’s a real NJ original! You have to go to the Sonicbids link to hear the songs or I’d be happy to send you a CD.
Thanks,
barbara
I would need to have a YouTube video to embed. I can check if there are any. Were you thinking of any song in particular?
Jay,
Thanks for including John & Beaver Brown. I’m surprised that you never saw them during their heyday,
BTW, Toughh All Over was not on the soundtrack album.
Jim Fitzgerald
Thanks, will change post to correct that.
“Jersey Girls Don’t Pump Gas” by Slim Chance & The Gamblers (… They will be playing it at Danny’s benefit at Bar A this Saturday)
Interesting! For a follow-up, on your 350 NJ songs, how about the wonderful Wizard of Oz medley by NJ mandolin giant, Barry Mitterhoff? Speaking of Oz, it’s interesting that Don’s car breakdown and Pete’s new Lear Jet career were both set in Kansas. I think you’re on to something, Mr. Lustig.
Good point about Kansas. I hadn’t thought about that.
Can’t find a video for Mitterhoff medley but maybe I can find something else by him.
Just found it: It’s from his mid-80’s “Silk City” cd/lp. It’s lovely, and features other NJ musicians, including Danny Weiss, Tony Trischka, and even “I’m From NJ” John Gorka. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuZp7FwdZMI
Barry also wrote a tune, “Silk City”, that’s online and on the cd. (Silk City is a nickname for Paterson, which was a silk manufacturing center.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg_v1uI9rss
There’s also online videos of Barry with the recently-deceased mathematician/fiddler, Tex Logan.
Thanks! Will check those out.
I hope you enjoy them. They are from long before Barry became widely known through his collaborations with Jorma Kaukonen and his membership in Hot Tuna.
There is a Toto, has everyone forgotten Chauncey?
hi rich…we are from new jersey. we are recording a rock and roll record. we are calling ourselves THE ROCKERS. how or where do we send you our music? maybe you will help jump start us, who knows?
Rich can be emailed at russo@undergroundgarage.com
Diana being described as a tornado seemed to suggest a wizard of oz motif running, too.
Those old enough to remember when 77 WABC was the most-listened to Top-40 radio station east of the Rockies, may recall that in 1967, The Dirdy Birdies Jug Band won the annual Big Break talent hunt, hosted by Cousin Bruce Morrow. The Big Break was the biggest Battle Of The Bands in America. The finals were held at the New York Hilton, the bill included the 10 best amateur bands on the east coast – and headliners, The Blues Magoos. The Dirdy Birdies won the contest with their rendition of “Duncan & Brady”.
This info is not accurate. The Thursday. Ands are at the Parker Press. Not the community center. At least that’s what the advertising posters say. How are people supposed to know where to go?
I meant the Thursday bands….
One of the organizers told me that Thursday location has been changed. It says so here too: http://woodbridgeartsnj.org/free-concerts.html
How about “Demarest” by indie supergroup Grenadine?
The thing is, I need an embeddable Youtube video for each song. There doesn’t seem to be one for “Demarest”
You Can’t Catch Me has always been a favorite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrDoy4LDDCg
Thanks for the suggestion. Have just posted: http://www.njarts.net/?p=14553
I think you’re right, that is (Glassboro State College grad) Robert Hegyes on stage, and if I’m not mistaken, NJ’s favorite deejay Vin Scelsa disguised as the Bayonne Bear.
Scelsa posted on Facebook, saying: “I am relatively sure it is me. But it is New Year’s Eve and I was drinking in those days so I have no actual recollection of this particular moment. It is the BB’s … um … costume … so … and yes, the happy chap dancing with Southside is John Scher.”
Thanks. I didn’t realize that was Scelsa. But I think you’re right. Here’s a mention from Richard Neer’s book: https://books.google.com/books?id=24wr6CsDyC8C&pg=PT253&lpg=PT253&dq=bayonne+bear+vin+scelsa&source=bl&ots=T-pRb5IJm9&sig=r-OY7OEMcVHF5-4-tFXDcMTFTr0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=H_-JVd_2Fsnj-QGZ_4PIAQ&ved=0CEQQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=bayonne%20bear%20vin%20scelsa&f=false
The Bongos’ Richard Barone did a sublime “Cry Baby Cry” on his “chamber rock” milestone COOL BLUE HALO…
Excellent suggestion, thanks
Thanks, Jay. Hope all is well with you and yours. Barbara
The simulcast is awesome! Great job filming, sound is terrific (not too loud or too soft) and watching it in the comfort of the theater is perfect. I lifted some of the arms and laid down during drums! Get out and join us. You’ll see why they chose Trey!
PS – I went to the Rockaway theater.
This list is awesome! Please consider a song recorded by The Andrews Sisters called “Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J.” Thanks.
I’d love to but unfortunately, I can’t find an embeddable video, and I need that to do a post.
I have not so fond memories of the ’72 shows at Roosevelt Stadium. I was working for the promoter that summer. At the July show, the supposedly peaceful Deadheads decided that music should be free and began throwing all sorts of objects at the security guys out front. It was the only time in my concert-working history that I took off my staff t-shirt before heading to my car at the end of the night because I feared for my safety.
By the time the September show rolled around, security was ready. Extra hands were hired including an ex-Israeli commando, and a huge guy who sported a bullwhip. As you might imagine, things were much more peaceful.
I am not in any way suggesting that all Dead fans are violent. Sometimes a handful of bad actors make everyone look bad.
Here is another song about the Pine Barrens you might enjoy, and, this is the song that was featured on CNN’s “Anthony Bourdain-Parts Unknown-NEW JERSEY”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CFR09h0xPg
Thanks!
Suggest “AztecEagle” from my CD Tragedy.Mystery.Hope
Thanks
It was an absolutely fantastic weekend that you should not miss next year!
Incredibly affordable ticket & top notch music!
Small correction. Max’s appearance with the Weeklings was not at Summer Stage. It was at the Asbury Park July 4th festivities in Bradley Park.
No, it was definitely at Stone Pony Summer Stage, July 3. Unless there was another appearance, too, the next day in Bradley Park. Were you there in Bradley Park?
The NJ music scene of the last 30+ years owes a lot to Jim, who is also a good Rutgers man. Glad you chose it!
I think it’s a reaction to Bruce and Jimmy Fallon’s extraordinary move of parodying “Born to Run” together in response to Bridgegate. The gloves were off at that point. Bruce and Bon Jovi are both firmly in the Democrat column, but Bon Jovi hasn’t (yet) parodied his most beloved song to call Christie out on his shenanigans.
I don’t think Bon Jovi would. His relationship with Christie seems much more personal. They’re actually friends, I think. Bruce has kept his distance much more. He and Christie did have one cordial exchange, post-Sandy, but I really think that’s about it.
If Bon Jovi puts up a YouTube video singing “Livin’ on a Prayer (of Finally Taking a Leak)” Christie will be without a Jersey rock symbol.
There’s always 1910 Fruitgum Company.
Co-headliner? Not. The marquee at the Hollywood Bowl made it very clear – Steely Dan is the headliner, Elvis Costello is the “Special Guest” (in much smaller font).
Good point, thanks. Have changed.
Awesomesauce! I had been hoping for the Wellmont, but this is even more personal! I’ve got a gig in Collingswood that day, but may have to make sure I get to MHS that night!
Went to school with Joe’s younger brother at MHS and am a rabid Eagles fan! Must be there!!
Guess, Walk away was the first of Joe Walsh for Lee. Vietnam left me stone cold, Alcohol , and other substances , were claiming me. But we kept following Joe , Live , county fairs.. you’ll pardon the pun.. Every album and band he pulled together.. Guess you could say, the ( Fidler ) saved his fan base, and unknowingly led us to higher ground… Speaking for Or gang… We’ve been clean & Sober for along time now, Service to others, without strings or obligation, Is how we live Today… Between Clapton, Walsh, Etc. Music has and Is saving people everyday…. We could go on, But we’ve got about 4534 of us Rock Grace wanna be’s.. Living very well because thanks to Mr. Walsh..
Robert Johnson has been following Indian dance since the early 1990’s, with a keen eye and a sensitivity for dynamics and palette of emotion and color. This insightful article whets the appetite for Ms. Joglekar’s performance and all of the wonderful dance that is coming up at the Drive East, Battery Dance and Erasing Borders Festivals! The Tri-State area is no longer a back-water when it comes to the fabulous dances of the Subcontinent.
“Carousel Season” by The Deafening Colors! The whole album is about growing up in Atlantic City and Ocean City and it just came out three weeks ago!
I am so very excited to hear this fantastic news. I love the STRAND and see great things for it’s future with new producing artistic Director, Anthony D’ Amato. Looking forward to many of the events.
I would also like to extend an invitation for Mr. D’ Amato to be a special guest on my live talk radio show “RYAN ROCKS IT ASBURY PARK STYLE”.
Hello to my good friends Lori and Fran. I will be in touch.
Peace, Nancy :-)
Neat! We had a little fun over at NJ1015.com with “Born to Run” — including some references to “Night.” We figured out just how long it would take to run to all of the N.J. places mentioned on “Born to Run” http://nj1015.com/how-long-would-it-take-to-actually-run-born-to-run-map/
This essay is just like its subject matter: concise and perfect! Thanks for the on-point analysis of a song that always gets the motor going.
Thanks! Very nice to hear.
Awesome analysis! Such a wonderful day to be sharing so many creative souls who are enjoying their decades long conversation (as Bruce says) with Bruce.
There is at least one cover version of this song, recorded by Graziano Romani. A slower, acoustic, brooding, pounding, emotional, take. Worth seeking out. Included on Graz’s album (a Bruce cover compilation) titled “Soul Crusader”.
I’ve always loved this song. And loved how it opens the New Year’s Eve show (1980) in Long Island. Wonderful article and analysis. You are so spot on, with all of this, but in particular with your analysis of the sad and free” lyric. Great piece!
You could include Thursday’s War All the Time…they’re from NJ and the song mentions a bunch of places in NJ.
Less Than Jake has a song called 24 Hours in Paramus and a song called Never Going Back to New Jersey….the drummer (I believe) is originally from NJ
350: Land of Hope and Dreams; Springsteen & E-Street Band
How about Freddie Cannon Palisades Park
Have already done that one: http://www.njarts.net/350-jersey-songs/palisades-park-freddy-boom-boom-cannon/
Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band
Did it already: http://www.njarts.net/350-jersey-songs/born-to-run-bruce-springsteen-the-e-street-band/
There are half a dozen Bruce songs not yet on the list, not just BTR, but Thunder Road, The River. his versions of Sandy and Jersey Girl; Independence Day, half of the Nebraska album; Spirit in the Night, Bloodbrothers, E St Shuffle, Local Hero just to name a few with clear Jersey connections. My Hometown is my pick for the last one though.
But what’s your beef with Fountains of Wayne? Only one song from one of the Jersey-est bands of all. I love the Smithereens but Fountains of Way e shojld have as many as they do.
Well, I have far more Bruce on there than anybody else, but I couldn’t fit it all. “Jersey Girl” is actually on there already (a live version), plus “My Hometown” (the Neil Young version) and of course “Sandy” (the Ben E. King version). I decided not to include multiple versions of the same songs, and to include covers rather than Bruce’s versions in some cases, just for variety.
There are actually three Fountains of Wayne songs on there: “Bright Future in Sales” and “Song of the Passaic” plus the Katy Perry version of “Hackensack” (again, for variety, and because it’s actually pretty good).
I can’t wait for my soultime to arrive waiting patiently for uncle south and the jukes
My copy will arrive in a few days i hope. Looking forard to play it loud, and a lot. And i hope to see the whole bunch on stage in the Netherlands some day again. It’s been way too long…. to be honest a year is already too long, or a month…. :-D
We have ordered the new CD and are awaiting it’s arrival. We are looking forward to the Niagara Falls show in October and hoping for some shows in Ontario Canada in 2016.
Please consider DaVido and the LiBeatos’ song “Shore House”. If so, I’d be happy to send an updated video. I think it captures summer in New Jersey perfectly. I’d be happy to discuss what inspired it.
https://youtu.be/DNlYuYg1Qio
Thanks but honestly I’ve only got a few songs left in the series at this point and have songs picked out for all of them.
Great song Mike! Love listening to your music!
thanks Sue!
Not just saying this because he is my uncle, he is vry talented and this is his absolute passion. He has been doing this for quite some time and if you actually sit and listen he covers songs better than the original artist. You could tell he loves what he does just from watching/ listen to him play!!
Thanks Gina! that was really sweet.
His guitar playing is superb and flawless. A pleasure to listen to
This is awesome and should be burnt to discs :) I’d buy’em!
i was a good freind if bills up here in maine and anywhere he played up here , at a small country fair or at a big venue it was packed. pepole from jersy, tennesse, were up. as for the list i would say all of them , but mine would be something for everybody but “when you love somebody” should be dedicaed to terry he wrote the song for her, bill was knowed as the ledged of the north country, and he is and we will never forget him, his son william is going to be the next big thing in a few years he has talent from dad and his grand father the late dick curless…..
Jay…wonderful review of the show and wedding. I was glad to be there !
Rosemary
It is a very good collection of cover songs by the author. The author came up with a great combination by selecting each song different singer. And also these songs were coming from a very long time. It might be a tough task to accumulate such a collection by him.
What a pity! WNTI was a bastion of new music in Northwest New Jersey. They often played and spinned local artists in all genres! So sorry to see this station go. Huge thanks to Mel, Bob, Stew, Jeff, Dan and everyone else over there that brought so much new music to my ears. Thanks too for the spins!!!!!!!!!!!! sorry to see it go!
This station helped open my eyes to so many talented bands and musicians I would have never known about. I feel privileged to have grown up with it and am so sad for those who will only have mainstream media to guide them. I’m glad it’s NPR and not something vapid.
I was just informed by a friend of mine Dennis D’Amico, musician/producer/playwright (his play “Marilee And Baby Lamb” – debuts 10/13-18 in Las Cruces, NM) who lives in Andover, a last ggodbye inclusive memorial service is taking place at the Centenary College this Friday. The all-volunteer DJs, area residents and sponsor businesses in Warren County are surprised that the selling of WNTI was “unannounced” by the college’s administration until yesterday. No one was given any notice whatsoever. The memorial service will take place this Friday, the 9th at 7 AM.
Please note that there are efforts to move the station to an online configuration -wnti.org
Join the WNTI memorial service and let everyone know how much WNTI meant to the community. The college has every right to sell the station but not letting anyone know is just plain not fair – it’s a shock.
I can’t believe it RIP wnti there will never be another like you
BIG CORP has won again
Sad day
Rich
I am in shock, upset and gobsmacked. What the hell? I will deeply miss all those I made friends with at WNTI, all the amazing music & concerts. I just want to yell at someone & tell me it’s NOT TRUE.
Watterson says “Centenary College has sold their broadcasting license to NPR,” but this must be incorrect. NPR does not own broadcast licenses or stations.
So unfair for everyone who were listeners and the dj’s. My husband and I looked forward to the weekends listening to wnti and when we drove anywhere in the car. We were always disappointed when we drove out of range of the station. The radio will never be the same unless you all get together and start another station somewhere else if that’s possible. I’ll be listening for that to happen hopefully! We will really miss your station. So sad!!?
The way Centenary College handled this is appalling. What a kick in the A$$ to all the dedicated DJs, listeners, donors and sponsors. An almost impossible to find breath of fresh air on the radio has been polluted and killed. The music will never die but finding a platform like WNTI will be very hard to find again.
Check out wprb Princeton 103.3 fm
Damn!! That was the best station on the radio, they played so many great types of music. So sad
RIP. Wnti
I’m heartbroken. This can’t be true. While we were living in NJ; we couldn’t wait for Mike Watterson’s Dogbites show on Saturday morning. This was my son, Steve’s first experience at great variations of the best rock in roll. Good luck, Mike !
Dear God, please give us back 91.9 wnti, you can have 99.9 the Hawk.
How cool is this? Park Ridge was an awesome place to grow up (I lived on Greenbrook Pl., around the corner from Villa Ct.) and I applaud the Roche/Wainwright families for doing this upcoming performance for such a worthy cause!
This was more than a radio station to this area of NJ. It obvious that some people in Centenary’s administration do not know how many positive vibes came the schools way because of this station and its on air personalities. Saying this, I did always wonder why more college students were not incorporated into on air slots.
THIS IS SO WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS. SCREWING THE DJS WITHOUT NOTICE AND THE LISTENING PUBLIC WHO ARE SO DEDICATED TO WNTI. LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE IN THIS COUNTRY I SUPPOSE IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY ONCE MORE. IT TRULY IS THE ONLY RADIO STATION I LISTEN TO. I GUESS NOT ANYMORE. I WOULD LOVE TO HURL A BUNCH OF EPITHETS AT THOSE WHO MADE THIS DECISION.
Are you kidding me???? What a shame to end a great station.
What a shame that WNTI is no longer the great radio station I’ve been listening to for over 20 years. I turned it on yesterday for about 15 minutes and the music was terrible. Went to another station and tried again to hear something good on WNTI and then learned the station was sold and our great DJ’s and music are gone. I will not listen to this radio station again.
She is terrible and egoistic person !
ALL the years of great listening along with intelligent caring staff gone? Just like that? Say it ain’t so Centenary?
Hearing about John Lennon’s Murder is about the closest emotion that I can think of after learning of WNTI. Another void in life….I will miss them greatly.
I haven’t listened to another radio station in the car in over 10 years. Why treat a group of dedicated employees like disposable POS?
Where do I tune mow?I will miss all of you very much I hope you all continue to working in the field for music and make other locations/ people like me happy. again I’ll miss you all and I will aways keep you all in my mind. God bless you all. 91.9 FUCKEN ROCKED!
Jay, thank you for this beautiful assist in getting word out about my “mission.” :-) Rosemary
I have had many emotional blows over the last several months including the simultaneous death of my beloved German Shepherd and my radio station in the same week. My radios have been tuned to this station for about 18 years now. My old fashioned under-counter kitchen radio is known to friends and family alike as perpetually being in broadcast mode. I don’t care what is playing, I listen. I am barely over the departure of dear Al Monroe. This is just too much. I too have been unable to tolerate the station since the change. Terrible. Just terrible.
This is truly a sad day for NJ music lovers. Those in the western part of our state will be left without place to listen to their favorite music, learn about new music and enjoy a musical “home.” Not only does the public lose a curated music experience by knowledgeable taste-makers, but artists lose outlets for music that is considered out of the mainstream by the “moneymakers”. We all lose by having less diversity, less choices and less listening to artists who are emerging as new and vital voices in the world of “adult alternative” music. Less is not more. It is less.
Consolidation of media. Never good.
After my distain for those responsible and their cowardly methods , I thought of all the dedicated personnel (mel, et al.), then selfishly of myself. What the hell is to become of one of the last best festivals left in the northeast ?
Wxpn is a great station, but there is only one WNTI.
John Kennedy, of Kennedy Event Services, has long supported WNTI and has worked closely with the station DJs and PD for years. John approached Centenary College about presenting a 91-minute “Remembering WNTI” concert in the college’s parking lot. The college gave their approval and on Friday, Oct. 30th a show to give WNTI a proper send-off with the listeners and station personnel included. Details are not yet announced but almost all of the DJs will participate and Kennedy has enlisted his buddy Pat DiNizio/Smithereens front man to perform.
As talent is locked in and concert time posted, a news release will be forthcoming.
First off, XPN is a good station that plays similar music to that which has brought so much joy to WNTI listeners over the years. Consider trying it after you get over the outrage of this mess.
That said, WNTI was (can’t believe I’m saying “was”) a wonderfully unique oasis of a radio station that will be missed.
I am forever grateful to Melanie in particular who welcomed me with open arms on my three co-host stints with her, especially the first one that was a little rough on my end to say the least.
Remember folks, WNTI was where great music lived, but the station as we knew it lives in our great memories of it.
Question is, how did the sale occur without any opportunity for public input. CPB requires open meetings, and the FCC website posts info on pending transfers. Neither happened in this case.
Here is the Oct. 12 Centenary press release. They seem to view the FCC approval (which hasn’t taken place yet) as a technicality that they don’t anticipate having any trouble with.
Public Radio Station WNTI/Hackettstown, NJ is purchased by Philadelphia public radio station WXPN
PHILADELPHIA & HACKETTSTOWN, NEW JERSEY (OCTOBER 12, 2015): Today Centenary College of Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Philadelphia public radio station WXPN 88.5, owned by the University of Pennsylvania, jointly announced a sales agreement and transfer of ownership for the broadcasting license of WNTI 91.9 FM, the public radio station owned by Centenary College, to WXPN. WXPN’s award-winning music programming will be broadcast on WNTI starting at noon ET on Thursday, October 15.
“We are pleased to reach this agreement with WXPN, which preserves a strong voice for great music in our region and opens new horizons for the WNTI community and for Centenary College,” Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, President of Centenary College. “WXPN brings exceptional resources and expertise in public radio and a deep commitment to serving the needs of listeners and supporting local artists. Centenary will continue to operate its own Internet radio station at WNTI.org to enhance our curriculum and involve students and community volunteers in programming. Centenary students will also be afforded opportunities to intern at WXPN at the University of Pennsylvania. We intend to reinvest the proceeds from the license sale in building Centenary’s academic offerings, to support student recruitment and retention and fuel Centenary’s role as an economic engine in Warren County, New Jersey.”
Roger LaMay, WXPN General Manager, said, “WXPN was approached with notification of the proposed sale of WNTI. Although we were not looking to purchase another radio station, we quickly realized that WXPN was the best option to preserve WNTI’s long tradition of musical discovery for listeners in Northern New Jersey and Northeastern Pennsylvania. We will extend WXPN’s demonstrated commitment to local artists, music and events in the communities we currently serve to the WNTI community, and will apply our deep experience in public music radio management to strengthen its overall operations. In the long term, we expect this transaction to benefit our artists and audiences, and strengthen WXPN’s financial sustainability.”
WXPN produces NPR’s most popular program of popular music, World Cafe, which was heard on WNTI twice daily and will remain part of its music programming.
The Public Service Operating Agreement will start at noon ET on Thursday, October 15, 2015. WXPN programming will begin at 91.9 FM at that time. After the filing, FCC approval is expected to take 60 to 120 days.
Sale price is $1,250,000 in cash and another $500,000 in underwriting value over 10 years. Public Media Company represented WXPN/University of Pennsylvania throughout the transaction. Centenary College was represented by Patrick Communications.
I would like to thank centinary college for being so short sided. I always thought you were a horrible institution to begin with, but to sell you music station. That is an all time low. It’s great to tune in now and here Philadelphia news and traffic reports. Not sure who I dispise more Philadelphia or centinary college.
Got my Soultime cd very cool love it, But disappointed there are no liner notes at all
Just track listing and running times
Thats B.S. for years I’ve listened, contributed,and attended many events and functions that benefitted local businesses, sponsors, charities, and centenary college themselves. I wonder when then town of hackettstown will weigh in on all this. This is such a disservice to the people, the town, businesses, sponsors, and all supporters of this great station. How long will it take before the asses that made this move feel the repercussions of this? Do they realize that all of their advertising for the school is gone? I can’t say for sure but, you can bet the person behind this is a lazy, self-centered S.O.B. . To not show the respect to the DJ’s , supporters, sponsors, and businesses of this and supporting towns is reprehensible ! I hope who ever was involved eventually gets fired from that college. Another thing, I hate Philadelphia! I don’t what to know what’s going on down there or where the hot spots are. I will undoubtedly miss Mel, my dawn bird, Mike W, from dog bites, cable man Dan, the ten o’clock hour with Trevor, and or course Spider with my daily dose of dead and Zappa ! And I don’t like David Dye cause he’s probably has something to do with it. I’m. Taking 91.9 off my presets and I’m writing a nasty letter to Centanary’s president. I suggest that if you read this you shoul too! F.U. Centenary!
I heard from quite a few people that both nights were great. Congrats to Joe G and the band for rocking The Shore.
The Electric Flag should be in the R&RHOF, they were great
We have made it our business to attend this benefit concert for many years. It is always a wonderful event. The media and people in general have to… put politely a short memory. The problems in Hati will be there for many years this concert raises awareness and funds for this very worthy cause. It also has a tendency to sell out so get your tickets now.
I was at a Bruce “Show” in 2009 I think in Mansfield MA, it used to be called “Great Woods”. I screamed out “Lets Road House” and lo and behold Bruce and the E-Street Band broke out in “Ramrod”!!!!!!!!! I was so pumped and as always a great, great SHOW!!!!!!!!!
Exactly!!!!!!
Go baby go
While the festival was certainly nice, there have been many over the past 15 years that were equal if not better.
Hey, that’s MY marquee art–and my name is spelled Schumer! :) http://www.arlenschumer.com/springsteen/capitol-theater.html
Thanks, have corrected and added link to your page.
Came back from a 2-week absence and couldn’t find the radio station I have listened to every day for years! I figured I must be doing something wrong because I couldn’t even imagine it was gone.
The new station is okay, but Centenary College’s radio station served Northwest NJ and Northeast PA. I don’t need to know about the weather or traffic in Philadelphia. Also, who will promote and advise of the wonderful artists and music events in our area. Seems to me the new station is all about Philly.
PLEASE BRING OUR STATION HOME WHERE IT BELONGS!
Carol L. Lozito,
“Painter for the Endangered Species” tm
rest in peace Andy… thank you for the music!
WNTI was the only station I could listen to on FM that could compete with satellite radio. Thanks alot. I found out it was gone when I switched on the channel on a Sunday morning, the best radio anywhere on a Sunday.
There’s also a WhyHunger benefit TODAY (Sat.) at 6:00 PM, Doors 5:00, in Ringwood at Live @ Drew’s featuring Montclair’s Zara Phillips, British songwriter Adam Masterson, and Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan. Info:
Drew@faresquaremusic.com
For Immediate Release
December 3, 2015
The Joe Cocker Mad Dogs & Englishmen
Memory Book
by Linda Wolf
Go back in time and remember through over 150 never before seen photos from the archives of internationally recognized photographer, Linda Wolf. Get into the personal stories and memories of the legendary musicians in this book, through intimate photos and quotes with the alumni, Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, Rita Coolidge, Claudia Lennear, Chris Stainton,Bobby Jones, Bobby Torres, Bobby Keys, Pamela Polland, Daniel & Matthew Moore, Jim Keltner, Jim Price, Sandy Konikoff, the band, singers, girlfriends, wives, children, and furry friends.
Bainbridge Island, WA.
Just released: The Joe Cocker Mad Dogs & Englishmen Memory Book by official photographer, Linda Wolf. JCMD&E is considered one of the top 10 all-time rock n’roll tours. Linda traveled with the band from the first rehearsals at A&M Studio’s soundstage in April, 1970 through the summer after the Tour ended. She amassed over 4,000 B&W 35mm negatives, which have never been published. This book is a labor of love, created specifically for the 2015 Lockn’ Festival’s exclusive tribute concert to Joe Cocker and Mad Dogs & Englishmen, hosted and curated by Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi and featuring the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Leon Russell, members of the famed original Tour, and special guests. The tribute/reunion concert took place on September 11, 2015, in Arrington, Virginia. The JCMD&E Memory Book contains 64 pages, is softbound, 8.5 x 11, 4-color B&W, and is for sale on Linda’s website.
To Contact Linda Wolf: Email: lwp@lindawolf.net
To order the JCMD&E Memory Book: http://www.lindawolf.net (merch)
Encomiums for the Book:
“Linda Wolf looks in places the rest of us miss. Her work is like the spaces between the letters, between the words, that give a sentence it’s meaning. The photos she took of this historic tour in 1970 makes me long for a rawness and spontaneity that seems missing from the overly commoditized music industry of today. ”— Peter Himmelman, Big Muse Media
“It’s not just that her photos are iconic. They are so real. Linda Wolf has a way of capturing the essence of the Center of a moment. What else is there to do? You are There. Here. I love stepping into her frame … there is nothing else. So simple, she makes it look easy. Thank you Linda, from us all.” — June Millington, Fanny
“Linda Wolf’s photographs wondrously captured the zeitgeist of Joe Cocker, Mad Dog’s & Englishmen. She captured a pivotal time and space of one of the most influential rock and roll singers and bands of all time. It’s an extraordinary insiders perspective.” – Doyle Bramhall II
For more information about the original 1970 Tour, album and documentary movie: http://tinyurl.com/nwhs3k6
For Linda’s bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Wolf
For more information about the 2015 Tribute Concert: http://tinyurl.com/za95yfb
To request photo files for PR: lwp@lindawolf.net
A hardcore fan here and I can’t wait !!! I love Bruce Springsteen, and all his albums.
I don’t care what Bruce plays, it’s all good….So excited……….I love the man…..
I’m still going to try for all 3 NY/NJ shows. I’d doubt that the shows are going to be identical.
Yes I’m sure there will be a lot of variety in the non-“River” material but that’s only about one third of show
I am a Jersey girl, and have been waiting a long time to see Bruce. I have always thought of him as a local treasure, even when he went onto become the phenomenon, that he did.
Just the opening bars of his music and I am back home riding the circuit.It just sounds like home. Love our Boss.
From a life long fan and Neptune NJ Girl. See ya in Sunrise.
Spot on with this write-up, I really feel this site needs a
lot more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!
man, i love these guys.
i hear you about the videos.
Fifth year of seeing this “Nutcracker” and it was the most brilliant ever! Such joy and sweetness. Will never attend any other company’s performance…especially given the accompaniment by the NJ Symphony Orchestra.
Thank you for that final comment especially, Robert.
So, let me get this right, Springsteen is not an oldies act because he is performing a 35 year old double album in it’s entirety on this tour? What?!
Oldies acts don’t perform entire albums. They perform just the hits.
Brilliant Disguise actually peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart…not #16.
Thanks, have corrected.
I think you have Better Days and Brilliant Disguise mixed up.
Better Days was a double A side single with Human Touch — this reached #16 (although Better Days didn’t receive much airplay nationally). Better Days was a hit thanks to the airplay that Human Touch received.
So…swap the chart positions for Better Days and Brilliant Disguise and we’re good to go.
Thanks, have corrected. I abbreviated both as BD while doing my calculations and inadvertently mixed them up!
Sabermetrics and Bruce…..Who coulda known?
Garden State Stomp — Dave Van Ronk
Have already included in series:
http://www.njarts.net/350-jersey-songs/350-jersey-songs-garden-state-stomp-dave-van-ronk/
“I’m From New Jersey” by John Gorka
Got that too: http://www.njarts.net/350-jersey-songs/im-from-new-jersey-john-gorka/
Palisades Park, Wildwood Days Jersey Girl
All done. Here’s the complete list, alphabetized by artist: http://www.njarts.net/350-jersey-songs-listed-alphabetically/
Saves The Day – Sometimes, New Jersey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgCG4fWBufI
Queen latifah- jersey from the New Jersey drive soundtrack
Done already: http://www.njarts.net/350-jersey-songs/jersey-queen-latifah/
Have any Good Rats in there…
John Eddie did a great version of Suffragette City in Asbury Park in 1986. It was an outdoor concert that was broadcast live on WNEW-FM. Southside Johnny and Bricklin also performed. You can find it here:
http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/12/john-eddie-suffragette-city2.html
Thanks! Too bad there’s no video but I have embedded audio.
1986… long before everyone carried around their own personal video recording device. :)
My husband, me and our two boys would watch the Uncle Floyd show every night Monday thru Friday just before r after dinner. It was hilarious; we’d be rolling on the floor!!!
I lived there in 1983! Seen Edgar Winter there!
Jesus Christ, this sounds like the last thing the world needs.
Why does the article assume the ideal candidate is female? “lives her life on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat,” “counts her smartphone as her most important possession” and “enjoys nightlife and being a personality herself.” I’m sure the male hosts on Extra and Entertainment Tonight would take issue with that.
Those aren’t my assumptions. Those phrases are taken directly from the job posting.
Is this the same person who used to be featured in those commercials for cable service a few years ago? You know, the one who’s on the go and doing all of those wonderful things?
I saw the Off Broadway production–excellent play and much less dark than LaBute’s best known work.
I would like to get on your mailing list for seniors ..free tickets!!
Thank you,
Mary Novak
392C Picardy Court
Lakewood, NJ 08701
PLS send me some free tickets for seniors. Pls. put me on your mailing list for seniors.
My address is: 392C Picardy Court Lakewood, NJ 08701
Here’s some info about that from their web site:
How can you attend a performance?
The daytime performances are FREE to seniors. In order to obtain tickets, you must be on the mailing list. To be placed on the mailing list, you must be 55 years of age or older and send proof of age to:
Garden State Arts Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 5013
Woodbridge, NJ 07095-5013
If you do not have a ticket, you may enter the theater at 1 pm on the day of the show, but will not be guaranteed a seat. Please come prepared with a lawn chair and sun block.
For additional information, please call us at (732) 442-9200 Monday through Friday 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
Thanks Jay.
Loved the review,, loved the show. Peter Yarrow is a national treasure.
Although I only saw the Off Broadway version, this is a very accurate review of this funny, surprising, touching play.
Unless Bruce and the band have a time machine, last night’s show was at The Wells Fargo Center, not The Spectrum.
Thanks, will correct
But back in 2009, it was at the Spectrum that Bruce named him ‘the Philly Elvis’, so the article is correct. Whoever responded did mot read the article carefully enough.
No, responder was correct. Article was wrong at first but has since been corrected.
Hi Nicole,
I hope this message gets to you. I just heard your rendition of Bowie’s Heroes on the Spectrum. Not only were your vocals amazing but it brought tears to my eyes.
My sister has been battling cancer for past two years. After having the disease at bay for the past half year, we learned Thursday its back with little hope. Losing my sister is going to be just unfathomable and overwhelming.
Thank you for your song…again your voice was amazing and reached my broken heart. ?
Am very sorry to hear about your sister, Joe. Will try to get this message to Nicole.
best radio on planet. gone !
Great job in all aspects
great post tnx
Every morning I wake up to WNTI, and since last Fall, I almost always become irritated with it. Quite simply, I miss Mel, and the “old NTI”. I was so happy when I first found WNTI a few years ago when I moved to Riegelsville, PA. Particularly Melody in Morning. Her program was crafted, personal, different, varied…just plain cool. It reminded me a bit of WSAN (AM) from Allentown and WMMR from many years ago (certainly not today). Mel talked WITH you in the mornings. She played an eclectic mix of always interesting music, and if she played something you didn’t like, you could call and tell her, and she would play something you did. It felt local, friendly, and inclusive. A great way to wake up.
Now, the WNTI morning program feels corporate, contrived, and something that is broadcast AT me rather than FOR me. Obviously it is simply a mirror of WXPN which I stopped listening to a long time ago for the same reason. The music now is occasionally alright, but it mostly seems to be a prescribed collection of what a bunch of corporate people in some boardroom believe I want to listen to as dictated by the label “Adult Album Alternative” or some other contrived category. It is more harsh, disjointed, over-played, predictable, uninteresting, boring – I don’t know, it is hard to pinpoint, but it is different, and not in a good way. I notice it, and I don’t like it. The two “hosts” of the current morning program (I couldn’t even tell you their names yet after how many months – what does that tell you?) talk to EACH OTHER, and AT me. I find their canned “jokey” bantering irritating. It is nothing against them personally at all. I am sure that they are simply following what they are prescribed to do according to the corporate issued handbook. I feel completely disconnected from them. Mel felt like a neighbor and a friend. I miss her and her wonderful program. One morning she was just GONE. How corporate again! Out with the old, and in with the new. Bam!
So now, I, and I suspect many, many others, are left with another canned station that is indistinguishable from any other “Adult Album Alternative” morning station in any other town/city across the Nation. Sort of like how you always know what you are going to get when you go into a McDonalds anywhere, no matter where. Well, obviously, money talks. WNIT, Where Good Music Lived. I wish I HAD an alternative.
Prob “So on” not “Soon”
Thanks, have fixed
I was there, now I’m making a short film about it. Please enjoy our teaser clip here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1442120331/the-velvet-underground-played-at-my-high-school
Thanks, Tony
Please support us!
I’m there Tony…
Mike Salomone
Wow Jay, much appreciated, thanks! Especially from someone who has always been so respected and incredibly supportive of the arts in NJ. Seems to me you were tuned in today?! Again, many thanks…
Yes, listened on and off this morning.
It even has a surprise ending. Pretty hard not to tear up. Glad it includes Light of Day and Jake too. Light of day is amazing because it is mostly the audience singing.
Those were some pretty good choices but it missed probably the three best Bruce covers by female artists.
Molly Johnson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewZTxT2B1ZM
Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfCS1yXg8gk
Bat For Lashes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhat3oUbNkw
http://jukeboxgraduates.weebly.com/jukebox-graduates.html
Another nice cover is Faith Hill’s “If I Should Fall Behind” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76iNKoRNhV4
how wonderful for you , jay, you are respected and loved in new jersey –
WOW, Jay, this is FABULOUS!!! Thank you SO MUCH for doing it!
I knew when that david die guy from wxpn started yip yapping on 91.9 the end was near. It’s a sad day for college radio. Get used to them begging for money 4x a year because that’s really all they are about. Just don’t pledge ONE RED CENT! Look into where the money goes.
Jay,
I enjoy reading your Springsteen articles and comments.
I misconstrued this at first as a list of the best surprises and then I noticed they were your favorite one’s, so of course it’s personal.
Two of the biggest for me….
Opening the show with Incident On 57th Street at the First Union Center on the closing night of the 6 night run in Philly on the Reunion Tour. First time the song had been pulled out in almost 20 years.
Oh, and since we’re still in Philly….The Price You Pay.
The 10th Avenue moment in ’93 at CAA was the loudest crowd I have ever heard at a Springsteen show, and may be at the top of my surprise list.
My first & biggest Springsteen surprise was November 11, 2010 at Woody’s Roadside Tavern when Bruce showed up to play with TIMEPIECE.
http://youtu.be/-Q0MZJ6jQk8
Second was April 2, 2011 when Bruce showed up for Nicky Addio’s show at the Wonder Bar honoring the Westside music of Asbury Park, NJ. Here’s the playlist of my videos.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9460E6FA5A019F31
Third was July 17, 2011 when Bruce showed up at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park to sing & play with The Sensational Soul Cruisers. Here’s the playlist of my videos.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9A19E917539148A3
Milwaukee 1980, at the end of Crush on You, Bruce said, “Let’s play Midnight Hour”. The band went right into it like they had been rehearsing it all week.
Boy, having seen over 50 shows there have been a lot of surprises. I’ve seen several of your’s Jay, so will leave them out. I tend to lean towards the unusual opener or encore, and it would take me hours to really dive into this, but here are a few:
8-25-78 New Haven Coliseum: Seeing him open with “Good Rockin Tonight”
11-7-27-80 MSG: Seeing him open with “Born to Run”
9-7-84 Hartford Civic Center: Playing “Rave On” in the Encore (Buddy Holly’s BD)
8-1-99 Brenden Byrn Arena: Seeing him open with “Backstreets”
5-8-00 Hartford Civic Center: Opening with “Roulette” and “Honky Tonk Woman” intro to Darlington County
7-1-00 MSG: “Lost in the Flood”
12-13-2002 Pepsi Arena Albany: Final Encore “Around and Around”
8-31-2003 Giants Stadium: Opening with “Cynthia”, killer “Kitty” on first encore
9-22-12 Meadowlands Arena: Just the fact that they went on after the thunderstorm delay was a surprise!
5-13-14 Times Union Arena Albany: Seeing him Open with “Don’t Change”
5-18-14 Mohegan Sun Arena: “Santa Claus” (to the delight of my Daughters) and “Seven Angles”
2-8-16 Times Union Arena Albany: “Detroit Medely” in the Encores
Probably can list a dozen others, but this was fun!
JC
I have been a Springsteen fan ever since I discovered Rock n’ Roll as a young teenager in the early 1980s. As long as I had been a fan, I never had the opportunity to see him live until my 40s and after I had moved to Europe. My wife bought me tickets to his July 31, 2012 show in Helsinki, Finland as a birthday present. Much to my surprise my first Springsteen show turned out to be the longest show of his career, exceeding four hours. I am taking my kids to see him in Denmark this summer and very much looking forward to it.
I think the greatest Bruce surprise performance that I have seen was in April 1977, the so called “Chicken Scratch” tour, when Bruce and the E Streeters stepped in to help support Southside Johnny who had been hospitalized with strep throat. Johnny had four shows scheduled over two nights at the then Carlton Theater in Red Bank, NJ (now the Count Basie Theater). The shows were going to have to be cancelled because of Johnny’s illness, but instead radio and newspaper announcements were made that the shows would go on with the Asbury All-Stars (I still have the hand-painted poster promoting the show that appeared on an easel in the lobby of the theater thanks to a friend who worked there then) standing in for Johnny. The first night it was a mystery as to who the Asbury All-Stars were. But by night two (I had a ticket for the second show that night) word had spread that the night before Bruce and his band had joined forces with the Jukes. The theater vibe was electric before the show started. I had a third row center ticket and when the theater lighting went dark the energy level exploded. The stage lights mistakenly flashed on for a second and imprinted in my memory was the image of all the members of both bands, with Bruce and Steve Van Zandt stage front. The crowd erupted even more. The lights went black again for a few seconds and then came up again as the combined bands launched into the Jukes song “This Time Is For Real.” Steven, who managed the Jukes back in that period and either wrote or co-wrote many of the band’s songs with Bruce) took lead vocals, with Bruce singing the songs that he had written (i.e. The Fever). They went through virtually the entirety of the Jukes’ then two album library, with a mini set in the middle when Ronnie Spector joined them to sing several of the Ronnettes’ hits capped off by a duet with Bruce on his song “You Mean So Much To Me (Baby)” which Johnny and Ronnie had recorded together on the Jukes first album. After coming out for encores and ending with the Jukes show topper, Sam Cooke’s “We’re Having a Party,” the audience lights came up and the roadies started shutting off the amps, usually a sign that the show had ended. It was well after midnight, but a about a third of the crowd remained and moved to the front of the orchestra section of the theater chanting for more. After what seemed 15 minutes of chanting, the roadies came back onto the stage and began turning on the music amps again. The energy in the crowd erupted when Bruce and the E Street Band, accompanied by the Jukes horn section, emerged again on stage and launched into another full set of their own songs, ending finally with the Jackie Wilson classic “Higher and Higher.” Bruce was in the middle of his legal issues with former manager Mike Appel during that period and wasn’t able to record, and played publicly only sporadically, so you could feel the pent up energy that he and the band were releasing. I remember finally leaving the theater at about 2:30 a.m., ears ringing, soaked in sweat, exhausted and thinking to myself “I’ve never seen anything like that before, but I want to do that again.” That was what I consider my first E Street Band show (I’d seen Bruce a number of times pop up on stage with other bands at the Stone Pony and the Fast Lane in Asbury Park, but not with his band of brothers backing him. I was converted that night and have been an avid follower ever since.
I was at the early show that night. After the main show ended, we got an encore of Bruce and the E Street Band doing Thunder Road. I met Bruce in the mid-80s and told him I was at that show. He said, “Oh yeah. That was a classic.”
Ive been fortunate to see so many amazing things when it comes to Bruce, but one night at Cheers in Long Branch my friend Sal and I were there to see Bobby Bandiera and Bruce came in. We said Hi, then left him alone. There weren’t many people at all there and we were sitting at the bar and Bruce and Patti’s Dad were at a booth. Bruce comes walking by my bar stool and I said “Hey Bruce, are you taking off?”, he says, “No, im gonna give Bobby a hand!” so he hops up there with Bobby and they to Mustang Sally and Lucille. Just two songs but that was a big surprise and alot of fun! Ive been fortunate enough to have so many amazing Bruce nights , but that particular one was so much fun!
My most memorable Springsteen moment came in June of 1981 at The Old Waldorf in San Francisco when Bruce crawled across the top of the table right next to me to join Gary U.S. Bonds on stage. There were only about 300 people at the show, and many of us had bought tickets in the hope that Springsteen would make a surprise appearance. The Boss didn’t disappoint as teamed up with Bonds for several songs including Quarter to Three, Jolé Blon and This Little Girl. Having seen Bruce and the band on the first River Tour just a few months earlier, it was an incredible thrill to be a mere five feet away on this unforgettable night.
I was at a Sting show at Madison Square Garden in 1988. The Amnesty tour had been announced but hadn’t started yet. Sting came out for the last encore, where he had always played an acoustic “Message in a Bottle.” Instead, he said, “I want to play a song written by a friend of mine,” and started singing “The River.” Midway through the first verse, Bruce walked out. I think the audience lost their collective minds at once. What a moment.
Also, a few years back April 2008, the Tampa show right after Danny passed away, when they opened with “Backstreets” and the crowd was sobbing from the get go.
Michael Moschen is amazing! I saw him many years ago. It was a thoughful and very entertaining performance…
The first time Tom Morello came out and played Ghost of Tom Joad in Anaheim/2008. So unexpected. So powerful.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5h7d9_springsteen-feat-tom-morello-the-gh_music
The night he called out “Midnight Hour” in Milwaukee 10/14/80 while improvising at the end of Crush on You. Half the band couldn’t believe it. Sorry, no video.
Next year Renaldo and Clara! (there are 16mm copies out there)
Leave it to Bruce to always take the high road!
I wish I had witnessed this and can only hope that more archive material will see release before I am too old to enjoy them. In the meantime I would love to get a copy of this showing.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/edlis.cafe/permalink/1065691290136069/
Other reviews and discussion of the event…
EDLIS Café
http://www.facebook.com/groups/edlis.cafe/
http://www.edlis.org/cafe
Great story about WQXR’s successful initiative to make a difference in a young person’s life and how we can help! Thank you NJ ARTS.NET
Sooo…what bathrooms are they supposed to use..?
If these easy decisions are REALLY SO DIFFICULT I recommend staying home. Sheesh. How about Just pee where you always peed. Quit letting fear inform your life. No one is going to hurt anyone OMG. Take a buddy with you if you seriously feel so “threatened”. ASK A COP TO MAN THE DOOR OUTSIDE THE RESTROOM if the threat is SOOOOO scary. I am sure they would just LOVE that.
I am a heterosexul woman. I have been in the bathroom with transexuals. NEVER A PROBLEM. Honestly, rude stuck-up white Mommys with their unruly children disrupt public restrooms more than anyone.
LIVE AND LET LIVE!!!!!
This was quite simply the biggest load of self indulgent bullshit I have witnessed on a stage for MANY years. God alone knows what this reviewer saw or thought he did. He should be ashamed of promoting such mind numbing, ill conceived, poorly executed and spectacularly BORING (so called) theatre. There was no point of view, it was devoid of anything approaching a narrative thru-line, and it exuded an artistic arrogance that was beyond compare. I hope Miss Chipaumire does the honorable thing and retires from an already overcrowded industry and spares us, a paying audience, any future torment. I am done with Montclair and their misguided, obscure programming – this was my third and last visit there, ever.
My first professional writing gig was at The Aquarian too (before it morphed into East Coast Rocker), writing film and theater features. I got to interview a bunch of b-list movie stars (including a young Harrison Ford and the hilarious Dom DeLuise, the Wizard of Oz’s Ray Bolger, and sex kitten Pia Zadora.) When that fizzled out, I started writing for my best friend’s fanzine, and when that folded, I started my own zine (and kept writing – for free – for other zines with bigger circulations, like The Bob and Matter.) The exposure I received got me noticed and eventually led to freelancing opportunities at places like Request (Sam Goody’s house magazine, and 2nd largest music mag in the country back in the 90’s,) Guitar World, Rolling Stone, and – thanks to Jay – the Star-Ledger, as well as a weekly music column in the Jersey Journal. So my advice to young writers today is to just start publishing yourself, even if it’s online (which is WAY easier than publishing a print fanzine was back in the days before personal computers and hi-quality copiers.)
Yes, it’s much easier to start publishing yourself these days. Not necessarily easier to get paid, though. It cost me virtually nothing to start NJArts.net. A year and a half later, though, I’m still making very little money from it.
Thank you for posting, Jay! I just shared this with my friend Lucas, an aspiring journalist in Scotland.
Cool!
Thanks so much for including my work in this news coverage!
Susan Lenz
” Uncle Floyd ” , great ” Homage ” to you from another ” Great ” ! Like you , he is ” One of a kind ” & will be missed always .
I remember , with much fondness , our days at ” Catch ” together & will
try to get in touch , for my next visit to my ” Home State ” , New Jersey !!!
Uncle Floyd is still alive. He still does his act. You can hire him, he loves performing. Just had diner with him last week. Don’t count him out, yet. Still with us.
I fully support the decision to cancel the concert ! That law affects more then bathroom rights , it takes away many other rights . What ever happened to the “Separation of Church & State “? No one is trying to take away your religion , but when it interferes with job performance , you need to change jobs ! Practice your religion in Church & in your home , when you are in the public , not every one is a believer & shouldn’t be subjected to your predjudices !!!
Jay, your story on becoming a rock critic was interesting, beautifully written, and peppered with enough humor to sustain my attention for the more serious lines about the decline of the newspaper biz, and the challenge you faced.
I appreciate this!
Rosemary
Wonderful piece, Jay. I remember that 20-something!
I love Mint Condition and I knew if they were scheduled to be on stage the same day Prince passed, there would be no way they were leaving that stage without a tribute to such a major inspiration of theirs. I love you, MC. Keep putting out that good shit in memory of Prince. And Prince, fly high, Purple Warrior….. This is what it sounds like when doves cry.
Mark Erelli did ‘Purple Rain” on Friday night 4/22 at the Jeff Raspe birthday bash Strand Theater in Lakewood. Seems to be the song to cover!
Hi Jay – I interned at the famed Ridgewood News in 1985-86. Call it the John Breunig/Evan St. Lifer Period. I tell my students not to have too much of a plan, to be open to unexpected paths. Give my regards to my home state – I hope we can touch base at some point.
Ron Bishop, Drexel University
Elton John in Vegas, one week tribute to Prince
njartsdaily@gmail.com. Please Make this tribute internationally if possible, thank you so much for doing this from the beginning, you rock, long live Prince
Smart move. A cold soggy day like that would have been no fun for a festival.
My son inquired to purchase a ticket for $129 (lower seating) to which the ticket agent at the box office said was available. ,I (mother) went to purchase within 1/2 hour and was told none was left but only the extreme upper and far side seating. Disappointed, I left without purchasing. 4:25 I always enjoy the competition and supported the fest even when it was in another theater in Newark.
Currouse, I went online and viewed tickets available on the lower seating area. (5:20 pm (same day)) No, I did not purchase the ticket online and decided not to attend and will tell my experience to others.
Where can I purchase the DVD of this and other prior gospel fests events. Thank you.
Sorry to hear you had problems. As far as I know there are no commercially available DVDs.
You mean to tell me that my daughter sang and there are no dvd recordings I am the father or Mikayla Serrano one of the teen soloist that competed Are they going to broadcast it on TV?
Not sure about TV broadcast. Will try to find that out.
Am told it will air on Fox (channel 5) at some point this summer. Date not confirmed yet.
Is the exhibit still in NY? Today is 5-6-26?
No, it has closed. Hoboken Historical Museum still has a Sinatra exhibit up, though: https://www.hobokenmuseum.org/
Blonde on Blonde 40th Anniversary tribute
at Hifi on June 7th!
Thanks! Will add.
Hi,
We do an annual Dylan Tribute for 18 years now. We’re running late this year. Here’s the info –
The Way Station
683 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
June 25, 2016 8 to 10 PM (no cover or minimum)
Here’s info about us –
The Zimmymen and the Wimmymen are a merry band of Dylanologists who congregate annually to celebrate and perform the work of the Bard, Hibbing Minnesota’s own Robert Zimmerman, aka Bob Dylan. The Way Station show will mark the 18th year for these annual get-togethers. The Zimmys will roam through Bob’s extensive catalog, picking tunes from all decades – the 1960’s into the 21st Century. So Zimmy fans should set “their boot heels to be wanderin’” to Prospect Heights on 6/25 for an evening of wall-to-wall Dylan. Bring your thought-dreams for analysis, and we’ll make “attempts to shovel a glimpse into the ditch of what each one means”.
Thanks, will add item.
Great. Look forward to the City Winery. On the Dylan/Greenwich Village walking tours, we at Rock Junket do those at 11 AM Sunday. If you could, please mention rockjunket.com. Thanks ! How does it feel…to be 75 years old? Happy Birthday Bob!
ok
Sorry it was cancelled according to TM
Show was last year.
RRE for free. Sign me up.
Thanks for posting
The mystery is solved. I was in the audience on August 26, 1990. I knew there had been a warm-up band. For 26 years I’ve not been able to find the name of that band. I found this article on 5/16/2016. Finally I know who that band was. I do remember liking the set they played. But I wasn’t able to hear the name of the band when they announced it.
Here’s a video of them at a different show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEjt9PdNTIY
GREAT!!!
Why am I unable to find a schedule of events for this year?
They’re listed here: http://www.mercercountyparks.org/facilities/festival-grounds-MCP
Highway 61 revisited
With Dylan and the E St Band in NYC Shea Stadium 10.04.2003
And Knocking on heaven’s door 02.06.2015 La.
Wow! That’s even 2 months early for Crazy Eddie’s Christmas in July Sale! My “Summertime Santa” tune might be a little more seasonal (and was inspired by Bruce’s ‘Santa’) > http://junglegymjam.com/gift-from-santa-to-jewish-songwriter/
Does anyone know of a concert in Avenel June 10 at Avenel park 7:30? I have it on my calendar and now can’t find any info. Thanks.
There’s a concert at Pelzman Park, which is in Avenel, by the Dalton Gang: http://woodbridgeartsnj.org/second-friday-jazz.html
I just wanted to say thanks for publishing the words about Thelonius Monk’s “Hackensack.” I dig Monk immensely and play “Hackensack” alot. The Englewood Cliffs studio and it people must have contributed to the great music recorded there. Adios, Steven Tye Culbert
Love it!!
Hey. Just decided to search on Janata and came across this article. Mike, amazingly written article. Not sure if you remember, this is Karen. I lived across the street from Danny in Midland Park. Always went to see you play whenever I was able. Hope all you guys are doing well.
very very sad news. he was one of my absolute favorites. terrific songwriter, beatmaker, and a beautiful singer, too.
Because Prince Be grew up (and still lived) in Jersey City, he was always eager to be interviewed by me for the Jersey Journal. “Rolling Stone is okay,” he told me, “but my mom reads the Jersey Journal.” So I got to interview him several times, every time a new record came out, and he was always warm, gracious, forthcoming, and a real delight. I also loved those records, and I agree, his gentle soul ran counter to the prevailing wave of gangster rap and he was never properly appreciated in his time. But I think people will listen to those records in the future and appreciate them.
Bernie Worrell played with the final iteration of Hoboken’s Bongos when they toured their “Beat Hotel” album in the mid-Eighties.
1) Great review on HOME FREE! Thx!..Can’t wait to see World’s 1st All Vocal Country Band/Sing Off 4 Winners (songwriters, arrangers, multi-instrumentalists) again!!
.
Their “GOD BLESS THE USA” went VIRAL! 1+Mill. vws in 3 days & rocked Justin Timberlake cover “CAN’T STOP
THE FEELING”, but our fav.: beautiful orig. “I’VE SEEN” (…rain on the Mississippi Delta, I’ve seen the sunrise in Baton Rouge…), beautiful!
.
Need no reply..Share their awesome music!!Thx again!! :)
Forgot to add, we’re seeing them again on ‘A Country
Christmas’ Dec. 20 (which may have sold out & they may be adding Dec. 21)!! :)
Exciting! I love that album. “Almost Blue” — that’s what I got all emo too back in school, well before emo was a thing. :-)
Cynthia Robinson passed of The Family Stone passed away last year her daughter by Sly Stone is singing now with the band.
Thanks very much, will correct.
I preface this by saying I’m not a Trump supporter, but rather hate the media. First of all any author who attempts to write an article about a subject should do a little research, Trump hasn’t had any ownership in the Taj in about 14 years. Most importantly anyone who has half a brain knows that the Atlantic City city council causes more damage to Atlantic City on a weekly bases than Trump ever did. Atlantic city is not a cautionary tale about Donald Trump it is a cautionary tale about too much government involvement in free enterprise. Also no one from this band is from Atlantic City or Absecon Island.
Opening graph: What kind of “cane” did Adam raise? Candy, perhaps?
Jay, thank God you are still informing us about NJ arts (rather than Facebook or Twitter, I read the blog through Feedly); but, I’m not 100% with you on this one.
First, I do think that a petition (or even better, calls and letters) will make a difference at the NYT. Historically, news and entertainment companies are keenly aware of and responsive to audience feedback. After all, the gist is that readers value the content and want to read it, which is the major goal of the paper.
Second, although print revenues are reduced everywhere, it is not correct to say that the NYT is suffering economically and that this is a budgetary axe. The Times has been consistently and increasingly profitable even in these digital days, and employs more than 2000 reporters and editors in the newsroom, and hundreds more to create digital products (disclaimer: my wife is a Creative Director in the digital area).
Actually this is quite wrong. The Times does not have 2000 journalists and hundreds more creating digital products. The Times has fewer than 1300 journalists and this is indeed a budget issue. We are now covering wars around the world, a close presidential election, and building new kinds of journalism for the digital age. These stories are part of our mission and if we do not cover them, no one else will. So we have to make choices and cutting back regional arts coverage is a painful one. But covering wars and a tense world are more important right now. And I believe most of our readers get that.
Best,
Dean Baquet
Executive Editor
This is indeed a blow to arts groups outside the city proper. Wars and elections are of course prime concerns, but the arts are important to the lives of your readers. The Times is one publication that remains a major source of information about the arts for those of us living in the regions around the city. Does maintaining a calendar site require a journalist?
This is indeed a blow to arts groups outside the city proper. Wars and elections are of course prime concerns, but the arts are important to the lives of your readers. The Times is one publication that remains a major source of information about the arts for those of us living in the regions around the city. Does maintaining a calendar site require a journalist?
Well, you’ve got to pay someone to compile and edit the listings, so that’s an expense. And that’s what this is about: cutting expenses.
Where can I find a 12 year old with a $100?
what is the date? Nowhere is that mentioned!
Sept. 1. It’s in first paragraph.
PLEASE….for the fans……I hope ya’ll can work out your differences and tour again. I turned 62 Aug. 13 and have loved CSN since I was 15. It took me til the age of 58 to see you for the first time and 60 to see you again…….I am not done with you yet.
Thanks
Being that it was 1979 they were touring for the “Enlightened Roughes” album…my guess would be Jim Essery on Harp. According to Wickipedia he played on 4 tracks for the album, but I’m not 100% positive that he toured with them. Just my guess.
Yes, I think you’re right. Thanks!
The list seems to be missing the 4/1/80 show at the Capitol Theatre in Pissoff, NJ
Thanks! Have added that one.
The greatest most intense know you rider I have ever seen Was in the 2nd set April 1 1980. Go to gdsets.com for any set list you want. I followed Jerry and the dead shows where ever he played from 69 to 95.:I still don’t understand how I survived those 30 years ‼️☮️🍄☯️🦷🌹💚☮️ Ps. Put on a pair of good head phones and Go listen to the China rider from that 4.1.80 show. Awesomely intense and Jerry very animated on stage.
An amazing article Mike… I feel your love, pain , loss and compassion. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for writing this. I never got to see Stevie Ray live in concert. Thank you for your perspective.
Absolutely awesome. I was a kid playing air guitar eventually leading me to learning to play. I always remember how much my brother looked like Stevie and played too. Lost him 41 years ago in car crash. Thank for the memories
I’m ny born and NJ raised r&b/pop artist. how do I get my name on that list of New Jersey artists on your website?
I can email any materials you may need :)
Best
Mic
Please email info at njartsdaily@gmail.com. Thanks.
Actually, downloads are expected on September 12. CDs are supposed to ship on October 1.
Thanks, will correct
Jay, keep doing what you’re doing for your readers and yourself. It’s all fine! (And if you plan to publish a list of Bruce fans who have never been to a Bruce concert — count me in! Though he jumped onstage and performed with a band I was with in the 70’s, and we’d be at the same gym and PT place, the Dunphy’s, Red Bank, I’ve never been to a concert. It’s on my bucket list!)
Thanks to Facebook we found you again. We’d lost you, Jay, for a few years because we live in Venice Fla not Jerz anymore. I always appreciate your talent, and how you give facts in your style. So, this time it’s “songs for girls” being the key that opened the door for Brucie’s commercial successes; a key supplied by Kal. Who knew? Wow. -Fifi.
Oh…this is great! Thanks for writing about this and providing King’s demo. I love it. For sure…’67 was a very good year!
Next time tell us if its cancelled/changed. Ty
We can attest to the success of advertising on NJArts.net and will recommend it to any and all Arts Organizations, not just in New Jersey, but in the entire tri-state region. It works because people are getting their entertainment information on-line and not in print. Keep up the great work, Jay!
Thanks, Don!
Would you like me to mention on my radio show? Not sure how “intimate you want to keep it.
Am not involved with producing concert but I don’t see why anyone would have a problem with that.
Great list on an important topic – glad the boss is talkin’ about it. He’s a stud. You’re on point as usual Jay. Hey, have you ever heard Black Ladder from Patti Scialfa. I think it’s pretty much about her facing his depression and what it’s like for her – it’s a powerful, beautiful song all the more so cause it’s so short – it really stands out and makes you think – this must be a special song.
-bt
Thanks. Haven’t listened to that album for a while but will go back and check out that song.
Party in Peace woman, Thanks for being a friend who cared.
This was a really fun listen, thanks for putting it out there.
I was there! An amazing, intimate concert. Bruce rocks at every concert he performs. He also stayed after the show to let the audience take pictures. A concert I’ll never forget.
Well if he is going to get into name calling..if Trump is a moron then Hilary has to be an lying idiot
That would be “a” lying idiot, idiot.
I take it that some like the idea the future president of the united states of america would have professional wrestling experience. I also wonder why that a business man with bankruptcies and many failed ventures is able to defeat a group that was once the party of Lincoln and was once for equality and fair practice. Not saying they are not for it now, but from the do nothing congress to the government shutdown and the ben-got-me fiasco it seems that politics as usual has not been that case and the GOP nominee is the result.
Thank you for your passion and dedication to Rock and Roll. You have put into words how we all feel, without slashing at our next gen and giving to them as intended lol!
Gotta say I didn’t realise the next gen liked the rock and roll yet, but you said it man they do love it :D
Do you what you love and you never have to work a day in your life …… prime example….Mr. Van Zandt…..thank you for sharing your passion.
Congratulations to Steven and Maureen Van Zandt!
And “Thank You”. To Bruce Gallipani for his vision, his passion and his commitment to children and Rock and Roll! You had a dream to teach kids music and that dream is a reality with “Rockit!” From what I saw at the Gala, you have done much more!
You have helped your students in music and life!
“Rockit!” Is amazing and so are you!
Hello stevie thanks for all you do and have done for Cass and brett and Russell keep going ! Your almost on Broadway11 praying for us all Auintie marcy
this speech was wonderful marcy
Great to see you, even if not in person. Love the song. Sign me up.
Awesome. Thats me with the crutches
…..not south……
Jim
While I don’t know you or your dear departed spouse; I’m a huge fan of the Smithereens, almost as far back as it’s inception! I was in high school in the early 80s and literally remember where I was, what time of the year, time of day etc when I heard the band for the first time. You were playing “Cigarette” live for the first time on MTV. So I rushed out to buy your records and even covered 3-4 songs in my band at college! I’ve seen the band several times and one of my dreams came through when I was able to have Pat do a “living room gig” for my Birthday and in my own home studio/garage space; incredible!!
Anyway, I’m very sorry for your loss. I lost my first wife to a terrible disease as well. My two boys and I had no idea how complicated and lengthy the grieving process would take? Even now after 8 years; but having an outlet like music or art and architecture in my case can help channel those feelings in a positive creative way. So please take care of yourself and your family and hopefully we can expect more great music from the band? The return of your original Bass Player sounds very cool! I wish I had the funds to check out the gig; perhaps your planning to roll tape? Maybe video? Hopefully you guys can find your way to Indy or other midwestern town so I can catch you in my neck of the woods? God bless Betty and best wishes for the Babjak Fund!
Been there dude ! So funny how all my life been jealous of guys who got to be in a good band like you’re in But we all love our woman who was always there Music is the hardest profession but the best relief from the world Time will help your loss Don’t give up!
I understand why this is Gaudio’s favorite song! SIMPLY, BRILLIANT & the horn arrangement is, sublime!!!
Robin and Linda Williams do a wonderful rendition of the song. There are several performances of it online. I chose this one because in it Linda is playing a Martin backpacker guitar, invented by NJ’s Bob McNally. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=robin+and+linda+if+i+should+fall+behind&view=detail&mid=4D8AE2FD3C073264DDCD4D8AE2FD3C073264DDCD&FORM=VIRE
Valentine’s Day by Hem is my favorite ever. And I adore Swati’s version of I’m On Fire.
Love Hem’s version of Valentine’s Day!!!!!
I didn’t see parts 1 and 2, so I don’t know if you included Patty Griffin singing “Stolen Car.” Amazing rendition!
Yes, it’s in part 1: http://www.njarts.net/pop-rock/springsteen-covered-by-women-the-best-of-the-best/
Indeed – I prefer it to Bruce’s own
Shawn Colvin, “Tougher Than The Rest” (https://youtu.be/PceRAJ_K27I) from her album ” Uncovered” is great. So is “Atlantic City” performed by The Watkins Family Hour at the Newport Folk Festival 2014 ( with Sean & Sara Watkins, Langhorne Slim, and Aoife O’Donovan on lead vocals (https://youtu.be/f0ff_zt3-JE).
Because the Night – by Patti Smith
I really consider that a collaboration, not a cover, since they wrote the song together, so didn’t include it. – Jay
Dear Jimmy,
So honored and proud to be among those attending Betty’s Memorial on the 29th. I will be proudly wearing my signed Buzzed Meg tee that you sent me! You are one class act, my friend!❤️
An insightful review on all counts.
The Shakespeare Theatre is consistently excellent, although I wish their nonShakesperean selections included more recent American plays
Julianna Hatfield does a great version of Cover me, Cowboy Junkies do lots of Springsteen covers and State Trooper is one of my faves. Also 10,000 Maniacs had probably their biggest hit with their take on Because the Night from their Unplugged show.
https://youtu.be/8KIsjKAHubA
Yes, I’ve been remiss in not including that one. Will do so in the upcoming part 4!
Emmylou Harris’s cover of “Tougher than the Rest” is nothing short of haunting.
I saw many concerts thei it was is Awsome venue. I also didn’t have to drive for hours to get there. Can’t wait for them to come back to Waterloo!
Please bring back Waterloo concerts… North Jersey has so many great musicians and bands… We should have a concert venue too!!
This is Debra Brey Band Manager for Iron Bridge Band… we r interested in submitting our Band info to be part of festival …. can you please let us know where to send info
There’s info here: http://theblackpotatoe.com/products/submission-for-the-20th-annual-black-potatoe-music-festival-july-13-17-2016-clinton-nj
I also saw Met Opera stars, Peter, Paul and Mary, Harry Chapin, Roy Orbison and many others under the tent. Hoping the choices will be many and varied.(I understand I have really dated myself here, but they were great performers…☺)
They have to manage traffic and security, first. Those are two major issues they faced in 1990s to 2000s.
Saw Bonnie,moody, Dylan ,good homes. Love it there!
Bon Jovi has been a extreme success these past 30 some years. They drserve to be in that Hall of Fame. For the people who have been blind they need to really open up their eyes already and see Jon and this amazing band for who they are. People love them and follow them to every concert they have. I’m going to the one in Sunrise, Florida Feb. 12, 2017 with great up front seats like I always get year after year. Bon Jovi is the best band out there ! They should be recognized !
Bon Jovi , the best band there is !
A big thank you to Jon who I adore since 1988. Thank you for all you do and congratulations for all you have achieved in life.
This is the best band in the world and should be recognized.
Best week of the year always.
Excellent review. I have always thought Richard Barone should be a much bigger star.
Well written Jay! My wife Trina and I were entertained in our ears and souls . So glad we were there for this special night.
Nicely done, Jay. If that show does indeed become an annual event, my buddies and I are coming down from NH next year. I still see them here every November (the 19th this year), and I get chills sometimes thinking about seeing them at the Orpheum in Boston in’88 and ’90. God, there wasn’t a better live band than them! Thank you and see you guys in a few weeks. And all the best to Mike Mesaros!!
Please tell me it was filmed! If it wasn’t 500 miles away, we’d have gladly paid the $200 tickets to she there. If they do it again during the summer when it’s easier to get away, I’ll drive there for the occasion!
Thanks for the original version. I think Dino D’s drums are a difference for sure.
Blue-eyed Soul? ;)
https://www.spreaker.com/user/bsliverocks/part-3-phil-naro-platinum-rock-all-stars?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=widget
This is a strange coincidence. BS Live talking about Gene Cornish.
Yay! I hope it continues.
It’s just a limited run (one month), though, conceivably, they could bring it back at some point (like, if the band played U.S. stadiums next summer).
rock on boss and welcome Madame President
I was at that concert! One of the best of his I’ve been to because it was so intimate. All of Bruce’s concerts are great but this on was a one of a king. He even came back on stage after the show to let the crowd take pictures. BRUUUUUUCE>
Income redistribution? What is this ? Friggin Russia
?
Hi Jim,
It was brought to my attention that the 3 videos in this article are mine. I am honored that you wanted to use my videos. All I am asking is that I get credit for my work.
Thank you,
Cindy Jasgur Ferrier
Have added credit. – Jay Lustig
Steve & Maureen, thsnk you so much for getting involved & helping out!!!
Fucking Brilliant!
You bet this is gonna be the biggest thing since Bruce! Lookin’ forward to spending some time with Steve! Great idea! Awesome!!! New Jersey’s Finest!
This is definitely something to look forward to – thanks Steve & Maureen! Best of luck in your endeavors !!
This is the best news since BEFORE the election!
Barone is an excellent musician who also seems willing to appear at any benefit held anywhere in NJ. I wish his Cd success.
You are the Bro !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love you , the song , just after I loved you .
Take care Ernie !
Andy
????luv this????
???? JIGS and the PIGS ????
Thank you so much for this! I absolutely loved it!!!
Actually there will be many more. Freedom Bremner & Lindsey DeSena come to mind. Actually, my last tally was The Weeklings, The Post 2016 Election
Choir, Anjelia, The Barefoot Strings, Richard Barone, Joe Bellia, Freedom Bremner, Chuck Buck, Joanna Burns, Bob Burger, Tom Brislin & Spiraling, Marshall Crenshaw, Don Dazzo, Lindsey DeSena, Amanda Duncan, Ian Gray, Emily Grove, Linda Heffentrager, Erin Hill, Taylor Hope, Kayla Hutchins, Gina Hyams, Jigs, Remember Jones, Jerzy Jung, Patti Maloney, Dana Marchioni, Jacquita May, John Merjave, Tricia Mozgai, Rob Paparozzi, Thunderbolt Patterson, Michelle Petrie, Jillian Rhys, Reagan Richards, Mark Sacco, Nancy Sebastian, Fawn Segerson, Christina Shafer, Tony Shanahan, Antonique Smith, Mike Stein, Kasim Sulton, Alicia Van Sant, Brielle Von Hugel, myself and most likely, more…
What a great line up!! Can’t wait.????
I thoroughly enjoyed this last night. Alec is an Irish mensch. Patti is adorable, smart, free, gracious, true. The audience questions… just weird!
WHOA OMG IM FLOORED BY THIS ????
This puts 2016 TOTALLY in the black. YAY!!
So much great music, new and old, has a voice again.
This confirms once and for all the old saw about one door closing and another opening. I can see this station even improving what was a fantastic radio station.
Thank you to Jonathan at The Newt for your vision.
Excellent review! As much as I enjoy music moving forward, it is always a thrill to hear singers pay tribute, in either faithful or new versions of songs, to an old icon. And Richard Barone is an ideal person to direct such efforts. I would love to see him put together similar shows honoring The Beatles, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Buddy Holly…
If we have platinum all access LOD tickets, do they include Remember Joness event?No one seems to know or respond.. thankd
I would think so; will try to find out for sure. – Jay
I am told that yes, they do include admission to this event. I would recommend getting there pretty early, though, (1) to make sure you get a good seat and (2) because if the theater is totally full, they might not let any more people in even if you have an all-access ticket. (That happened to me once, though at a much smaller Light of Day venue. I wouldn’t think you would have that problem at the Paramount, but you never know).
Concert highlights will be webcast over HomeTowne Television community access cable this weekend. Ten screenings scheduled. Visit:
http://www.hometownetv.org/content/httv-live
That was a nice write up on a spirit filled concert with a full house of people who enjoyed every minute of it. The video clip was great to sing along with and relive the moment. Thank you.
A great list–but missing the most memorable tribute song of the year by far, Kate McKinnon’s Hallelujah in memory of Leonard Cohen and Hillary Clinton:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG-_ZDrypec
No show your info was wrong.
Not sure why you weren’t able to hear it but people are posting on Facebook that they did hear it.
Lucinda Williams doing Factory
It’s in Part 3: http://www.njarts.net/pop-rock/springsteen-covered-by-women-the-best-of-the-best-part-3/
Who cares what this flunky we pay to sing has to say?
Geez, I miss them. Never gets old. I wonder who their inspiration was. They took such avant guard sounds and spun them into infectious pop gems.
I think Yoko Ono was one of their influences.
You need an I’d to buy tickets but not to vote
Really
Yay Mel!!
Is the station set up
On tune in yet??
As of right now I can’t find it..????
Last I heard it was supposed to launch today (1/6).
Used to coach baseball at Florida Atlantic. Bruce played every nite on our PA
One night we lost the lead in the top of the ninth. i yelled up at the pa guy “We need some help!”
He played Night as we came in to bat. He cranked it up, almost blew out the speakers!
We came back and won on a walkoff home run!
Always loved that song!
Thanks
Thanks !!
Chorus has a Graham Nash Hollies vibe
“Follow that dream” is not a Presley’s song…it’s Boss’s song with the same title of an other one that Elvis has sung during the sixties…Bruce said one time that he think about the King when he has written it…
It is, to a large extent, a reworking of Elvis’ song (with some added lyrics), but the lyrics are too similar to view them as two separate songs. Also, Bruce, in the clip included here, describes it as “a favorite Elvis Presley song of mine.”
ELVIS VERSION:
Follow that dream, I gotta follow that dream
Keep a-movin, move along, keep a moving
I’ve got to follow that dream wherever that dream may lead
I’ve got to follow that dream to find the love I need
When your heart gets restless, time to move along
When your heart gets weary, time to sing a song
But when a dream is calling you,
There’s just one thing that you can do
Well, you gotta follow that dream wherever that dream may lead
You gotta follow that dream to find the love you need
Keep a-movin, move along, keep a moving
Got to find me someone whose heart is free
Someone to look for my dream with me
And when I find her I may find out
Just what my dreams are all about
I’ve got to follow that dream wherever that dream may lead
I’ve got to follow that dream to find the love I need
I’ve got to follow that dream wherever that dream may lead
I’ve got to follow that dream to find the love I need
Keep a-movin, move along
Keep a-movin, move along
Keep a-movin, move along
BRUCE VERSION
If your heart is restless from waiting so long
If you’re tired and weary, and you can’t go on
If a distant dream is callin’ you
Then there’s just one thing you can do
Follow that dream wherever it may lead
Follow that dream to find the love you need
C’mon, follow that dream
Now baby, I walk in dreams
And I talk in dreams
I need someone with a love I can trust
And together we’ll search for the things that come to us
In dreams, baby in dreams
And I’m gonna follow that dream wherever that dream may lead me
I’m gonna follow that dream to find the love I need
Now every man has the right to live
The right to a chance to give what he has to give
The right to fight for the things he believes
For the things that come to him in dreams
Baby in dreams, I walk in dreams
I talk in dreams
I live in dreams
I keep seeing the “back for 4 shows” headline, it’s actually 5 shows because there are two shows in Annapolis, not one…..
Good point, thanks, didn’t realize that.
I will be there for the 9:30 show!
I was around the group before they signed. It was a great magical place. They will alsways my favorite band. Like brothers to me,!
Normally, I would not begrudge a band that I assume is not making big bucks accepting a lucrative, high visibility gig. This, however, is different–but not because I opposed Trump. It is offensive that a band which purports to honor Bruce–and which profits primarily from his music–is part of honoring someone he hates and lies about this being a partisan event.
I disagree with the premise of the article that the B Street Band has taken a side. Are the caterers who serve the food for this non-partisan reception (which takes place every four years no matter who is inaugurated) taking a side? Are the chefs who prepare the food taking a side? I thought we won a battle when the courts said that a florist had to provide flowers for a gay wedding even if he or she did not accept the validity of gay marriage. The B Street Band is playing a gig for which they were contracted four years ago after they performed for President Obama’s inauguration. They deserve a paycheck just like everyone else who is working during the inauguration ceremony. This event is not a “Trump-sponsored” event but rather a gathering of New Jerseyans living in Washington, D.C.
“A” list acts can afford to sit this one out. But I think even Bruce would not begrudge these guys a nice paycheck for a gig booked so long ago. Give ’em a pass.
I’d love to know Bruce’s feelings about that.
There is an obvious difference between performing artists and caterers: the latter are pretty much anonymous. And even if the catering company has a big advertising banner at the event, the individual employees are still anonymous.
A band performing on stage is clearly not anonymous.
They state that they are contractually obligated to play. If so, that’s fine if they have asked to be excused from the contract. If they must play then the solution is simple – just don’t play any Springsteen songs. BTW they claim to be the #1 Springsteen cover band. Never heard that from any other source. Bold claim when there are Springsteen cover bands all over the country.
Saw Gretchen Wilson, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, The Allman Brothers, Weird Al Yankovic and Phish. Had a good time at every show and I got to meet Gretchen Wilson
Terribly sad.
So sad. Much too young. Love their music.
Such a sweet voice and soul.
This loss really hurts. Such a beautiful soul.
They all sang like angels and now Maggie is singing with them; my condolences to the family.
I love her voice and songs…One of our great , along with her sisters, artists
Thanks Jay, regards from the Lowlands by the Sea !!
Maggie and Terre performed in church coffeehouses in Park Ridge and Paramus in the 1960s. Wish I could find the old photos. I read poetry. They were a whole lot better. So sad to hear the news.
Am from ireland i want to tell all the reaistance i am back in all the way.up the reaistance.God Help Us All.!,!!!????????????
We shall over come some day.!!!!!!
The moron should just shut up and sing. Maybe he will do us a favor and stay down under.
I’m with you on that Ray!
So honored to have seen and heard Maggie and The Roches. Magical. So sad.
Bruce is an idiot . He favors business as usual as a Klinton fan . He’s certainly not for the “working man ” that he always sings about and praises.
Springsteen wouldn’t know what “The Resistance” is if it smacked him in the face. All he has to do is look at World War II to see what “The Resistance” really is. And, it’s not Bruce Springsteen and his “snowflake” followers.
Bruce’s music has been terrible for the past 10-20 years. He sounds like a wounded dog when he sings, and sometimes he screams so loud it hurts the ears. You can’t understand what he’s singing about anymore.
Through her music, I came to know and love Maggie Roche, and I am terribly saddened to hear of her passing. Maggie Roche was a rare talent, and her intelligence, humor, and integrity shone through in the music that she created. She will be missed, but she will also be remembered.
I think it’s definitely more parody than tribute. I love Bruce, but all of the references are obviously pokes at him. Maybe Dylan was tired of Bruce’s early puppy-like adulation and comparisons of them, and since Bruce’s popularity was soaring while Dykan’s was fading…And who knows, maybe the other Willburys were giving him some $&?! about it, so he decided to write a thinly veiled jab at him. Wouldn’t put it past him, knowing how Dylan could be testy.
Even a step further, though I hate to think it, is that “monkey man” could be a racist poke at The Big Man. Not cool.
Once the song became somewhat popular, they had to cover their A’s and say, “Oh yeah, it’s definitely a tribute (nudge, wink)”…
Dylan also had the Rahway (East Jersey State) Prison thru his efforts in the Rubin Carter fiasco. Personally, think he got taken and knew it.
I knew Butch from 1970 met the Allmen Brothers in Gainsville, fl. I lived with some girls from Daytona that new them from high school. The story is Butch Trucks was the nicest person you would want to meet. On the farm, Gainsville, Tellahasse, he was a wonderful person, friend and musicsion. What a kind person who should have lived longer, life cut short for no reason. My heart goes out to Melanda and children , which gave him.a wonderful life. He had a good life, a great home life for a well deserved person . Rest In Peace my friend, I will always think of you and your fun personality with the big bass you caught… bye.
Susan Mullen Addison
Addison@verizon. Net
http://osw.com/photo/pages/Phil_Ochs.htm
Does anybody really care what this paid flunky has to say?
I was born in the 90s but I never knew about Butch and his band. I honestly did not even know that Butch influenced the lives of many. The way you described Butch was like he was one of the greatest of all time. This story was really touching and I do wish I could’ve met him. What really surprised me the most is that he remained active “throughout a 50 year career”. A lot of hip-hop artists and artists are not even that active. Butch will always be remembered by millions.
Nope
Just the have not’s !
or is it Knots
lol
very forward going guitar sound
with a homesick feeling
could not find the lyrics to translate into Finnish language …
I think that setlist reflects what so many of us feel……come home Bruce……we need you here in the U.S……..
I love, love, love it.
Love it❤❤❤❤
not his best writing. okay, but just average.
Nice article. Glenn’s a great guy!
Would love if he included “Until The Good Is Gone” – love that song!!
He already released his own version on 1982’s “Men Without Women”
“I Don’t Want to Go Home” is SSJ’s signature song. He should leave that alone. He’s done most of the songs listed in concert and hasn’t really changed them at all. Hopefully he focuses on the lesser known songs like “Next to You” or “Working Girl.” I know he didn’t write it but he did a great cover of the Crystals’s and Mink DeVille’s “Little Girl” at a Darlene Love show one time. That would be a cool bonus track.
Until the Good is Gone & Coming Back would fit…as would Better Days
Coming Back would fit…as would Better Days
“Baby Please Don’t Go” would be great. He’d just have to decide which arrangement he’d like to lean towards, Ronnie Spector’s or Nancy Sinatra’s. Or maybe something new altogether.
Larry Coryell was the best inventor of jazz rock fusion! When I went to Berklee College of Music no one knew who Larry was, they were all caught up in old jazz. Larry could play it old or new. His spaces album was the great start,he even did a duo with John Mclaughlin the king of jazz fusion at the time on that album. I met him and he was a real people person,he will be missed.
larry was my very first client when i entered the pr business, he was managed at that time by vince cirrincione – he was an amazing musician and to follow his fingers on the guitar was awesome – he deserved more recognition then he received …..i re-connected with him a few years back when he and his wife were writing a screenplay….i am so sad to hear this news…..carol ross
I was a huge fan of Larry’s starting in the sixties when he joined the Gary Burton Quartet. I was following Burton at the time, having seen him with the great Stan Getz, so when I saw the new quartet with this young, innovative guitarist backed by bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Roy Haynes, I was blown away. I went to see the group perform so many times that I got to know each one of them well enough to sit with them between sets. Larry turned me on to The Free Spirits and my own jazz-rock quintet covered two of his compositions: Early Morning Fear and LBOD. That band should have been a success back then but for some reason never caught on. Thanks for sharing these memories, Jay.
Please send any information regarding concerts, especially those in NJ!
All the info is here: http://www.djangoagogo.com/concerts/
My name is Barry Holmes I was inducted into the blues hall of fame N.J. I am a blues artist and feel my band BBD Rhythm & Blues should have a shot at playing at this venue my phone is 908-305-8223 please call me. Thanks
asks for Barry Blues.
Thanks for doing that thing you do Jay!
please put me on the newsletter email list .
You got it!
If I Should Fall Behind – Linda Ronstadt
https://youtu.be/CWTjIfqrdiI
Looks decent- but don’t understand the song selection for trailer-and if there’s no Bruce interview, then it’s not legit. BS is Asbury Park!
Johnny Cash used to live in Asbury Park: http://blog.nj.com/ledgerentertainment/2007/08/in_asbury_park_he_walked_the_l.html
In regard to the Bruce interview: I’m sure they tried, but if Bruce didn’t want to do it, I don’t think it’s fair to expect them to then NOT do the documentary.
If you tap your feet to that song from the opening rift, check your hearing ASAP
Great read Mike.
Damon
Thanks Damon. Hope to see you sometime.
Beautifully written.
Thank you!
Great stuff. The HS saying they couldn’t buy alcohol but you should sums up so much about our era.
It really was a different era. It didn’t even phase me to be in charge of the alcohol, because I had been successfully getting served since I was about 15. I was just a little shocked that a teacher would literally tell me to go get the liquor myself.
Thanks SO much for this sweet well written story…I was there and I’m still smiling.
The single mother of three teenagers and everlasting lover of the Blues, what a total and rare treat to see and dance to this band (who I’d seen before in Chicago) at my local middle school. And yup, telling the kids to buy their own alcohol was absolutely how it was. Great to hear the backstory and loved the video too. Thanks so much Mike. PS I remember Jay…through a mutual friend Linda. James..RIP.
Thanks so much Nicky. So glad you were there to see it!
Well folks your prayers have been answered. The Fields at Waterloo are coming back. The old stage is coming down in April and the first event is going to be new home of the Bourbon Street Blues Fest.
Check out Bourbon Street Blues Fest.com Headliners Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robert Cray. May 20 & 21
This was an awesome show! Thanks for posting this for all to see and hear. I missed this one, but had seen Chuck the previous year in Bridgewater with Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Lymon’s Teenagers and the Duprees!
An impressively diverse schedule, although perhaps not quite up to such recent Two Rivers stellar productions as Forum, Ma Rainey and Jitney. It will be interesting to see the entire Dirden family at once, as well as the Latino plays, but does anyone need to see Earnest or Lughnasa again?
Love the line up
I love gospel fest
was there to see Beatles show on 3/29 – liked the show and dinner was great – hope they do more and now I know they have music on Friday’s will be back – class act
too bad they did not sponsor 1984 showings under Obama as he sure was a dictator, invading Lybia, Syria, using IRS to go after political enemies, spying on everyone (Snowden), giving full auto weapons to Mexican gangs under Fast and Furious project, etc etc etc…
An accurate review, although I found the two center piece rants, especially Liam’s, funnier than the critic did.
George Street, to its credit, has presented more edgy plays this season than in recent years and I prefer its focus on young American playwrights to the contrary approach taken by The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, although that theater is also very good in its own way.
Yes I thought “American Son” in particular was excellent.
http://www.njarts.net/theater/george-street-playhouse-presents-intense-timely-drama-american-son/
Haven’t seen John Prine live in a few years. As good as he always was. Always leaves you feeling good for a few days afterwards. Hopefully this latest fight against cancer leaves him alone forever.
Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams were a perfect act to play before & with John P.
An excellent tribute to one of the all-time love songs. It is amazing that teenagers King and Goffin wrote a song that over a century later seems as timely as it was then.
Can’t wait !!!
Some liberal advocacy groups and musicians are ticked off with the current political environment, in which their own globalist, multicultural views are being rejected by increasing numbers of people. Sorry, but believing that that national boundaries should be respected; that the uniqueness of one’s own culture is worth preserving, and recognizing the obvious truth that not all ideas, cultures, and religions are equally worthy of respect, isn’t bigotry.
The failure and inability of multiculturalists and globalists to discern differences between cultures, religions, and ideas is what is truly scary and threatens the freedom and dignity of all persons. Throwing truth out the door as the consequence of the multiculturalist fantasy lacks intellectual credibility — only folks with their head in the sand could possibly embrace such nonsense. But I guess none of the folks signing onto this vapid and morally vain initiative can make any claim to intellectual and moral seriousness.
If you’re going to have jazz, have someone I have heard of.
City Hicks are also playing the fireworks on July 3 from 5:30pm-7pm.
I saw the original when it moved Off Broadway. The review is very accurate–very good songs; surprisingly weak book, given the ample material which could have been used to make it better.
I think the line is actually “Hymies”, not Heinies”, making it even less politically correct today.
Also, the Statue of Liberty is actually “ashamed to look the other way”, which is much funnier than “it seems to look the other way”.
Groucho Marx sings a verse of this song on a memorable episode of “What’s My Line?” in which he practically brought the show crashing down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6wxrLjJobM
????
Springsteen is a “has-been”. His music no longer resonates with his followers. He can’t even sing. Most of his songs sound like screaming or mumbling. Anyone who thinks his stuff is great needs mental health intervention. Oh wait! Most liberals listen to this tripe; and liberalism is a mental disorder.
Figures another Archie Bunker of the Trump followers! Human rights are a concern here! I have no respect for any of you cold hearted lying greedy,unfair,prejudice excuse for a human!
Oh yeah, Trump is the greedy one that sold half of our uranium to Russia, was in on the gun running that happened, if your memory is not to dull, to have resulted in our ambassadors death. She is so full of love that she arranged for her brother to cheat the haitians out of decent housing, although he was paid overly sufficiently. I guess all of her crimes against humanity are ok with you? I would say the number of people who died who were going to testify against her or Bill ended up dead before the event, yep a real humanitarian. I know what’s wrong with you, My President Donald J Trump doesn’t need a thing from anyone, he can’t be bought, says what he thinks, & is not political enough for you. I would suggest you go back into your closet with your play dough, coloring books, & BLM BS & rest!!! The hate the left spews each & everyday has no place in America, & if you don’t like it, leave, the road leaves out of America just like it leads in. I suppose you think it’s ok for women to be struck by muslim chicken crap men, no this was an American woman coming out of a grocery store, had on a nice top, & pair of slacks, was told she was dressed like a wh*)&*& & knocked to the ground, & another brave barbaric muslim stomped on her head, yep real class act, & that’s if they don’t behead you, or gang rape you or your child, yep go ahead & spread that hate for our new President, but you better take a look at Paris, Sweden, Germany, England, they allowed them in & their taking over, wanting sharia law, & the governments of these countries do not have the gonads to stand up to these heitherns. Hillary & Bill were caught on a hot mic talking really prejudice about African Americans, but I guess that’s ok? Your a real tool, need to be deported with the rest of the idiots. Bruce never could sing, I don’t remember him being popular very long, no Archie Bunker, or Edith here either, I don’t see color, unlike the liar Hillary, she is a compulsive liar, thief, & I’m sure had her hand in a lot of murders, told our men to stand down in Benghazi, while our ambassador suffered a horrible death, read up on how they kill people they want to make an example out of, I think you should go live in Libya, or Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, their more important to you than Americans, now put that in your pipe & smoke it.
Go suck an egg. I am a fan for 40 years. You have no idea what you are talking about. Who do you like? HAHAHA…. LOL Sorry it makes you uncomfortable when people speak the truth about your hero trumpelthinskin. The biggest disgrace, threat and embarrassment in the history of the USA. BRUUUUUUUUUUUUCE foreverrrrrrrr
No, Bill Clinton was the biggest disgrace in American history, & so was Hillary involved in so many scandals, & so very corrupt!!!! I will say when obama came along he topped Bill, being an illegal as his half brother proved on Sean Hannity bringing his real birth certificate, he was born in Kenya. He had more than one half brother & this one was sad that he didn’t even try to help them at all, just lived the good life, umm what happened to that statement the lying, filthy piece of garbage said, “we’re our brothers keeper”, well yes we should be, but he certainly wasn’t. Obama & Hillary made a deal from the start, & he didn’t plan on leaving the white house, but left a disaster for President Trump. You don’t make me uncomfortable, I feel sorry for you & your stupidity, I almost said ignorance, you can fix that, stupid can’t be fixed, & I believe that’s where your at,now crawl back into your little world with your springstein records, cds, tapes, whatever, & allow reality to pass you bye, & the truth, avoid it at all cost as it appears you are doing a fine job of……some people.
What kind of insular prat are you? A Trump supporter I suppose, from the intolerant tone you’re adopting here. Springsteen worldwide is identified with, respected and loved by, way more of the population than Trump could ever hope for! Your comments simply show you as intolerant of whatever is different or of someone who has an opinion which is different from yours. That’s where genocide comes from! Hope I’m not using words that are too difficult for you to understand!!
A “has been”? Apparently millions of people haven’t received THAT memo! It’s obvious you never tried to get tickets to one of his shows and it’s obvious you, like Trump, have no clue!
I love it, & you are so correct!!!! The left can’t help it, they have to instigate hate anyway they think they can, they think it will make a difference in President Trumps Presidency, wrong answer, it will just cause innocent people possible harmful actions, apparently they haven’t thought this through very well, but that would be the left for you, so refreshing to hear someone else call it like it is, kudos to you!!!!
It is so funny to call Bruce a has been well I guess it is not funny but you never say any thing but insults.People matter and you all seem to only care about yourselves.As everyone knows Bruce is a genius and that is a fact.Of course he is going to have something to say about what is going on now in the United States.He is an intelligent thinking person.
Why do some people have to make things ugly? If you like something you are stupid. If you don’t like something you are a moron. I like Bruce. That’s good for me. You don’t like Bruce that’s good for you. What has happened to respect and decency? We can do better here.
I don’t think anyone is anything derogatory for their choice of musicians. I think it is sad that a musician would sing a hate song to cause strife to Americans who have committed no crime, to hate a President who is doing everything he can to keep his word on all the promises he made, that’s a first for a President, except Reagan! I don’t want my grandchildren praying to allay, or men being harsh to them or doing unheard of stuff to them. They have no pride living off of the everyday hard working Americans by bringing in 4 wives, & they all have children, live in separate homes, which is free, food stamps, help with utilities, & they drive new cars. I worked very hard since I was 7, in the cotton fields, I’m lily white by the way. I was taught to have pride in our country, our leaders, even though as time has gone on corruption has taken over a lot of our government. I was taught to pray to Jesus Christ our Lord & Savior, to have pride in any job I worked, whether I worked it until I found something better, or whatever. I don’t know where the pride has gone. I believe parents are too wrapped up in themselves, video games, drugs, sex, not a bad thing that one, as long as it’s with YOUR OWN SPOUSE….lol I think President Trump inherited the biggest mess anyone could have, & ya’ll preferred corrupt Hillary, I called her that ever since Mena Arkansas, I have relatives in that area & everyone knew about him & Hillary, it wasn’t good, their thoughts towards them. I cannot believe someone would want her to be president after the corruptness she has committed against our country & us. My sons really liked Bruce, but I was busy with them, ballgames, my garden, fixing them a good home cooked meal with fresh meat & veggies, taking & picking them up from school, even after their father passed at a very young age I accepted nor ask for any kind of assistance. They are both strong young men with values such as I was reared with, & yes that means respect for others, color doesn’t matter, your actions define who you are. I could not vote for Hillary had someone put a gun to my head after all the corruption she was involved in, & I don’t think singers that we onced respected should have nothing better to do than to sit around & make up hate songs. I believe if America doesn’t wake up we’re going to be in the shape Paris France is in, Sweden, Germany, I have a friend who has family in Germany, & from what I hear it is horrible!!!! I want a safe strong America, & instead of hate songs, I believe we should be praying for OUR President Donald J Trump, just get back to the basics, I know people were around their grandmothers, mine was Indian, grandfather Irish, they received an award for the most sufficient family in the State of Arkansas, the road to their home was named “Allen Lane”, after my grandfather, & I am so proud of him, & my grandmother, she churned butter , they had a smokehouse, & yes he fought in WW1, & was in bad shape when he arrived home, & passed not long afterwards, they had 9 children, my grandmother ask no one for anything. I have nothing against the people who want to live here, not to change us, but to adapt to our way of life, a better life for them, & be part of our society, but it’s not usually the case at this time, & yes I have researched, & I suggest everyone else do the same. My father was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed, he lived thank God, but lost a leg, but that didn’t stop him or slow him down. My good step father was in the Korean War, basically buried alive with one hand sticking up out of the ground, he’s hand & arm hurt until the day he passed in 2009. My brother, the only big brother I had lost his life due to Vietnam, & being sprayed with agent orange, inoperable brain tumor, & my best friend in the world, my current spouse was in the Iraq war & had told me it was going to destabilize the middle east, & so it did. He came home with a lot of problems but hung in there for 26 years total, his records are sealed due to things he did for our country when no wars were going on. He was a DEA agent, very intelligent person, body guard for Kissinger. I am an intelligent Patriotic person & some of ya’ll make me literally sick at my stomach, tearing down President Trump, because ya’ll resent the fact that he is wealthy, he just wants to give back, his father was an immigrant, so everyone needs to get over themselves, support him in his endeavors, he does have our best interest at heart, & next week will be introducing the new tax plan that will give the middle class which I call the struggling class now a great break, seniors a great break, everyone basically, & I think we should get over ourselves, pray for our President & his family. We don’t need songs that will stir up hate, their is enough hate without instigation & it’s so sad, people used to truly care about each other, worked together, helped each other, & those days need to come back!!! My President Donald J Trump is doing everything he can to make that a reality, whether some like it or not. I can’t believe all this bitterness & hate didn’t come out when obama was in office doing nothing but bailing out banks, spending trillions of dollars, now his yacht has been linked to drugs, & his involvement in so many corrupt things, but ya’ll are complacent when it comes to him, & according to his half brother who brought his birth certificate & was interviewed by Sean Hannity was upset that Barry, wasn’t really Barry, & did nothing to help his own impoverished family, but ya’ll go a head & rip President Trump to pieces, I’ll tell ya’ll now God has his hand on Trump, & he will succeed, or Jesus will come back, js. I try to love everyone, some you can not, but wish no harm to, but for goodness sake get back to the basics, that is not a hard thing to do, & please allow Americans to be put first!!!! God Bless Ya’ll.
Bruce has always been “The Boss” a man of great character, and an inspiration to all of mankind, using his music to extend a hand up for what is wrong in this world. What has become the problem for this society, country, is that it has become the land of the privileged. You take great pride in your reality T.V. stars, honoring, raising them up as Idol’s. Trying to emulate them, the enhancement surgeries, the buy bigger the better mentality, always trying to out do your neighbor, a friend, or even a stranger. Oh, don’t forget the cellphones, texting, posting selfies over and over, your newest toy, whatever, try taking a picture of something that might hurt, somewhere deep inside. Maybe, just maybe, if you spent a little bit of that energy volunteering your time in soup kitchen’s, food distribution center’s, homeless shelter’s, vet’s nursing homes, you’d regain some of the human back. That’s what makes a patriot of this country!!!!!!!!!!!!
maybe you should write a song about hilliary.
Where is Tasha Cobbs? I would love to see her perform at Gospelfest
I always thought “The Silence of the Lambs” was intended to be the antithesis of the pre-Steely Dan Walter Becker/Donald Fagen song “The Roaring of the Lamb.”
gates of eden??- check the opening line(s)
you go ladies
Wish we knew you were doing this, we would have included it in our piece on BobFest at http://www.njartsmag.com
FANTASIA Y e s!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NJsound.com is trying to reinvigorate the concept of recording music. We try to take the approach of capturing the pure raw energy of musicians by requesting they record the foundation of their songs together as a band. Our studio can accomodate large bands, small bands, solo artists and even ensembles. Our latest band to take advantage of our sonic capabilities and approach is a band out of New Jersey Sophistipunx who recorded their latest single “Locked Down”. Checkout the difference when you capture a moment as opposed to piecing tracks together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3aB9nuxO24
Southside Johnny belongs in that very same Hall of Fame, way overdue.
Hello good people this is my first time attending the gospel fest, i would like to hear from someone in regards to the tickets prices . I am now purchasing tickets and the prices are very high , compare to when they first started advertising the event.I would like to know if anyone else noticed. Thank you and enjoy the show.
Why do these former so called Christians serve the world then claims are made that they are returning to their gospel roots. What roots?
And all the folks that worked at making this business a success.
Ticket takers, security, stage crews and office personel; as Dick Carrol said,
” I’m the guy who makes this show work!” RIP Dick Carrol.
Trump just showing, yet again and again, how is is a “No brains” guy! We get it, Trump! You are ignorant and mean and arrogant. You don’t have to work so hard to keep convincing us!.
Congratulations Steve Its been long overdue ????????????????
Just saw Anthony perform Joe Cocker at Glen Burtnick’s Summer of Love concert in Woonsocket RI he was exceptional….Loved his performance…
Saw The Poor Fools there two years ago. Great show. Beautiful evening. Saw you there Jay Lustig!
Nobody supports the arts in NJ more than Jay, but he understands that a critic’s job is not to be a cheerleader for theaters (even those as usually excellent as George Street), but a coach for theatergoers. I found Curvy Widow to be modestly amusing, musically modest and very predictable. Its outstanding trait is its nonstop exhibition of the egomania by the author, who does not change her name in writing this tribute to her supposed brilliance and sex appeal and, when her addressing her affairs with a series of married men, does not ponder what her reaction would have been if her husband had had a mistress while alive.
I am sorry our tickets subsidized her self-worship.
Why why why not show a video of the real musicians who play live music for a living for over forty years??
I can’t show a video if it doesn’t exist. To my knowledge there is no good video from the main set of this show.
I remember that summer well! It should be a great performance–so sorry we will be away and miss it!
How can I get the music and lyrics to this song to use at a Knights of Columbus convention. If you can contact me ASAP it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I found these lyrics online. I’m not sure if sheet music is available though.
Travelling down the Turnpike
heading for the shore
A thought just then occurred to me
I never thought before
I’ve been a lot of places
Seen pictures of the rest
But of all the places I can think of
I like Jersey best.
Betting halls, shopping malls,
good old Rutgers U,
47 shoes stores line Route 22
The Meadowlands, the root beer stands
Main Street Hackensack;
I may leave for a week or two
But I’m always coming back.
The Pinelands and the Vinelands
Seaside Heights Margate
You can have Miami
I love the Garden State
I’ve been a lot of places
Seen pictures of the rest
But of all the places I can think of
I like Jersey best.
We have horses, Princeton courses,
Gas stations we have scores
Trenton, Hopewell, Lake Hopatcong,
Mantoloking Shores;
Some states have their rock stars,
But Springsteen beats them all —
And our beautiful arena has
Brendan Byrne carved on the wall.
Lots of dineries, oil refineries,
Our highways make you cough,
But Spring Lake Heights and Belmar
Are places to get off.
Drinking spots and used car lots
Make the place just grand,
If you want to pay a visit,
Newark Airport’s where you land.
The Pinelands and the Vinelands
Seaside Heights Margate
You can have Miami
I love the Garden State
I’ve been a lot of places
Seen pictures of the rest
But of all the places I can think of
I like Jersey best.
Philly dogs like Chili dogs
They eat in Cherry Hill
Woodbridge they make Haagen Dazs
I can’t get my fill
Saddle River ain’t chopped liver
Nor is Lavallette
There are no Jersey strangers,
Just friends we haven’t met.
The Jersey Nets went thataway, Piscataway
No more, had another winning season
And next year they’ll win more;
Our Giants could go all the way
If they could win just one,
But the parties in the lots
Before the games are really fun.
The Pinelands and the Vinelands
Seaside Heights Margate
You can have Miami
I love the Garden State
I’ve been a lot of places
Seen pictures of the rest
But of all the places I can think of
I like Jersey best.
Our famous Parkway is the darkway
Home from Manasquan
You’d think for all those quarters
They’d turn the road lights on
And have no pity, Jersey City
Once again will shine,
With Holmdel, Cape May, Highland Park
I like our state just fine.
The Pinelands and the Vinelands
Seaside Heights Margate
You can have Miami
I love the Garden State
I’ve seen a lot of places
Seen pictures of the rest
But of all the places
I can think of, I like Jersey Best!
Thanks for posting the videos Jay. Last night was very special in many ways but for me seeing Steven and “The Out of Work”guy having so much fun up there (and lucky for me last night up close and personal in Row A at the Basie) brought so much joy to the hearts of everyone there.
The older you get , the more it means.
And thank you for posting them. Springsteen fans all over the world are enjoying them!
Any thoughts on why Steven doesn’t play Undefeated? It has long been one of my favorite Steven songs, but maybe I’m in the minority? I know he can’t play everything in the catalog, but just wondering. . . . .
No idea but he has been mixing in some different stuff from show to show. Maybe it will come up later in tour
Ghosts On A Landscape!
“Now I hate my life.
And I blame my wife,
Because she,
Can never be…her”
So good
As I was exiting the Fillmore East in February, 1970, my 15-year-old-life forever changed after witnessing Santana, The James Gang and Catfish, I pointed to the mural-sized portrait of 6 long-haired, naked men grinning at us from a backwoods stream. “Who are those guys?” I asked aloud. Well, we sure as hell found out. 47 years later, with the first 5 notes of “Statesboro Blues” long-since inked into my shoulder, the awesome prowess of America’s greatest band seared into my soul forever, there is now no one left who can really tell Mama to wake up and turn her lamp down low. Thanks to Tom Skevin, a truly gifted writer and raconteur, for bringing more sweet memories of The Coyote to life. Well done, Brother Tom, as always. Give Big Broh a hug for us all, Gregg. You guys will never be forgotten. You were the greatest.
Great article Tom Skevin
Long live ABB!
Nicely done, Skev. “I’m No Angel” has been on my personal playlist since ’87.
I despise what she did and think her comedy is generally more about narcissism and nasty comments about celebrities than wit, but this will not kill her career.
This will certainly cost her many fans, but her fan base expects her to be nasty and outrageous and is unlikely to be largely Trump supporters. Did Ted Nugent lose any fans after his vile comments about Obama? Did any sexist or racist lyrics by a rap or country singer ever cost them significantly?
In addition, Trump’s actions towards Obama and recorded remarks towards women made him in the minds of many a bully who deserved being insulted.
I do not know what Michael Richards has been up to since his racist remarks, but Andrew Dice Clay still has a career and Chris Rock saying he “understood” why OJ did it cost him nothing.
A key question will be whether she made good enough friends among late night and talk show hosts that she will get airtime.
I think any talk show would be glad to have her right now. Huge ratings guaranteed.
Which one of the above copied the vile image of an ISIS beheading of our President. Where is the humor? She should be jailed, but the Secret Service are becoming snowflakes too.
Maybe Kathy Griffin and Jihadi John can hit the comedy circuit together. That would be a regular laugh riot.
I understand she is introducing the signature line for her next career move: “You want fries with that?”
Tom,
Great article….
I felt like I was with you….
Tremendous loss…
Saw them at the Beacon and have nothing but great memories!
Gentlemen, many thanks for your kind remarks.
Yes, a major loss in the music world and one that caused memories to flow forth.
The silver lining is that the music of the ABB and G.A. will live on. After all, that’s what it always was and is about, and only about: the music.
I was at this concert. It was just wonderful. Tommy James sounded fantastic and the whole experience was top notch. A Big Thank You to everyone involved for a great night.
Thanks Bob makin and Jay god running it!
Nicely done, Brother Tom. Thanks for keeping us all up-to-date on what’s good in NJ and around the musical universe. Appreciate your “contribution,” as always!
Springstein is a jerk
Used to like him…sure do not anymore
Thanks for sharing this. I’m sure we were all waiting to hear whether Jacqueline liked Springsteen. However I think the intention of the comments was to find out what Springsteen fans think about this, not that Jacqueline doesn’t like him. I do look forward to hearing from her about everything else she doesn’t like…
Awesome response!
I would love tickets for my sister.
Great article, Tom! I have two of RRE’s albums and love listening to them. I had no idea that Carbone had a side band. Very excited to chek out their work now.
Yes folks rise up and pay attention to Tim and his music;
We need to protect the Delaware River, it is under threat daily from pollution and the byproducts of hydraulic fracking from the Pennsylvania
Side…
Please sign up to the Dealaware Riverkeeper Network and get involved !
Ton Skevin once again sheds light thru music and social awareness !
Always proud of your endevours. You’re a generous caring person. see you on the road. Jesse Roe funny thing at Del fest. don’t remember his name but after we chatted awhile and he realized I was the owner of Home Furniture Warehouse. He is one of the few people that remember tha you and Tucker did my jingle for All County Office furniture. Small world for sure.
The film is a favorite of mine, drawn into it by the bluegrass score and the fascinating story. The musical changes many plot points, but the impact is both the same, and different, but both powerful. Which do I prefer–the film–the musical? Both will remain as extraordinary tellings of the life of Little Jo.
The cast in this show at Two Rivers, so intimate a venue, blew me out of my seat–the leads outstanding, as well as those in supporting roles. The voices, the talent, stirred my soul– the acting; the sets; costumes; the music–all of it Broadway worthy. Bravo to everyone involved in this production.
I had a great evening in Carré. But the night before in Paradiso Amsterdam was even better. Real magic. SouthSide and the Jukes went through the roof.
This interview is amazing. I thought I liked Phil X before, this has revealed so much more. He’s truly one of music’s unsung heroes and I’m so happy for his success.
Thank you for covering Phil X in NJArts!
WOW! This guy has an incredible story. I’ve been a fan of Phil X for years, long before Bon Jovi, and this immense talent deserves recognition. The kind of recognition you’ve given him here!
And I love the photos and videos. The videos especially. You really get a glimpse into his personality which – next to his talent – is probably one of the most fascinating things about him. He’s truly one of the good guys!
This interview is so good. I actually read it this morning and came back to read it again as I listen to Phil X on Adrenaline Radio… I find it highly unusual that the jock at Adrenaline Radio is asking nearly ALL THE SAME QUESTIONS!
I also read the SharpNotes.rocks extended version. And there are questions from there this woman even lifted. What a shame. This interview is so thorough and so comprehensive and someone else lifted your work. Too bad.
Jaclyn,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece.
I actually heard the Adrenaline interview myself. I’m glad somebody else took notice. What a shame.
Debbie Lynn Elias – the jock in question – has actually blocked me from twitter. The only reason why I know this is because I just went to look up her full name to make sure I had the spelling correct. Apparently she knows exactly what she’s done.
Thank you for your comment Jaclyn!
Always wondered about these side men, especially those good ones. This piece that looks into the soul of Phil tells me a little something about all of them. Well done, indeed!
This is the best interview I’ve ever seen ! You did a great job Jennifer P.
Phil X is an amazing Guitarist and Singer and a very nice Guy with his feet on the ground and the heart on the right place !
Finally an interview that goes in-depth with this obviously very talented musician. Great article. And loved the video segments.
U*ROCKKKK????
Great review of a great day Jay Lustig! Happy to see you there. Sure glad I took pics ???????????????? – Suzanne
Whitehorse (featuring Melissa McClelland)
“I’m On Fire”
Just getting started on my listening but i am SO JOYFUL that you included Basia’s ‘
“Glory Days!!” I accidently found this months ago while connecting to the A.V. series from the Onion site.
Just touches me every time I hear it. “Born in the U.S.A.’ the album came out when I was 16 and i can still remember taking my girlfriend Melissa out on the back roads in my 1973 Nova listening to it on cassette. Now that I’m approaching 50 “Glory Days” as well as “Dancing In the Dark” (Wanna change my clothes my hair my face!!!) and “Downbound Train” take on entirely new meanings.
Hearing this played and so angelically sung by Basia helps me to accept better that “look in the mirror.”
I recall a rumor that the GD East Coast hotline was physically at the Capital Theatre…anyone know about this?
That would make sense since concert promoter John Scher owned the Capitol and he did a ton of work with the Dead over the years, not just in NJ but all over the East Coast. I’m not sure if this is true but it’s been said that the arrangement was that Bill Graham would do all shows west of the Mississippi River and Scher would do all shows east of it.
I can confirm this arrangement per both promoters splitting the US in half like that Scher and Graham had a good relationship so this worked well for them.
Meryl Streep – Light of day
Do you mean “My Love Will Not Let You Down”? Yes, that has been suggested and I will include in the next part, if there is one.
Yep! I’m wrong your right!
Awesome !! He will be so proud !
How do we access the pre-sale?
It was an amazing experience playing all together! No Surrender!
I was at the tribute for Gregg at Rockwood Music Hall. It was an intimate setting and absolutely beautiful the raw emotions of not just the audience but Scott as well was so touching there was nothing but love in that room. I am so grateful I was able to attend such a touching tribute.
I hope this is made into a concert film. Try not to edit out to much. Fans like the stories it helps them feel close and helps with closure.
The new album Southern Blood which Scott did a few songs from is definitely awesome and will be very welcomed.
I have been a fan of Scott for many years 10+ and he definitely gives it his all not just with the GA band, but with the Brickyard Band as well.
I look forward to the upcoming tributes. I was the one who when you mentioned you had not heard a Live version of Win Lose or Draw said I sent you one previously.
I think Gregg is smiling saying this is what it is all about bringing people together, inspiring people through the music and Scott is doing just that.
Peace and one love.
Joni
CKS bandmate, Bruce Katz , with The Bruce Katz Band will be playing the festival this year too! Going to be some great music with a loaded line-up.
Joni Nelson, Scott Sharrard, thanks to you both for trying to help GREGG’s children, his niece the other members of ABB to heal.
Scott Sharrard, you have been so kind!
Looking for ticket for 2018 and when are they going. On sale
Ladyjo1946@aol.com
We were at the 1970 Middlesex County College show, right up front in front of Jerry. I remember one of the roadies sold an audience member his big ten gallon hat.
Was there also, we got backstage, great memory
Sang Lucky Stars and Ariel(badly) at Kareoke yesterday,Classics
Kenny Chesney American Kids – “We were Jesus save me, blue jean baby
Born in the USA”
Dar Williams’ song “FM Radio” — “Remember Bruce Springsteen divorced a model and Married a musician!”
‘Cause it ain’t the glory days with Bruce Springsteen
I’m not a virgin so I know I’ll make Madonna scream
You hated Michael and Prince all the way ever since
If their beats were made of meat, then they would have to be mince
Rock the bells
— LL Cool J, “Rock the Bells”
Red Hot Chili Peppers “She’s Only 18” … a smell of Springsteen, a pair of pantyhose …
A great song about Springsteen but never mentions his name: Cash Brothers – “Nebraska”
“I got nothing on my mind, I got nothing to do
I’m just driving around listening to Nebraska”
He’s the last of the all night, do right
Hey Rosalita won’t you come out tonight
He’s the last of the hard-core troubadours
“Hard Core Troubadour,” Steve Earle
Lots of interesting references. Worst by far is Church; thinking that just naming a song after Bruce somehow buys him credibility. Saddest is Mellencamp; while he would emerge a few years later as a great songwriter (perhaps even rivaling Bruce in the 80s and 90s) in 1979 the lyric was all too true.
Another candidate and a very good pop-song by a new French female singer:
“Badlands” by Norma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDnfQzPIZiM
..
Turned the TV on and Badlands was playing
…
I know, he ain’t no Springsteen, oh should I blame him?
Like fire and ice / I’m burning
Other songs:
Springsteen – Roger Davies
Springsteen Gold – Rich O’Toole
I was always a fan of Smokey Robinson’s, but had never seen him perform until two years ago. I was visiting my mom in Florida and looking for activities to do with her. In searching the internet I saw that Smokey was performing at the Kravis Center in Palm Beach. It’s a given that Smokey’s songbook is as good as any writer’s, but I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as his performance because of his age. He surprised me with an excellent show. He still maintains a strong voice, and who can argue with a greatest hits show consisting of all the Motown classics he wrote both for himself and for other Motown stars. Glad I saw him while I could.
Saw him at Carnegie Hall in the early ’70s.
I love this! Unity! United they shall remain…no retreat! No surrender!
so so so wonderful!!!
love-love-love
So great to see, loved this, truly awesome, & I was surely singing along!!
I have got goosebumps.
Hi there,
The list just keeps on growing, here’s to part 6 and my contribution another cover of Dancing In The Dark recently released by a new UK based 3 piece group, Paradisia
Official video
https://youtu.be/s4NDMqjw_r8
Live version
https://youtu.be/BZ6MkKuK-Po
both wonderful!
Great review! Taking the artists age and history into account and providing an honest assessment, influenced by admiration and satisfaction. I saw him five years ago and it was very similar. Aged but proud!
It drives me flipping nuts when people comment on he Stephen Stills / Judy Collins tour and claim Stills voice is shot. Of course it’s fucking shot! If you saw CSN or The Rides over the past fifteen years you would had have a flipping clue. His voice is shot! Yeah, and you’ve gained weight!! Shut the hell up and respect an artist that has been able to maintain progression in his craft as he reaches an age that I’m praying to reach. I’m glad you enjoyed the show. I need a drink…
This IS a great review!! I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen GL in concert, even got to meet him post concert several years ago. At one concert, as he took stage, someone behind me was upset at how old he looked. I turned around to see an even older looking person and asked her which direction do any of us go. Yes, his voice is thinner, but his music isn’t just about his voice, it’s the poetry in his lyrics and how the musical composition compliments this. I’m no music expert but I know what I like and I think GL is one of the best lyricist/writers/poet of all time.
Also Mystery Train.
Excellent point. I guess I didn’t include it because so many different people have covered it, and I don’t associate it only with Presley. But it’s strongly enough associated with him that I should have included it, and I will add a paragraph and video to story about it.
You missed ‘Wear My Ring Around Your Neck’
Performed once at The Joint in the Woods
Thanks! Will add that too. According to Brucebase, there were 14 performances, all in the ’70s.
Thanks so much Jay in sharing our captured footage from the Montclair Jazz festival
Eddie Nicholas – interviewer
Gerald Levinson
Awesome coverage of a great night of music. So many superb performances. I was happy to be a part of it!
Agreed! And in the fashion Joe would’ve approved of, including the festive family vibe back stage– nice place to see you, Richard, and touch base. You’re projects are inspirational!!
Wonderful, thank you to everyone involved and getting behind the StrummerJam spirit of DIY – we’d like to express special thanks to the organisers, the bands, the venue and of course the people!!
As Joe said “Without people, you’re nothing”
The Joe Strummer Foundation
Abraham Clark, Roselle
Signer of the Declaration of Independence.
He should have been a first ballot inductee.
Show me any on this list that had a bigger impact in terms of lives affected.
I would like to see Southside Johnny all the Jukes in the Hall of Fame as well as Leslie Gore. Thank you.
Steve Fallon. Maxwells arguably completely changed the city of Hoboken
How about America’s Band THE SMITHEREENS!!!
They Have My Vote!
Americas Band…..The Smithereens !!!
Are you honestly telling me the Smithereens and Southside Johnny are not in the NJ Hall of Fame? It’s time to rectify this and induct both of them.
Well, you can take a first step by filling in the recommendation form. No guarantees, but if they get a lot of recommendations, it may help.
My system is not allowing me to access the recommendation form. Is there another way to obtain it?
Go to https://njhalloffame.org/. Click on “Recommend a Nominee.”
The SMI are long over due!!!! Please induct in 2018! Well deserved and Represent New Jersey proudly!!!!!
Southside and the Jukes are Jersey royalty. How is this even a question?!? Get them in there! Been following them and singing along and dancing since the 70s. The Force is strong with these guys.
The Smithereens, absolutely! How are they not there already?
How in the heck are THE SMITHEREENS not already in? AMERICA’S BAND!
Please induct The Smithereens!!! Its a No-Brainer!!!
Southside Johnny is the greatest
all 3 ….??? … hell yes … as a longtime fan i vote yes ,yes,yes….tony everlin …
The Misfits, obviously!!!!
Also Donald Fagen, Glen Burtnick, Queen Latifah, Naughty by Nature, Skid Row, Trixter and My Chemical Romance!
Latifah is in already.
Queen Latifah was already inducted.
Unconscionable for the Smithereens to be excluded. SS Johnny & Deb Harry belong too.
Southside Johnny and the smithereens should both be in !!!!
And Feelies and Yo La Tengo!
Call me crazy..but i didn’t see anybody on that list of potential inductees that doesn’t belong. I guess Maxwell’s is influential..The Pony as well, and how many other rock clubs that don’t exist anymore. so is there an option to include entities as opposed to people? but my personal favorite, still highlighting great live music, is Concerts in the Studio in Freehold Boro. because the smithereens have played there…:)
No, there’s no category for landmarks institutions or anything like that.
Southside Johnny, it’s a crime he is not already in…
Debbie Harry
The Isley Brothers
The Rascals
The Smithereens
George Clinton
I definitely agree about Steve Fallon and Maxwells
If you want stars and semi stars ok. If you want the guys in the trenches who do this day in and day out for the last 35-40 years. Then take a look at Eddie Testa, Jobonanno, Joey Arminio, Jimmy Garcia,
Would have thought that Southside Johnny and the Smithereens were already inducted. They should be. Many other iconic candidates deserve the nod.
Another great choice would be Scott Bradlee. His Postmodern Jukebox started in a basement apartment with him and a couple of friends posting videos to YouTube. This labor of love is now a global musical extravaganza, delighting thousands of fans at every show — without ever being signed to a record label!
Allen Ginsberg, born in Newark, raised in Paterson, had a greater impact on worldwide culture than almost any of the existing Hall members. He is the most important New Jerseyan not yet inducted.
great you are exclusionary
I’m not sure what you mean by that.
connie francis, joe Pesci, smithereens, SS johnny,Uncle Floyd, debra Harry and what about phil rizzuto?
oh i see connie is in already…
Yes Rizzuto is in
Lesley Gore would be a good candidate
She is too ugly to watch.
A terribly sad development.
Tom Skev – you paint a word picture, I felt like I was there, great article!
RRE are an American treasure 4 sure !
The fish were boogeying on the Big D the day of the show, now I know why!
Thanks, G-Man.
I’m sure you were reeling them in on the Delaware — just like always.
Hope to see you Oct. 1 for “Jay’s Jersey Jams” at The Crossroads.
As always, Jay Lustig delivers the right words when it comes to covering and supporting the music scene in New Jersey.
And if, dear reader, you have made it to the comments section, I know you appreciate Jay’s efforts to keep independent, locally based journalism alive.
So, please join us Oct. 1 for a great night of music — and to support NJArts.net.
= Tom Skevin =
The Contribution and musical associates all Rock and Rolls the soul on and on, again and again. The Real Deal, indeed. Thank you.
Great Job with that one Jay!!
Who is that guy? So many great songs in the wind. That is a great song!
Thanks
https://www.facebook.com/Chip-Mergott-1686852518226115/
The hardest rock and roll bands in the rock and roll business and also America’s favorite band definitely The Smithereens… Yours Truly Jimmy Burns…????
Hi Jay. Congratulations on turning three years old!
Nj arts is such a vital part of the New Jersey face – we need you !!
Coming from Australia for the Brucebook Convention-this is a once in a lifetime pilgrimage. The Brucebook Community has a great vibe of camaraderie, bound by our affection for Bruce, the band and for one another.
Jo’s horn player us the great horn player Eric Salkin (from the Chuck Lambert Band)
Thanks, I will fix.
My mistake – I heard horn player & Chuck Lanbert – my apologies to Eric – he was fantastic!!!
Thank you for your intense dedication to this project, Jay. We all benefit from your talent and years of remarkable arts journalism. I am happy to donate what I can to keep things going.
Helen – it was an amazing day. Thank you for the great write up! Much respect!
http://www.skapguitar.com/the-lonesome-pines.html
Hell yeah, by Montgomery Gentry
The Traveling Wilbury’s ‘Tweeter and the Monkey Man’ wouldn’t fit Jay’s criteria, but it has to be the champion of indirect references.
Can I get a “what, what”
any opening act?
Bless you. JL.
Thanks, Stevie! Hope all is well.
I loved Tom Petty. First time I ever heard of him was when I was 21 years old & Damn the Torpedoes was just released. I was going through a nasty divorce, & music, my “only friend”, along with Tom Petty, helped me through such a rough time in my young life. “Refugee’ was my favorite sone & Petty followed me throughout my entire life when, at last & after almost 36 years, I saw he & the Heartbreakers in Oregon in Eugene @ Mathew Knight Arena, part of the University of Oregon. This was 2 years ago & the best damn concert I have ever seen in my life! What a performer! God Bless You, Tom & RIP! You were “The Best!”
LS:
Thanks brother for helping us all get past a really tough night. Thanks to you for thinking of TP on one of the hardest nights ever in America. You guys are both beautiful and what you both put out there keeps us all going through the darkness.
Beautifully said, thanks.
A class act. What a beautiful gesture from Stevie and the band at such a difficult time. Thanks.????
Definitely Robert Hegyes, very cool! Thanks for sharing!
I was at the Concert in East Rutherford in 1978, at Giants stadium. I remember for a fact their were several deaths. Someone jumped off the spiral stairwell to the ground below tripping on acid.
I was at that concert in 78. No one around us knew who the old guy with long hair was. Willie Nelson became famous about 6 months later.
Another wonderful article about TP
Can’t handle this one
Part Of My Youth…
Stevie you are and have been admired since when I first saw you in 1973. Nice tribute to Tom.
Great job, TS. Like those other lanky fellas from Northern Florida, “Brother” Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers left their mark on our collective souls and in the annals of all that’s the best of rockin’ American music. The man was genuine down-to-the-core, a great writer, with an ear for making it sound the way it should. Along with Mike Campbell, TP crafted sounds that settle into your brain pan and thankfully will remain there forever. Hats off to one of the best. You’ll be missed, TP, Rest In Peace.
Just saw article- off the top of my head: ‘New Jersey’ by England Dan and John Ford Coley. 1971. ‘New Jersey Girl’ by Nerf Herder circa 2000.
Thanks!
I prefer the list not nominated, though Moodies and Zombies are long overdue. Maybe J Geils too
I think an inductees group of, say, Bon Jovi, Radiohead, The Moody Blues, The J. Geils Band, Dire Straits, The Cars and Sister Rosetta Tharpe would be presentable, though they could have done better (and, when the actual inductees are announced, will probably do worse).
Actually, I’ll change The Cars to Judas Priest. Heavy metal needs more of a presence in the hall.
Rosetta Tharpe had to go in.
Then Zombies, Moody Blues, J. Geils Band, Eurythmics and Link Wray…
Yes, Tom Petty was so much a part of my youth from 21 years of age to his end. He will never ever be forgotten. His songs, his voice, his charm & charisma will always be with me. Miss you, Tom! You did MORE for all of us music lovers with your songs & performances than you will ever know. You touch my heart & its in my heart that you will always stay! RIP!
Its about time ! GO BON JOVI!!!
Amen brother…WT F is Rod Argent’s & Mike Pinder’s nickname: Skip?
Glad to see this information we have been exchanging for so long.
I was there with my bandmate (members of The Sorts of Millburn High, NJ)and we were astounded by the whole show. It was amusing to me how many teeny-boppers were so irritated by The Velvets. I ran in to Ed Cadmus, manager of The Decoys of New Providence, NJ, and he said The Decoys opened. Not so, but it could have been a show the next year.
So, Anthony, what is status of film?
Ran into my neighbors last week at Penn Station and they saw the show in previews. They absolutely loved it and weren’t be disappointed or expecting it to be anything like his live show.
Thanks for sharing this thoughtful review and will be interesting to see what his fans think. I’ve been following his career for 48 yrs when My band did shows with him in Asbury Pk in 1971 before his meeting with John Hammond. Since then I’ve played my Harmonica on Broadway in a few shows both onstage and in pit. Broadway and Live Music Stages are two VERY different animals. I bet by December he be all warmed up and hopefully make a few changes in the right direction…
I have waited over 20 years to see them (The original band) and most of those years were hopeless since it appeared they would never get back together. I understand that it’s Axl, Slash and Duff but the new additions are ridiculously talented and the concert in Newark went beyond my expectation and a 3 hour adrenal rush. It was awesome . Thank you GnR
The show was transcendent. Deeply moving. Soulful. An intimate journey into the darkness to find the light. So brave of Bruce to allow himself to be so vulnerable. Within it all I felt an invitation for the rest of us to do the same. Come on Up. It’s a new day, people.
Thank you, DAVID GERALD PALLADINO-SINCLAIR for this spectacular and important review of one of our community’s gems. We should have people lined up around the block to get into the NJFO concerts. I attended the concert last Saturday evening in Westfield as was speechless. David Wroe has talents so far beyond our stage it is unimaginable and our NJFO musicians are worthy of any of the world’s greatest forums. Check it out! http://www.njfestivalorchestra.org/ Celebrate the arts by buying a ticket for yourself and a friend…or bring your kids. I promise you will become a season ticketholder! Linda Habgood
Thanks for such a wonderful review..I feel like I experienced it!
Wonderful review. We were at the Saturday night version of this concert and it was also brilliant. We are so lucky to the New Jersey Festival Orchestra. Maestro Wroe has been giving us amazing music for quite a few years now. It seems as though his selections just get better and better. Thank you for sharing your impressions with NJ classical musical lovers.
I agree wholeheartedly with this review. It was a stunning concert in a beautiful and acoustically perfect setting. Well done by all!!
Thank you for this great review. It’s so good to know that we do not have to go into NYC to experience world-class music!!!
Don’t miss upcoming NJFO holiday celebrations:
1. Return of the Three Holiday Tenors – Dec. 9 and 10 ( Westfield and Madison)
2. New Year’s Eve “ Puttin on the Ritz” – American musical theatre classics featuring stars direct from the Broadway stage (Westfield)
For tickets and information go to http://www.njfestivalorchestra.org
They were actually at the show on Wednesday 10/18. We were there also and it was fantastic. We saw Billy Joel and Jim Carrey there also.
Thanks, will correct.
Phil Rizzuto was on a pretty big record by Meatloaf :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB4Fg7v50Js
I don’t know if this guy is from NJ but there is a great song called, WHAT YOU’D CALL A DREAM. It is written by Craig Carnelia. You should find it, listen to it, and let me know what you think. It is just great.
Awesome and noble venture. I don’t mind my contribution being donated to a similar cause in the event of the target not being reached. The Smithereens have contributed greatly to the canon of rock n roll and I am delighted to help out even in a modest way.
Excellent song, great musicians! Thank you, Marc Ribler and friends!
The Hall is a business…. don’t they realize how DEVOTED Bon Jovi fans are? Get them in the hall then do a special exhibit on the top floor just if the band, like you’ve done for so many series and bands before! Fans will come in droves! I myself have been to the Hall and will only EVER go back for a Bon Jovi exhibit.
Is there any other Hall of Fame which has fan voting? Certainly not the various sports halls. There have been fan voting techniques for the baseball and basketball all-star games, which often resulted in manipulated results, from 7 Cincinnati Reds being voted to start the baseball game (ahead of Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, etc) to Yao Ming beating Shaq thanks to mass Chinese voting.
There has been a lot of commentary (notably by KISS) that the Rock Hall voters are elitists, but if the Hall is meant to honor not the most popular, but the very best, a fan vote is no more appropriate here than it would be for the Oscars, which also tends to nominate few box office smash hits.
Agree fan voting is problematic for a hall of fame. But if you’re doing it, it should mean something. For the Rock Hall, fan voting has so little impact it’s practically meaningless.
It’s wonderful to see the Montclair community continuing its long tradition as an incubator and source for high-quality classical music performances. I remember many amazing events — international-level events — from Unity Concerts and the New Jersey Chamber Music Society. For a new orchestra to take on the Mahler Fourth, well, that’s remarkable, indeed!
Well this should show them that we mean business then. Yes there is someone in the hall executives that does have it out for Bon Jovi that’s why I thought they were having the fan vote. To see if they were worth the shot to let in so as you see they are in the lead so far ahead that if they aren’t put in there is going to be such an out cry it won’t be funny. And their subscriptions will be going down like 450,000 way down. It really isn’t fair because they were eligible years ago and so many have been inducted before them. I don’t even watch it anymore it’s not even worth my time even when there is someone I want to see. I don’t care anymore. That’s is just how dishearten I am over this whole thing because they are so unfair with this. And I’m not the only one that feels this way. You want us back then get Bon Jovi into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where they belong.
I understand what your perspective…either make the fan vote actually count for something or don’t do it. My own problem with it is that white, male, baby-boomer friendly classic rock acts always dominate these polls. It’s very tough for other sub-genres: early rock like Link Wray, R&B like Chaka Khan or The Spinners, modern artists like Radiohead or Green Day, and alternative acts like The Smiths or The Replacements, and certainly rappers like LL Cool J or 2pac, to make much headway. Look at the top 5 right now…Bon Jovi, The Cars, Moody Blues, Dire Straits, Judas Priest– all five fit the “White, male, classic-rock artists who peaked in the 70s or 80s” mold. There’s nothing wrong with being white, or male, or a classic rocker– but the wide story of rock and roll has so much more breadth than that, and covers so much more ground in terms of genre, style, and influence.
Ultimately, I’d be in favor of scrapping the fan poll entirely, and maybe finding some other way to get people involved in the Rock Hall. Maybe allowing fans to record testimonials about their favorite artists’ impact on their lives, or something…
I don’t know if it’s really fair to bring race (black vs. white) into it. Some genres that are predominantly white (heavy metal, prog) have been as overlooked as genres that are predominantly black (hip-hop, reggae). And the Hall seems more open to blues and R&B than country, for some reason. I mean, Willie Nelson should be in before Bobby Womack, in my opinion.
Similarly, I don’t know that you need to say “male” in “White, male classic-rock artists who peaked in the 70s and 80s.” I mean, virtually all of them were male, anyway. Can you think of any hall-worthy female classic-rock artists from the ’70s and ’80s who haven’t been inducted yet?
Race should not be brought into it, otherwise, we could also legitimately claim “reverse discrimination”. We could claim age discrimination. And probably every other type of discrimination that exists. If the voting members are supposedly elitists, they don’t act like it, look at their choices. They have reasons for voting the ridiculous way they vote, the public has yet to figure it out. I will never go to the Hall of Fame based on the way it votes AND on the way it displays exhibits. How do they decide that one band gets 3 feet of exhibit space, and another group, 10 feet? How do most of the groups that get nominated even get nominated? Is this HOF for A, B, or C level performers? They need to do more to accommodate the fans’ desire to honor the best, or we should totally SHUN them and refuse to support them in any way, shape, or form, — they are the Hall of Shame.
The real problem is the low quantity of inductees allowed into the Rock hall yearly, only 5 or 6 per year is ridiculous. What that does is leave deserving acts that actually were influential and impactful to RocknRoll by the Hall wayside. Then we get newer eligible artists’ fans complaining that they’re being snubbed and deserve to be in now. That’s a lot of the reason that these ‘white male classic rockers who peaked in the 60s -80s’ are being highlighted in the fans voting. Sub-genres and subjectively non-rock genres like hip hop are also getting their share of votes but it’s almost not necessary because the hall nominators and voters succumb to the social pressures of being woke and PC. It’s an artificial acknowledgement, almost token except they often win the prize of being one of the inductees so that Hall doesn’t look biased. But if 4 times the inductees were allowed then we could actually play catchup and fix the biggest travesty which is the danger of completely and permanently excluding great acts because, well this other band has sold 2 diamond albums in the 90s and they’re the thing to vote for immediately upon eligibility. Maybe not every inductee has to be showcased in the induction ceremony. At least they would be represented and take their deserved seat in it.
Bon Jovi is correct, RRHOF voters have a vendetta…..against shitty rock bands
Plenty of worthless bands already in the RRHOF in my opinion. Many more deserving artists forgotten or ignored.
A-Fn-Men. Thanks for saying it.
You know they inducted Green Day, right? They did it as quickly as they could. I think it was based on the release date of a single or demo or EP or something…not even an actual album.
The same rule applies to everyone: 25 years since your first official release. Can be a single or EP but not, I think, a demo.
So Green Day is worthy but not Iron Maiden? Thats just laughable.
Stephen Colbert is most deserving of this award. His humour , his integrity , his deep caring of the human race and sincere desire to educate and uplift people should be applauded and recognized.
Colbert is the VERY LEAST deserving one on the list .
love to be part of this
How or where do you vote? Is this for US people only to vote?
Here is link: https://njhalloffame.org/2017-nominees/
There’s a moment at the end of Jersey Boys when the original Four Seasons are reunited and inducted into the RnR Hall of Fame, and one of them says, “Nobody can take this away from us, because this is from the people!”
At the time, I had no idea what he was talking about. I still don’t. It’s a good thing Jan Wenner and Dave Marsh like male falsetto.
I saw the original NYC production. A really fun show with a surprisingly solid score. I keep “Do The Necrocomicon” on my iPod for when I feel like a little spooky dance music.
No way
I hope you give credit to the photographer who took the Myddle Class pics. There was one photographer there.
Don’t forget that the LP also contained the iconic Milton Glaser psychedelic poster!
Yes, though by the time I bought album, they weren’t including poster anymore.
That was the album!!!….I was a big Beatles fan and listening to my older sisters Concert for Bangladesh album I still remember the first time I heard his voice after George announces “like to bring out a friend of ours..Bob Dylan”…and he blew me away….ran out and bought that Greatest Hits album….Never been the same since!
Outstanding article, going to Fridays NJ show. James M. Is a talented individual and even nicer person. Always warm and inviting for short chat. See you soon.
Kerry Kearney
Great review, I have to say Jim has been a long time friend. We grew up together and to this day he is a humble, friendly, funny, serious, long time friend. I wish him the best.
Robert Hoffmann
r696144h@gmail.com
Congratulations to Jim. Above all he’s the nicest guy around. It’s an honor to call him a friend
The Smithereens!! All local boys and great music.
Wow – what an amazing set. you guys really did it up good. Tom would be happy to hear this. Long live Tom. Hungerthon on !
Thanks Steve and Deciples for putting the fantastic tribute together. I’ve never been a big fan of AC/DC, but Rock&Roll has something for everyone.
Trump is the most ridiculous “president” that ever tread the earth
As he hashes out his stupid comments about comedians in general,
further showing his ignorance about the real world , because he
lives in an aberrant delusional fantasy world all on his own, why even his
wife was bought and paid for years back. I refuse to believe she
could actually love him . For what I know , everyone that comes in
contact with him either hates him for one reason or another.
He’s even written books on how to rip people off in business ,
how can anyone expect anything better of him. Impossible. He oozes
evil in a frightening level never before have I seen. The only way he’s
danced around the system is by deceitful means by getting his lawyers
to do the dirty work for him.
Not to worry everyone , Trump’s a disgruntled old man
who will soon be regarded as a glitch , when he’s gone
and out of his limelight which he loves so much. Either
by being kicked out , or by having some miraculous
stroke which kills him. By any way it goes , he’ll soon
be counted out ! Idiots like him should just be pushed
aside and forgotten .
You should add Pioneer the Eel to the lineup, although I’m not sure if they are from the New Brunswick scene; I saw them play twice at The Court Tavern and were amazing.
very very bad toupee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I met James (Dennis and Paul en -route to see the mighty Ian Hunter and the Rant band in Hamburg this October. What an absolute gentleman all three guys were, despite what had been a long journey with missed flights and delays. I’ve been going to see Ian Hunter for 30+ years and the guy is a total legend. But over time, James and his rant band colleagues have greatly impressed us and become very much loved by the Ian Hunter Army. James is one super talented guy and he always makes his playing look so very easy. Thanks for everything James. God willing there will be many more shows to come from Ian and the Rant band.
Your review pretty much stated all the reasons why I decided not to go and see Ringo and his All Starrs this time around. No new songs, too much predictability. I still don’t understand why Ringo didn’t do any songs off his new album. If he had done something new I might’ve been a little more willing to spend $200 to see Ringo and his All Starrs for the sixth time. I remember reading years ago that maybe Ringo should retire the All Starr concept because it had run its course. Now I’m beginning to think the same thing. It’s definitely run its course with this particular All Starr lineup. I hate to say that because I’m a huge fan not only of Ringo but of Steve Lukather and Todd Rundgren as well.
He should have learned how to hold a camera and record a video correctly.
Beautiful Tribute, Jay, and a lifetime of reporting and frienship by you for Pat & The Smiithereens. Very sad for all concerned, you & me included. Rest In Peace, Pat DiNizio.
Saddened and not only bruised but broken too by the loss of not only one of my rock & roll heroes but a close personal friend too #PatDinizio of #TheSmithereens RIP and thank you for the days, although you’re gone you’re with me every single day Goodbye old friend❤️ https://t.co/chzEEkqnz7
It was a great honor to perform on the same stage as Pat at last year’s NJ Arts benefit showcasing the 350 New Jersey Songs project. I can’t believe he’s gone. He will be missed but his music will live on, of that I’m sure.
A huge loss, not only on the NJ music scene, but for rock and roll in general. A gifted songwriter with a voice that could convey both the longing for a lost love or the sheer joy of that love found. I always did and always will come back to the Smithereens for Pat’s masterful writing and distinctive voice. My sympathy to his family and bandmates. Another huge loss in a year of icons falling away.
As a member of The Modulators, we did many shows with The Smithereens at the Dirt Club and Kenny’s Castaways. Pat and Dennis used to come into Vintage Vinyl Records where I worked and hang out and talk music. He was a great songwriter and vocalist. RIP Pat…
I have a story that doesn’t have as happy an ending, but it’s a great example of what being a small band on a big label was like in the Nineties. One member of Ruth Ruth always played in another band, Eve’s Plum. Michael has a twin brother, Ben, and it turned out that the twins and I worked in the same NYC skyscraper at our respective day jobs. I usually minded my own business but it is pretty hard not to notice when you are riding the elevator with identical twins. Well, one night I was at CBGB at one of their usual 8-band bills, and lo and behold the twins from the elevator showed up in one of the bands. I really liked their set too, so after the set I introduced myself, told them the weird circumstances, and asked if they’d like to do an interview for my fanzine. The band was signed at the time to Epic Records, which seemed great for them, and they told me to call the label and their “people” would set something up.
So I called Epic in New York, talked to half a dozen people, and nobody had heard of a band called Eve’s Plum on the label. So I called Epic in L.A. … and got the same results. I started to realize that being on a major label wasn’t maybe as great as bands thought it might be. Right around that time, I was in D.C. hanging out with Jawbox and their friends Shudder To Think announced they were signing to Epic. I told Nathan Larson my Eve’s Plum story and the guy just laughed, saying that would never happen to them. Needless to say, Shudder To Think had a horrible experience on Epic, released two excellent albums that never found an audience. Larson quit and the band broke up. At least they’re making money now on the reunion circuit.
I have a story that doesn’t have as happy an ending, but it’s a great example of what being a small band on a big label was like in the Nineties. One member of Ruth Ruth also played in another band, Eve’s Plum. Michael has a twin brother, Ben, and it turned out that the twins and I worked in the same NYC skyscraper at our respective day jobs. I usually minded my own business but it is pretty hard not to notice when you are riding the elevator with identical twins. Well, one night I was at CBGB at one of their usual 8-band bills, and lo and behold the twins from the elevator showed up in one of the bands. I really liked their set too, so after the set I introduced myself, told them the weird circumstances, and asked if they’d like to do an interview for my fanzine. The band was signed at the time to Epic Records, which seemed great for them, and they told me to call the label and their “people” would set something up.
So I called Epic in New York, talked to half a dozen people, and nobody had heard of a band called Eve’s Plum on the label. So I called Epic in L.A. … and got the same results. I started to realize that being on a major label wasn’t maybe as great as bands thought it might be. Right around that time, I was in D.C. hanging out with Jawbox and their friends Shudder To Think announced they were signing to Epic. I told Nathan Larson my Eve’s Plum story and the guy just laughed, saying that would never happen to them. Needless to say, Shudder To Think had a horrible experience on Epic, released two excellent albums that never found an audience. Larson quit and the band broke up. At least they’re making money now on the reunion circuit.
Jim – I love that story. I have a million of them. Here’s a quick one: We were playing in Boston at The Paradise with Tripping Daisy and Eve’s Plum (the tour where we met Michael Kotch and the rest of the band, all of whom I still count as friends). Our radio song was in the top 5 most requested songs on whatever the big rock station there was – BCN I think. So, before the show we go to Tower Records in Cambridge. There is a big window display of our band, which we paid for. We were happy to see it. Then we go inside, and there are no CDs of ours. Not one. But, there also isn’t a Ruth Ruth section in the store. So, we ask the manager “did all our CDs sell out?” and he says “no, we never got any”. We then call the record company and tell them to get some CDs to Boston as soon as possible, and they made excuses, saying we are a new band and it takes time and there’s a problem figuring out which warehouse has all our CDs… It was a nightmare that never ended. And when radio stations play the crap out of your song and they see it doesn’t result in sales, well, that is the end of your life on the radio.
I like these songs a lot more now that I’ve seen the band perform them live, so I am going to go back and give Going Grey another listen. My first reaction wasn’t as positive as yours. First, I thought Brian was treading water a bit with some of the lyrics. Secondly I didn’t like all of the radio-friendly production that the label obviously foisted on the band. The Front Bottoms aren’t supposed to sound like Weezer. It’s funny, when the Front Bottoms started out, their audience was their age. Now Brian and Matt are pushing 30 but a large part of their audience are teenagers. Do you write for them, or for your own current state of mind? That’s a conundrum that’s obsessed a lot of rock lyricists for a very long time.
Always love watching Stevie and most Of all I loved when Bruce Springsteen called
Stevennnnn on stage and Stevie has cool look on his face , just love his music.
This production of A Christmas Carol is awful. The music was flat. The acting was flat. The dance scenes were amateurish. The direction was uninteresting. I would say it was the equivalent of a mediocre high school play. I bought 6 tickets at $70 each and definitely felt cheated. Please, please, please bring back the old production with its great music & dance routines. This particular production is a crime against humanity. Poor Dickens is rolling in his grave in agony. This production has completely ruined the greatest Christmas story ever written. Shame on the all the responsible incompetents.
nice playlist! junie moon
First time we have heard Bette in concert and she was just AMAZING. Had the opportunlity to meet her after her show….what a dynamite powerhouse of a woman even with a head cold. She is a neighbor in West Orange. So happy that her long career is taking off with GUSTO : new cd with Bob Dylan and Tony Bennet’s son as the collaborator; and Keith Richard’s interaction as well. So happy for her and hope all this wonderful new re-entry into her career. GOOD LUCK BETTE
I cant belive it has been 10 years since BB passed away we clipshim good job joe how do u find these things
I miss him
He’s incredible that’s my favorite scene in the play
Jay Lustig should visit Cape May Stage in Cape May, New Jersey which is a small Equity theatre in southern New Jerseydoing excellent work. Its production of “Disgraced” was chosen as best play in NJ in 2016 by Broadway World.com. The casts are often comprised of Broadway veterans and artists known from film and tv. Sets and costumes are first rate. 2018 is the theatre’s 30th Anniversary. The season runs from May through December and is often sold out. capemaystage.org
I wish I could get there more often. I have been to Cape May Stage, and enjoyed it very much. However, I live in North Jersey, and don’t often review anything south of Princeton. It’s time-consuming, and expensive, to review in South Jersey theaters. It’s been a financial struggle for me to keep NJArts.net going and it’s just not feasible for me, right now, to be doing that. You could help by becoming a voluntary subscriber to the web site. More info is here: http://www.njarts.net/friends-supporters/. Thanks for listening.
this was a great story u shared it gives me flash backs. 1st time i saw the band was at the capitol theater in portchester n.y. but the best time was in a club in nanuet n.y that fit maybe 100. he be mingeling with audence off there little stage. he be at the bar inbetween sets. those days it was 2 or 3 sets. cover charge was 7 BUCKS. THe club was the Red Rail. Those were some good times. I felt back then he was the best Harp player alive. Broke my heart when he had the throat problem. Last concert was in Scottsdale Az. he was with John hammond & Charlie Musselwhite what a treat that was 3 greats in one concert. Didn t realize that would be the last time.
I think legendary may be a bit of a stretch, as anything with the Other Band is downright mediocre when compared with the ESB. Obviously excellent and the guest appearances by the ESB come close, but not in the same ballpark as a real Bruce and the ESB show.
While I generally agree with you, I have to admit that there were a handful of shows that came close to E Street territory, including this one. In fact, he did two shows in Philly. The first show was a pedestrian run-through of the standard 1993 setlist. The second was a marathon with an 11 song encore that is in the top 5 of Bruce shows for me, (and I e been to 30+).
Love it! love it! love it! Takes me back to a better place and time!
Umm, Jay Lustig,
if you follow the Tony Awards you will know that a special Tony Award is not a strong possibility, but a SLIM to NONE possibility.
Why?
I hate to be critical of this guy because he’s obviously done a whole lot of work to set himself out as something different. And I love it that he digs Bruce this much to sit down and learn 350 songs – that’s crazy! But first of all, he turned up the reverb ib his video track to Maximum overdrive, and it’s very distracting, and unprofessional sounding. I suspect he may be self-conscious about his own singing abilities, and wants to cover them up with heavy effects. There were several incorrect guitar chords that I heard. Also, he has the vocal range to hit the notes of say, the tune “Backstreets,” but he hits the note weakly, like that of an inexperienced teenager just starting out in the business. How do I know? Because I’ve spent my entire adult life (44 years and counting) singing Bruce’s songs with my guts like it matters. I only do 50 Bruce songs as opposed to this guy’s 350, but at least my versions have a little feeling and soul in them, like they were meant to be by the master who wrote and performed them.
Thanks for the kind words, Jay! Always happy to be a part of LOD, especially since members of my family have been struck with Parkinson’s disease & ALS. Getting to do the Petty tribute with Bobby is an added bonus.
All the best to you in the New Year!
–Ralph
Thanks, really enjoyed it!
It looks like it was a great night. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to attend. All the best to everyone. Rest in peace, Pat.
Just a wonderful night of Jersey Strong rock and roll. the band just exploded on every song. A great mix of vocalists who did justice to the songs. Good old time club time. Wow.
This was a great tribute to Pat Dinizio, we were thinking of coming up from Myrtle Beach, SC and Pat passed away and they announced this show we knew we had to be there. My husband, Vincent Lehotsky and I are from Carteret and he actually went to school with Jim, Dennis and Mike. Pat always was so nice to us when we went to their shows as was the entire band, including Thrilla. Would love to see an annual benefit show too
We thought we might have won the longest-trip-for-the-show award, as my wife and I drove up from Columbia, MD for it (thanks Stubhub!), but you have us beat.
I think the Smithereens are the band I’ve seen live more than any other. We would see them almost every year, as they came to the Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis almost every January. They were always every bit as strong as tight and ever. Hope the surviving members keep making music, and I’m confident they will.
It was a great, fun night, though an emotional one too, a four plus hour show that would make Springsteen proud. I especially liked hearing I Don’t Want to Lose You, sung by Dennis, which has that great Byrds flourish at the end. I really do hope the remaining Smithereens continue to play gigs and perform their music – those songs are just too good not to be heard live out in the world. Whether it’s an annual benefit as others stated, or perhaps, they could tap someone else to sing lead vocals. I’d nominate Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms, if he was available, as he did a tremendous job filling in for Pat on a few songs. Long live the Smithereens!
Totally agree with you – Robin Wilson nailed every song he performed
Ditto ditto on everything. Robin Wilson was the most impressive guest vocalist. So good, such a great impression of Pat’s voice and passion, and he seemed to love the songs the best, as, unlike other guest singers, I never once saw him look at the teleprompter for the lyrics– he knows the songs and loves them like we do. (Only problem is I love the Gin Blossoms too– including their newer, grossly underexposed, releases).
Great coverage Jay Lustig of what must’ve been the most awesome night!
Great to hear Dave Davies in such great voice. Love to Pat’s friends, family and of course the brilliant Smithereens.
Where is Bruce Springsteen? I haven’t seen him mentioned among those fellow NJ musicians paying tribute to Pat…?
What time is the ceremony
I don’t think they’ve announced that yet but the last one was at 7 p.m. so I would assume around the same time.
Great interview with an even greater comic!
The challenge with the “New Maxwell’s” was the disparaging remarks the owners made about the music history there. Particularly about the people who attended the shows. I feel had they respected the history of the fabled back room and concentrated on making the front the best restaurant possible they could have retained it’s mystique as well as provided a future for The Hoboken Sound.
I hope he includes “I Believe”! His version is one of my favorites of that beautiful song! Wonderful guy, friends from the 60’s with Dino Danelli! My favorite group!
Great JAZZ!!!!! Like Moody’s Mood for love.
Love the hard driving beginning of train sound in “Overbrook.
“
Hey there!
Just a quick note, Joel Spielman is actually with Patient Zero PR, not BlankTV.
Cheers!
Smitty
BlankTV
Nice write up and pics. JI is the best out there.
Yeah, Howard Stern had such positive things to say about Springsteen 15-20 years ago. Evolved into such a phony.
Jay, thanks for the review! This show is terrific! Absolutely rivals the current Off-Broadway show in every way. DON’T MISS IT!
Remember Jones was absolutely awesome whether he has his full band with him or his outstanding keyboardist. Where I was standing I didn’t hear any talking, people were paying attention and loving every minute of his beautiful vocals. I felt ithete was way more talking during Southsides performance . As to werher It was a smart move to put Remember Jones on as an opening act for a packed house, It was a brilliant move; so brilliant that remember Jones will be opening for Southside Johnny July 7 on the outdoor stage. ! He has a tremendous following in Asbury , actually wherever he performs so if anyone last night had never seen Remember Jones, they walked away mesmerized by his beautiful voice and outstanding showmanship. The night couldn’t have been any more perfect and the buzz feed today over social media agrees!
From where we were standing for the Remember Jones set. Everyone was grooving. I also think the pairing of the two bands was great. People are gonna talk no matter what. I once got shushed at a Paul McCartney concert. LOL.
I loved that they played the David Ruffin song. As great as Johnny did with it, nobody could sing it like David Ruffin. But I’m still abuzz that it was played. Totally unexpected. I wonder if they had ever played that song live before?
Looking forward to seeing Remember Jones open for Ronnie Spector and then Southside in the summer.
I’m not sure where the complaint about people talking “incredibly loudly”, whatever that means, comes from. From where I was, people were actually pretty respectful for RJ.
I had never seen or heard of Remember Jones before last night…… I was blown the hell away! When they did Edgar Winter’s “Dying To Live”, I was awestruck! What a voice! And his range is phenomenal! I’m an instant fan! I too was not aware of the talking during the show. With music, I get in to a zone that doesn’t end until the the house lights come up. Thanks for listening.
One song I’d love to hear at SSJ concerts is “take it inside”. It is a song I never hear sung and I’ve been going to many shows when SSJ comes to NH or MA. Thank you for considering this. Another song I’d love to hear is “Forever” which I believe SSJ sang with Little Stevie way back when. I know he has played this a some shows but I have not been fortunate enough to hear it in NH or MA. I did hear him sing this when he played in RI last February.
Southside and The Jukes put on a stellar performance. Everyone got some time in the spotlight and Johnny was in fine form. The setlist was ridiculously strong and they chose some choice covers as well. Amazing, amazing version of “Without Love”. The band still delivers like no one else.
Who will play bass for this show? Mike or Severo?
Am trying to find out.
ISM / 1982-1983 (?) “A Diet For The Worms” LP – Song called “White Castle at 3 AM” before The Beastie Boys sang about White Castle https://youtu.be/-4DL7Q5c-Do
To promote Grand Funk without Mark Farner is as big a joke as Mike Love heading the Beach Boys. Please don’t waste your time going to see this bogus band. Buy yourself a couple of old Grand Funk albums and listen to Farner play Inside Out.
The videos don’t seem to have any audio.
Click right and then click unmute
It would be nice if, in memory of Count Basie, there were at least one mainstream jazz act.
The duet of. “Blue Period” was with Jim Monaghan from WDHA. He deserves a mention.
It’s in there
Looking forward to seeing this superb cast perform this weekend, lead by Westfield’s own internationally acclaimed conductor David Wroe!
The NJFO produces the best concerts and operas this side of the Hudson River. This yer’s opera, Madama Butterfly is a don’t miss experience!
Maestro Wroe and artistic director Maria Todaro are at their best.
Cannot wait to see the performance this Saturday! It is so incredible that we can draw this kind of talent to the stage in suburban NJ!
Fabulous orchestra!
Can’t wait to hear Noah Stewart, so excited for this performance! NJFO is wonderful!
Can’t wait to hear Noah Stewart!
New Jersey Festival Orchestra is superb! Always putting on super performances.
New Jersey Festival Orchestra is superb! Always putting on super performances. Looking forward to the performance this weekend.
Can’t wait for this one. NJ Festival Orchestra productions are definitely not to be missed.
What a terrific organization to draw such high caliber soloists. Can’t wait!
Have been looking forward to this concert since the beginning of the season. Can’t wait to be blown away by this group of internationally acclaimed guest performers. Definitely a performance not to be missed!
Will see this in Madisonon Sunday. Taking friends. Can’t wait.
Looking forward to seeing this performance!
Super excited to hear this opera with soloists who have recorded albums and sung with the best operas in the world. So grateful that we have this gem of an arts organization in our own backyard meaning we don’t have to fight the traffic and expense of traveling to Manhattan to see a similar production. This should be a fabulous evening for opera fans and non opera fans alike.
Very much looking forward to this performance.
Cannot wait for another spectacular opera win concert this Saturday!!
Cannot wait for another spectacular opera in concert this Saturday!!
wow, great lyrics. Powerful melody
Yes…between the lyrics and the visuals…brought back some great memories.
How are Michael Franks, Lee Ritenour and / or Esperanza Spalding not mainstream jazz acts? It has to be Kenny G for you to think it’s legit?
Good solid rockin’!
Good song dynamics,
singing & band & arrangement.
A Tribute, nice.
Sounds great Marc!
More power to ya!
Feel so privileged you performed at my house the other night. Even if it was without a pic. It was awesome! Thank you.
Hope you’and Maria will come back and spend some more time with us.
Hot tub and flotation spa!! Same good vegan foods!
Van & florence
What a night, such a creative force. My only regret is that I have not bought a ticket to see this again yet!
Exceptionally articulated the N.J. attitude and experience. So touching home to the eyes of a born and bred girl of Hoboken living overseas for the past half century.
Loved it. Brings me back to the hard core of my youth back in Jersey over 40 years ago.
Thanks for this post! We are seeing this show at The Anthem in DC on May 12th, and can’t wait to hear the whole new CD this week !
Julie Miller sings “Across the Border.”
According to the concert schedule SRV was supposed to play Alpine Valley on August 19th. What changed the schedule?
What concert schedule are you referring to?
Great concert in Hershey the other night. Visually interesting. David and the band sounded right and right on point. Catch the show if you can!
Great review of a Willie Nile concert. I bought his first album in 1980 and his most recent Dylan album too. Keep ’em coming, Willie!
I am a native New Yorker now living in Norfolk VA. I remember fondly listening to WBGO all the time and really enjoyed a weekend announcer. Mike Anderson who was a really. Hip. Guy. And Jazz historian. A great memory. I also enjoyed. WKCR. And Bird Flight. Daily dedications to. Charlie Parker
Check out Bottle of Bread NJ’s favorite Dylan/ The Band tribute show. http://www.facebook.com/dylanband
Unfortunately not booked at these festivals.
Great job including a major spoiler! Also, kudos on supplanting your role as a mediocre reviewer with a chip on their shoulder for children’s theatre.
I wish Bruce would take this show on the road, I’m not able to make it to New York, but if it came to Pittsburgh, I’d be so there
WOW! Just amazing! Kudos to Wes and a heart full of thanks to Jay for sharing!
I wish I could get the opportunity to see Bruce on Broadway without having to sell my kidney or something.
How can I download the ringtone I like Jersey best
The Young Rascals played at Fairleigh Dickinson in Rutherford sometime in 1967. I was there, and if memory serves me right it was before Jay and The Americans played at FD, I was there also.
I love Bruce Springsteen’s music, and more than that, his spirit. Tonight I listened to selections of Bruce’s music from 15 of his albums, spanning the years 1973 to 2014. I did this because tonight I had a dream about dancing with an angel…after I chose Bruce Springsteen’s song “Dancing in the Dark”. I spent some time talking to the angel (he’s a tall, burly “Warrior” and a Native American) about Bruce afterwards, and so I decided to listen to a good selection of Bruce’s songs. I think Bruce Springsteen is more than just an American Rockstar and an Ikon of our people and our times. I listened to many of his more inspiring songs tonight.. songs from the heart of a Christian, and I think, more than that. Bruce Springsteen is a bard for the American people…in fact, I suspect he is actually a modern day saint. The last songs that I heard tonight were “Blinded by the Light”, “How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live” and “We Shall Overcome”. This is a man who could have led our people into battle…a man who could have led our People through the greater battles of our time..the culture wars that we are facing as we rise to stand up to the oligarchs and the evil men who now control the destiny of our nation and our people. Bruce Springsteen is a tremendous Christian Soldier, and an inspiration to us all.
This is so awesome❣️ Thank you, Jay ????????
Legendary is the only way to describe it.
When New Jersey raised the drinking age from 18 to 21, it dealt a huge blow both to the Garden State club scene and live music as well as to the Aquarian itself. By 1988, when you guys came along, things were getting pretty dire, as I recall.
when will someone ask Dave where he stands with Mick Avery.
he is also very much a part of the Kinks.
hadnt heard Charles Patrick passed, when was this ?
I wrote this three and a half years ago, so I’m not sure why I wrote that, but I can find no evidence now that he has died, so I have changed copy to reflect that. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
What a great interview. I’ve read many interviews/profiles of Paul Stanley and even conducted one, but this is the most thoughtful and provocative I can recall.
Loved, loved, loved this show. Dave Davies never disappoints. The feeling of love in the room was palpable.
I liked the Broadway version a lot. With touring companies appearing in NJ, it is often difficult to know in advance how good the cast is.
Would like tickets for shows… Please respond .. When I call 732-442-9200 no operator answers and instead of leaving a message for calls to be returned the cal reverts to the Turnpike Authority. I am bob Cleary 732-610-0538 or bobecleary @aol.com
Thanks
This show took place last summer
So are the tickets refundable when the fat man goes off the rails and no-shows?
Glad you’re getting into the charitable spirit of the event, dude.
wow you are a idiot
The Fat man has done it before. Nothing new. Not a bad question to ask .
U Can claim it on ur taxes for charitable purposes.
God bless Artie hang in there you are doing a good thing.
Too bad Scott doesn’t know a billionaire.
Artie is a good dude, Hope he doesn’t go to jail before the benefit
It’s that time for a Shout-Out: “Hey, Pelican Man”!
half of the white album is utter garbage, just dreadfully bad
and it is just a twist of fate it had its name changed from a dolls house, and theres old john strung out on heroin and his hag from hell telling him to break up the band, yeah good times
The White Album or given it’s correct title ‘The Beatles’ is a masterpiece. It’s organic roots are stamped all over music released in the last 50 years.
Although not the happiest of times in the Beatles camp, through adversity and India came this outstanding collection of songs from John Lennon’s Yer Blues, Paul McCartney’s blistering Helter Skelter, George Harrison’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps and yes, Ringo Starr’s ‘Good Night’ to name but four.
I love the Beatles ‘White Album’ and look forward to it’s 50th anniversary release along with Apple Records first single release Hey Jude/Revolution.
Artie u r good man always trying to help people friends n non friends . F Howard he forgets about his friends and workers to caught up in cats n dog
You’re assuming Howard has done nothing. He may have helped but just not talked about it on the air
It’s those unbeatable Beatles again. Songs such as Happiness is warm gun, Piggies, Julia, Revolution, Martha my dear. So different so great.
It’s those unbeatable Beatles again. Songs such as Happiness is warm gun, Piggies, Julia, Revolution, Martha my dear. So different so astonishing
Not fair judging Stern. According to Artie himself Howard is a very generous dude. Let’s wait and see
The White Album is a musical masterpiece with its musical diversity reflected by the brilliant execution of straight rock n roll, blues, country, a touch of acid rock, 1920s era, Avant-garde, crooner style singing, and finally their own Beatles rock that some tried (never completely successfully) to mimic.
The white album is the greatest most eclectic diverse compilation of music ever produced the album is so great they had to make a double album they we’re at there creative peak and only a tone deaf conservative couldn’t recognize the brilliance of enlightened creativity, it will stand the test of time like only the greatest artists throughout time bask in the glory of time transcending brilliance so do your mind and heart a favor and listen to 30 of the greatest songs created by one group on one album
Mr James, when did recording artist realize they needed to copy write their music they wrote? Have you heard of a recording studio in Clovis , NMSU? Iit is where Buddy Holly started recording before he moved to NYC. Me Petty has all of his music copywriters just before he died. Any response can be emailed to Gentlegnt@comcast.net
Thanks for any feedback
Richard King
Howard is one of if not the most loyal employer around. Just because he does not mention helping Scott does not mean he hasnt.
Awesome article Jay!
What a party!
We are really excited about the RYL album, can’t wait.
The videos, awesome touch.
It is all just great! :-)
Linda
“Falsetto??” Why, I oughtta… ;)
Jay, I need to share my mantra with you:
Falsetto Is For Cowards.
<3
Two Rivers has more interesting offerings than any other NJ theater. Among others, its August Wilson plays are must-see’s.
Yes….I was involved & married to one of the group members..Eric Rackin in the come back of RYL that never made it. They were so good old and new. Too bad we lost Richard Tepp and Eric Rackin.
I think Eric played in my band, The Institution, for a while. He played bass, right? He was a great musician.
Dave still plays one hell of a great guitar.
The show enables the benefits to begin with. I didn’t expect my boss to pay me money when my wife had cancer. What’s wrong with people man…
I went to one of his showings and he was so rude that we walked out after waiting 2 hours in line at the Short Hills Mall. I happened to have my AMEX Gold Card with me and was excited to make a purchase. Upon entering the gallery, we saw Paul come out from the back. We were all excited and saying hello. He RUDELY made an announcement that it wasn’t a “record store” and that he was there to “sell art” and you would only get to meet him if you “bought his art”. He then clicked his heels and turned around and went in the back again. I yelled out “what an JERK”. He didn’t even have the decency to say “Thank you for coming”. A total ASS!!! He not only lost a sale but a fan. I have loved KISS my entire life. His art isn’t that great anyhow. He should stick to music and fix his wig.
If this was how you feel…you were never a fan. A fan wouldn’t blast a icon and then cowardly post about it so they can get a second of personal gratification. Kiss Army is loyal. Wannabe
What a…a….plot summary..
Excellent party and the bands were SO perfect for the event! Glad to have been there! Met a lot of nice people & glad Twig had the best birthday.
Springsteen on Broadway was extended and will run to the end of 2018.
Are the clips available to see somewhere now that the festival is over ? – Thanks
Unfortunately only here: https://bobdylanarchive.com
As always, great entertainment!
How can i stream it?
Bonfire of the Vanities was one of the best novels of the 20th century; The Right Stuff one of the bet nonfiction books; and Radical Chic one of the best pieces of journalism.
Missing from your list:
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Newark, New Jersey
19 April 2005
Thanks!
Laura Nyro opened the July 13, 1991 show at the GSAC.
Right. I was at that one. Should have remembered that. Will add.
It looks like the same set list for both venues, I was at PNC and the list looks identical to me.
performance sensacional.
Smarshall Creenshaw!
I was at the PNC show. Best concert ever. ZZ Top and John Fogerty we’re both awesome!! So much fun.
Saw his show last night at the Music Box it was unbelievable, great music I loved every minute of it😊👍
Well written piece that captures the spirit and the reach that Tom Petty had on us all, not to mention the influence on music and a generation of fans. Wonderful tribute Tom Skevin!
need to come to Australia melbourne
I have been the nice guy my entire life. The pricks increase their bz with high pressure and illegal sales tactics, the assholes crap on their gfs and they stay for the abuse and I am still working making an honest buck and the nice guy , alone , cause maybe I am just to transparent and out my heart out there too frank , too bad…B
Is there any chance you could reupload this video? I’d REALLY apreciate it, or if you could send me the video to my e-mail fcuevas.traduccion@gmail.com
Sorry but the clip seems to have vanished from the internet.
Thanks NJ Arts for the hard work that you do in bringing us these stories!
My wife & I were coming back from Franklin-Vermont (where I have a camper) to Montreal,Quebec Canada and we always listened to Cousin Brucie on Sundays around 5:00 p.m. on our way back home.
This past Sunday (June-10th-2018) we’re listening (Great Music selection) to channel 6 (Sirius) & it dawned on us that 10 years ago You were at Joey Dio (My Brother-In-Law) of the Fall Guy’s Surprise Birthday Party & so were we in Fort Meyers, Florida!!
Man, was that a great get together with some of the Fall Guy’s Present & other Musicians, music played & even performance by the Birthday (Joey) Guy! Plus friends of Joey & the Fall Guy’s were there!!!
It was worth the trip to see Joey’s Surprised Face & Happiness about Old & New Friends and listen to Rock & Roll Music, which always brings back good memories. Yes, I’m not afraid to say that I’m part of the Baby Boomers Era and that I’m 70 years YOUNG!
If ever you’re in Montreal, please give us a call (514-984-1234 My Cell phone) as we would be happy to see you & maybe have lunch or supper.
Love Bob Makin (Makin Waves). Keeping NJ informed and rockin’ through the years. 👍🏻
I saw Richie launch this tour in Colorado and was really entertaining. He’s a very kind man.
Jay, great review and videos. Thank you!!
That’s our Bruce!!
This is why he is the BOSS!!!!
“The Man” “The Boss” 😍
Where WAS he in 2014 with BHOs “caging” children? Why not then? Why now?
Family separations were rare under Obama; became much more common after Trump administration adopted Zero Tolerance policy.
Can I plug my story about the co-headliner on this bill? Gonna be a good night.
https://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2018/06/psych-o-positive_brings_cool_vibes_and_an_unexpect.html#incart_river_index
Excellent. Thanks, Jim!
Hello Jay,
My name is Diane Barros.
I would like to talk to you about possibly booking our Carole King Tribute show, called “ONE FINE TAPESTRY, A CAROLE KING TRIBUTE” at New Jersey Botanical Gardens for the summer of 2019. Sue mentioned to me that 2018 has already been scheduled.
My husband Gerard and I have been doing the Carole King show for 7 years, and we are very interested in scheduling a date at your venue. Not only do we perform many of Carole’s solo hits, but we also cover many of the classics she wrote for other artists such as the Drifters, Shirelles, James Taylor, etc.
This ( ONE HOUR ) show is very well received, and we are sure your patrons will thoroughly enjoy it.
“ONE FINE TAPESTRY, A CAROLE KING TRIBUTE” can be performed with our ( FULL BAND ) for large outdoor concerts or
just my husband and I “Gerard and Diane ” as a ( DUO ) .
Also, listed below are some references from NJ Libraries, Cultural Centers and Summer Concert Series where we performed the tribute in the past year.
For additional info, you can check out our :
Facebook page ~ ( “One Fine Tapestry “A Carole King Tribute” )
Facebook page ~ ( Gerard and Diane Barros )
Website ~ http://www.barrosmusic.com
If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me at 973-893-9113.
Thank you and have a good day!
Diane 🐦🍀
👀👀👀👀👀👀👀 REFERENCES 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀
Montvale Library Glen Rock Library Fort Lee Library Oakeside Mansion Cultural Center
Roseland Library Long Hill Library Cliffside Park Library Memorial Park, Hillsdale, NJ
Livingston Library Ramsey Library Englewood Library
Old Tappan Library West Caldwell Library Ridgewood Library Crestwood Lake, Allendale, NJ
Franklin Lakes Library Montville Library Mahwah Library
I don’t book shows, I just write about them, so I wouldn’t be the right person to speak to.
Who did the cover photography if anyone happens to know?
They represented NJ very well at Punk Rock Bowling this year. Although you’d think after I write this nice piece that they would have sent me their new record to review. Grrrr.
https://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2018/05/punk_rock_bowling_draws_the_punk_rock_nation_to_ve.html
awesome list!
if u are still updating it, please add Dylan as the support for 1995 Giants shows.
Other bands that opened for the Dead at Giants:
Sting
Steve Miller
Traffic 1994
Thx
Don’t forget Willie Nelson ad waylon jennings
At which show?
Giant Stadium 9/2\78 but no Waylon Jennings only Willie Nelson and New Riders of the Purple Sage
No one knew who The old guy with long hair was.Willie Nelson became famous about 6 months later.I also remember him onstage with the GD.Donna and him were singing together.
I am all over this one, this will be cool and obviously there is no shortage of dead singers!
I had the most wonderful time at Tanner park last night. Max was a most gracious host and very accomidating to his audience . I wanted so badly to have him sign my vest which I have signed by 2 e street members so far. Hope to have Bruce and Patty sign at broadway show. Anyway my only disappointment was that he wouldn’t sign. The opportunity will probably never come around again, and I already will never have Danny or the big mans signature. Nevertheless if the opportunity comes around to see Max and his band, jump on it, you will not be disappointed. Thanks for a great night .
Sounds pretty good!!! I hear a little, “Gloria” and some surf rock!! I could dance to this! I give it a ten!
Rest in peace my friend.
Cool, very cool, story and verse, RIP, BROTHER, MUSIC RULES. Triple T.
I saw the George Theiss Band at “Big Man’s West” on Monmouth Street in Red Bank back in the mid 80’s before it closed. I remember having Clarence and his Swedish wife walk into the retail store I worked at in Shrewsbury one day and telling him the fun I had at his club after it closed. His response was, “boy was my lawyer ever glad I closed that place!” Also saw George Theiss in “ The Warehouse” once in Asbury. Rest In Peace.
Fantastic
…nice article, not so much the ‘video'(ahem..!) as of Sat.am the 21st, says ‘unavailable’…☮⚜
Thanks though there doesn’t seem to be a problem on my end. Am able to play on both my computer and cell phone.
Capitol in Passaic in Ju;y of 1972
Capitol in Passaic in early July of 1972
Are you sure about that? No source lists a Capitol show that month, though they did play at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City. Do you know the exact date or have any other info?
Can only say I was proud to be his sister.
Our love to you and the family.💘
Sorry for your loss, though his life gained much.
Proud to be his sister!
Barbara
You may remember me
I lived next door to Paul Popkin growing up and saw the Castiles practice there many times
One day after I heard George on an interview on the radio I called him and talked with him for awhile
He was such an awesome guy
Rest in Peace
Coincidentally, the Pumpkins played Maxwell’s 17 years ago today. I think it’s safe to assume that when Corgan said one of the first markets to support the band outside of Chicago was New Jersey, this is what he was referring to.
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-smashing-pumpkins/1991/maxwells-hoboken-nj-4bd7cf46.html
According to this site their first NJ shows were actually earlier that year, in Feb., when they played both at Maxwell’s and Fast Lane.
http://www.spfc.org/tours/date.html?year=1991
Bruder is a solid writer/composer and has an awesome roster of musicians on this album.
Tony and Diana make a great team! Their voices blend effortlessly and the true Gershwin mood and message comes forth loud and clear. This album will certainly be next on my shopping list. Keep ’em coming, Tony!
Bruder is probably one of the most under-recognized songwriters in NJ and the Who the hell is Dan Bruder web series was hilarious. Thank you Tom Skevin for bringing well deserved attention to him.
Great piece, Jay!
Am trying to share or email it to the guys in the band but the links aren’t working for me.
Hmm, not sure why you’re having problems but this should work. Thanks
https://www.njarts.net/pop-rock/prisoners-of-second-avenue-revive-spirit-of-fillmore-east/
“Evolution” is a worthy follow up album to Dan’s first release. Great article.
Hair with Constantine Maroulis!! Sounds like the perfect weekend.
This is great and thanks for the video links. I hope there is more video posted. I did find one of David Amram that you didn’t list.
Thanks. Yes, there are some other ones on YouTube that are easily findable, for anyone interested. I didn’t want to overload post with videos but did want to share at least some.
The Eagles tribute band was the best tribute band I have ever seen.
Looks like you had a great day.
Who does Sawyer Nunes play? Someone’s son who gets dragged into the band?
I don’t think he’s any other character’s son, but yeah, he’s basically a local hot-shot guitarist (who has a crush on the main character’s ex-girlfriend’s daughter) whom they drag into the band. The original guitarist had died.
Not underrated by me. I think it is the pivotal song of the album. After introducing himself on Thunder Road and then the band in 10th Ave., Night sets the stage for the rest of the record. Now we are ready to scream off into the night with Springsteen. And, in one 3 minute song it has some of the most vivid and iconic images in his whole songbook: the Rat Trap, the Circuit, Soul Crusaders, Chromed Invaders. Born to Run is a masterpiece from beginning to end, and so if you are going to water it down by ranking the songs, one of them is going to have to be the Ugly Duckling. But that’s all it means.
Posting early in the week is good! Shared it to Reddit: https://old.reddit.com/r/newjersey/
Thanks!
Do u intend to cover other of Bruce’s songs. This must have been a blast with young n old jamming along. Wish I’d been there.
What a wonderful soulful and haunting version of one of my favourite Springsteen ballads. If I hadn’t known that Bruce had written it I would have wondered if it was originally a Ben E King song. Thanks for the list of 350 Jersey songs. Have only just found yr web page today from a link on the No Surrender Festival.
Diane from across the Pond
Wonderful, thanks.
Please come to Utah!!!!❤️❤️❤️
Was listening to Sirius this evening and heard you on the radio. Took me back to Niles and the time we went to Hoosier Favorite for my birthday. You didn’t have a sport coat so my mom had to go to one of her friend’s home to borrow one for you. Hard to believe just hearing your voice took me on that trip down memory lane. Best wishes to you. Sue Hurd Lindsey
I remember when Tommy James did “La Bamba” for the Niles Senior High School talent show. Had the whole auditorium shaking.
Tony was a dear friend and I will miss him terribly. We talked for hours and he always had a positive attitude. He was a good man and always rose my spirits. He loved when I’d sing for him. I pray his family finds peace in his passing, they were always kind to me. Rest easy my friend, sing with the angels. Thankyou for inspiring me to be a better person and reach my goals. I’ll miss you Tony Maroney- love always Dawn Barry CNA .💕
Hungarian rock bands song:kutyavilág inxludes: the music is roaring its bruce soringsteen…..
Hey, you forget “Poison Grace” by Elliott Murphy. This Song mentioned Springsteen, Asbury Park, Johnny 99 and the Nebraska Album.
Wow I have a collection of 370+ tracks mentioning Springsteen, so I am impressed that you had one I did not know about (Bleu Edmondson Our World Now ).
By the way Hannah Hennessy is now called Hannah Mahoney for those that may want to buy her track.
Many of the tracks are country and there are many rap tracks too but all genres seem to be represented. Some only on bandcamp.
Latest addition was released on 21st August this year Springsteen by NIGHT TRAVELER.
Wow, is there any way for you to send me that list? Best email would be njartsdaily@gmail.com. (No problem if you can’t). Thanks!
Let me see what I can do, will email you
A finnish country rock song about Nebraska too, no mention of Springsteen by name:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mH3uNAbht4
A finnish pop song mentioning Springsteens advice to be born to run and thus deciding to fix an old car and leaving:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eakduAVMLx8
“Ow, A Bad Singer’s Pony Rent” is the only known protest song about the the price to pay to see Springsteen On Broadway. If you want some balance to your list this is the one! http://www.richlynchband.com/ft-songs/pony-rent.php
Dave Warner corrcet weight’ album @ dave warner .com ” song- john arlott makes me chuckle’ – ‘bruce springsteen wouldn’t have me as his main protagonist, I’m far to ordinary”
the whole album is a gem.
I don’t know the title as I’ve only heard the song live but Joe Gruschecky has a song that references his collaboration with Bruce. A line that says something about “Springsteen on the line”.
One last dance, by Badly drawn boy from the album Born in the UK.
“and if we still don’t have a plan, we’ll listen to Thunder road”
If I don’t Make It Back- Tracy Lawrence
“Drive my Camaro 90 miles per hour down Red Rock Road with Born To Run blasting on the radio”.
Here’s one left out, by the great singer/songwriter Lori McKenna, “All it Takes.”:
5 strings on a 6 string
Initials on a gold ring
Anything Bruce Springsteen…
Sometimes — that’s all it takes…
To remind me of you
The Saw Doctors’ ‘I Want to Kiss the Bangles’ opens with ‘I wouldn’t kiss Bruce Springsteen’!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWE0xkCKmSc
You close your eyes and your at an age that seems unreal. Tony just finished Gladys Knight and the Pips cut. The song says so much about his “gift.” My band was on the road to Atlanta, Georgia. We looked into the song and their was Tony. He came out to see us in NJ several times. He was a great guy and I’m sure we’ll see him again. RIP Tony Camillo.
The band identified as Samhill was actually called Highway 9 when their album “What the Samhill?” was released with the song Between Your Eyes and Mine, which references Springsteen. They were named Samhill but I believe they had to change it when they got their record contract because there was another band with that name. It was a great band, great album and song. Unfortunately, they broke up before releasing another album.
Thanks, will correct
Public Enemy, “The Long and Whining Road” – A song that tells the history of the group and is filled with Dylan song title references, it also includes this lyric:
“Beethoven, Bach and Brahms, I want some James Brown
Even Bruce, Brian, Bono, Beck, yeah Chuck Berry
Prince, Stevie, Sly, Smokey, Johnny Cash in my Chevy
Heard some call me Uncle Tom – now that’s Petty”
Live, “People Like You” –
“In a dream I had
I was on the stage with Queen
Michael Stipe and Elton John
Bono, Springsteen
Singing ‘Hallelujiah!
Rock and roll is king'”
Wait, what? Palisades Amusement Park is closed?? Who can forget those commercials and that theme song!
When do you release info about NSF3? I wanna come.
Love it!
Springsteen fan since ’74 show in college gym I helpef produce. Best rendition ever! Thanks, brought a little joy.
Brutal nois!!
VERY IMPRESSIVE!! LOVED IT 💚💚
The Roland brothers hugging at the introduction of the band was heartwarming.
Super super brings back so many memories
Great show
Poor singer has to try and hit those notes. Sabastian is awesome and great front man.
Missed a rap song:
Nas – Hero
“Try tellin Bob Dylan, Bruce or Billy Joel they cant sing whats in their soul”
I’m on Fire also covered by LeAnn Rimes and Theoretical Girl….A couple of obscure versions of Dancing in the Dark by Anna-Marie Blixt, Ruth Moody and Lauren O’Connell…If I Should Fall Behind by Catie Curtis and Cindy Bullens. There’s an Italatian version of Because the Night (Notti Per Due) by Ana Oxa
Here’s another obscure reference. Christine Lavin’s song, “If You’re Drunk You Cannot Buy a Puppy”. She has a whole monologue about The Sopranos in the song – “that actor from Bruce Springsteen’s band turned out to be a punk”.
I’m looking forward to the discussion regarding Roman Polanski and her position on his rape of a 13 year old girl.
Great read ….Jean Luc is the G.O.A.T!!!
I took my girlfriend to a Tommy James concert in west Baltimore in 1976 or 1977. It was in a nightclub setting. He was angry because they announced him before he even got onto the stage. After the two music sessions and his night was over, my girlfriend and I walked up to the stage and met him. We kept dating and eventually married. Been married for over 35 years and a couple for over 42 years. Let’s just say we have very fond memories of Tommy James and his music. Whenever one of his songs comes over the sirius radio, she looks at me with affection as both of us remember that great evening!
Bruder is of NJ’s best.
Wow fantastic program and talent. We’re so lucky to get that right in NJ!
We were introduced to NJ Festival Orchestra and were so imprerssed with the programs, the musicians, and with the enthusiasm and leadership of conductor/music director David Wrote.
Looking forward to another wonderful season at Drew University, Madison.
what fourteen year old does not know not to grab a woman’s behind.
Such a double standard bullshit ass-hat.
“Belushi had already done his Blues Brothers routine on “Saturday Night Live” a few times at this point, though the hit movie “The Blues Brothers” did not come out until 1980.”
The above is misleading. Not only had “Belushi … done his … routine” on SNL, he and Akroyd had well developed the act by that point. The Blues Brothers *album*, which contains a swinging version of Hey Bartender, was released in 1978, so that version of the song would have been well known to the Capitol Theater audience by 1979.
Belushi does do a cartwheel that can be seen on the video during Dicky Betts’ solo beginning at 1:25.
Thanks, I have corrected.
Loved hearing Bob on the Stern show with Artie back in the golden era…
How do we help with money, etc?
Damn
Very well written Mike…takes me back to being a kid and hearing my mother play these songs all the time.
Great review of a great singer!
No mention made of the fact that Frankie Valli has been lip syncing his performances since 2003.
Stop talking about lip syncing. Who cares that is not important. He and the music are what matters. He has earned the right to perform anyway he wants and we are all lucky to have him.
I was at the Friday show. He is still able
to hit the high tones.
It was a great performance
I thought the opera was outstanding and very relevant for our times, and most unfortunately, all times in history. However, much was lost on the audience because Hatuey is not well known as the hero of Cuba or of freedom fighters, everywhere. I would suggest more detailed notes in the program to prepare the audience for the detail and the careful choice of costumes, headdresses, etc as well as the back and forth of eras and countries so diverse as Cuba to Ukraine. It is an important and fascinating story and the singers and instrumentalists were excellent.
You support the arts, but not artistic freedom or freedom of speech? Let’s see how that works out for you. Incidentally, I do NOT support hatred of any kind.
No one is saying anyone should be arrested. There’s nothing inconsistent in criticizing those who practice or promote hate speech, and supporting freedom of speech
You can practice Free Speech all you want, have Nazi’s at your bar but don’t get mad that Free Speech has consequences. That’s not part of the first amendment is it? Does it say anywhere, you can have freedom from consequences and spew all the stupid bullshit you want? This is why we have Nazi’s feeling brave. Great, you’re a Nazi, you want to spew stupid shit, well don’t be surprised when the rest of us enact our freedom of speech rights to speak out louder and tell you YOU ARE WRONG and to the cowardly owners of Dingbatz, I hope their’s enough Nazi’s out there to keep you in business.
There’s no apostrophe in “Nazis.” Apostrophes are for possession and contraction only.
Freedom of speech is freedom of speech. You don’t like the music don’t go and don’t listen simple. Sjw and Antifa deem everyone a Nazi for not agreeing with them. The show happened everyone had a good and it looked like all the sjw stayed home that night anyways… So much for all the Internet talking haha.
exactly. freedom is speech is freedom of speech. people (or “sjws”) not paying for entry or showing up to this show is them clearly showing they don’t support these bands or their message.
and with freedom of speech there comes an equal reaction for any speech. just as someone shouting “fire” in a crowded theater will likely get in trouble for causing a scene – bands that use “lyrics that seem to be promoting the idea of white supremacy, or that are anti-Semitic” will also have to face an equal and just reaction. lol it’s that simple really.
whether you snowflakes like it or not, freedom of speech has its consequences. man up and take it. understand that promoting those types of messages can and will have real world reactions.
also, i doubt this is an issue of “sjws” or antifa calling everyone who disagrees with them a nazi. the bands in question have lyrics that promote ideas quite similar to nazi rhetoric. if you’re a true fan, you already know this. if not – then all it takes is a little research.
Intolitarian is fronted by Antichrist Kramer (https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Antichrist_Kramer/380679) who also ran Satanic Skinhead Productions (https://www.metal-archives.com/labels/Satanic_Skinhead_Propaganda/162) who have had many NS bands on their roster.
it’s that simple really. you will get called a nazi if you’re a legit nazi lmfao.
One of the April ’87 Brendan Byrne shows was also broadcast live on WNEW. I have a tape of it, somewhere…
Great book and a super nice guy. Met him about year before book came out on Poughkeepsie NY at Bluecoup show. He posed for pics, signed my muscle of love album and just talked with me.for like a half hour. No ego just telling stores like an old friend catching up. Cannot say enough nice things about this man.
Can anyone, anywhere actually define ‘hate speech’, other than something you do not like? Being told to keep silent, even about things I despise, is hate speech imho. If someone took a jew/arab/xtian and started beating them up, like some groups do who are against so-called hate speech, like antifa and groups associated with that ideology, then it would be very warranted to protest and go firmly against them perhaps including arrest and/or street justice. But none of that happened, not at this show or any others. Stop being wimps over the breeze blowing too hard. This is Metal and metal offends period!
Hate speech is, basically, speech that advocates violence against an individual or group on the basis of race, creed, color or sexual orientation.
who do I have to kill to find out who the musicians are on this great track? I’ve looked all over the place with no success.
Album credits from Wikipedia:
James Moody – tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, flute
Flip Ricard, Earl Turner, Sonny Cohn – trumpet
Ethel Merker – french horn on Last Train from Overbrook [4]
John Avant – trombone
Bill Atkins, Lenny Druss – alto saxophone
Vito Price, Sandy Mosse, Eddie Johnson – tenor saxophone
Pat Patrick – baritone saxophone
Junior Mance – piano
Floyd Morris – piano [5]
Johnny Pate – bass
John Gray – guitar
Red Holt – drums
Phenomenal Show!
Really nice review. I wish I could have been there.
One More – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxWQGT_zy9w
A black woman defendant vs. the military and a slimy white male prosecutor? Wow, what suspense as to who will be proven to be at fault!
One of my fellow lieutenants in Vietnam, Bob Refelt, was a Rutgers grad in
Engineering. But he never said just Rutgers. No, no, he always said, “Rutgers,
The State University of New Jersey.” He was a good guy — and smart.
> .
> Later on, Bob was promoted to the rank of captain. So, by Army regs, we
were expected to salute him. Yup. So we did — but with our left hands. Ha! We
called him “Cap’n Bob Sir.” He took it all with good humor. He survived the war.
> .
> From time to time I remember such happy times that were mixed in with the
horrible events of those days. “There is an aesthetics in all things.”
(Melville)
> .
> LT
> .
The Sunday, Dec. 16, 2PM concert is now sold out.
We still have tickets for the 7PM concert.
http://www.smarttix.com
I vote for Patti Smith
In 1987 or ‘88, they played at Shea Stadium in Queens NY. It was the first time I saw them. I remember everyone stomping their feet to Satisfaction and seeing the concrete levels across the field swaying up and down. Great show!!
Has Camden resident Cindy Birdsong of Diana Ross and the Supremes been admitted yet?
Nope
I’m with you! Trying to change the bad habits of out hospital in the amount of trash they discard and use of styrofoam!
Good for you to boycott and make this information available to others. I, myself have become to hate plastic in all forms and uses. It’s horrific what it’s doing to our environment and sea life!!!
I just stayed in two top Marriott Hotels and was shocked at both to see this. Very limited room service menu as well.
who cares.oh, Hollywood does. who cares!!!
Why not boycott them cause they refuse to give their bay area employees a raise to a living wage in the last 5 years but have DEFINITELY raised their room rates…close to $800.00 a night at the San Jose downtown convention center location??? Nobody cared when those workers were on strike….
From Lori Buch and Ray Aument, We are scheduled to attend the 2019 International Sea Turtle Symposium from Feb.2-8 which is being held at Charleston, SC Mariott. In order to qualify for special registration rates which are very important for many sea turtle conservationists you must stay at the Marriott and we have already committed as has lots of others due to an early registration discount. We can contact the symposium organizers about this issue however the conference is run by sea turtle biologists, researchers,professors etc.in other words folks with a lot on their plates in addition to setting up and running the conference . I doubt at this point it is possible to tell Marriott they’d move the conference at this late date since attendees, both speakers and students and even volunteers of the sea turtle community come from all over the world and will have made arrangements already to help save on cost as again conservationists are not typically overturned or overpaid. So, What can we do aside from also expressing our concerns to Mariott? Jackson, we think you may be acquainted with (Wallace) J. Nichols who may have given you an award several years ago for your commitment to our oceans .We don’t know if you know him well but he is probably involved in some way with helping to make the conference a success . We are volunteers in the sea turtle community so we don’t have much control and are lucky just to be able to attend this event however it is just ironic and sad to get this news about Marriott ‘s choice to change to plastics considering the ultimate effect this could have to negatively impact sea turtles. We will make our concerns known but must do so carefully as this year’s president of the symposium did us a very kind turn to make it possible for us to attend and he may not have much of a choice in dealing with the Marriott as a large corporation now that many plans are in place. There is always hope and again if you can offer any other suggestions it would be appreciated so we can maybe involve the sea turtle community in assisting Marriott to understand yet another negative outcome off their new policy. Thank you and Steven for speaking out and thank you for your attention to this matter. If we get any helpful responses we will try and pass those on to you. Sincerely, Lori Buch and Ray Aument.
We posted a fairly long message regarding an organization We are a part to protect sea turtles holding it’s 2019 symposium at the Marriott. Was the message received?
Marriott’s Codes of Ethics and overall business practices are plastic; its executive rhetoric is plastic; its green, sustainability, Serve360 and “people first” initiatives are plastic. Room service on plastic? No surprise there. The most authentic aspect of the Marriott modus operandi is its hypocrisy.
‘Marriott CEO, Arne Sorenson, asked for a show of humility, compassion and professional integrity… (and pigs might fly)’
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/marriott-ceo-arne-sorenson-asked-show-humility-pigs-might-shepherd/
‘Marriott International Inc [MAR] turning a blind eye to risk – Board urged to “talk or resign” ‘
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/marriott-international-inc-mar-turning-blind-eye-risk-john-shepherd/
Just seen him in London ,have been to see him every time he’s been to London,can’t believe his age he’s just fantastic from when I was 15 I’ve always loved his music
Hope this isn’t his farewell tour and that some of the others who had several farewell tours this is what happens with him.
Nice that Cindy gets the recognition she so richly deserves!
Classy that he threw a nod to the rest of the guys that are out there performing….which is the best part of the entire B.S. and the e street band experience.
What an AMAZING handful of super talented women in one place at one time. Except for Nalani and Sarina I did not know them, but I know them now, and I want to know them better. Anybody who can give me chills one minute and smiles the next deserves top cool in my book of music. More folks have to see these dedicated babes- so hats off to them. To Jay and Tom and Crossroads & et al who made it possible, and who continue by their spirited support, make live music in NJ something special!
Tom, This is such a nice article. Clearly, these exciting rhythms and new music rise to shine even brighter this time. Congratulations, FGH and all of your creative team players. I am thankful, you continue to rock my soul from there to here and beyond. The best of all things your way. In-love-speed, Laurie Cagno (Witter)
Hope the class does some exploration on another important branch of music in Middletown — the Middletown Folk Festivals at Bodman Park in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Each Festival was three wonderful days of concerts, crafts, music workshops, food and a massive gathering of both professional and amateur musicians from across the country, and from Europe and beyond as well. Created by Dr. Dick Levine and his wife Marlene, along with a small army of dedicated volunteers each summer, the festivals were a national highpoint in the ongoing folk music boom of the day, for adults and children alike. The Levines personally hosted many of the visiting artists over the long weekend at their home in Lincroft, and they also sponsored house concerts throughout the year for those interested in listening to, and performing with, a wide range of folk musicians, including the Levines. Many budding folk musicians were able to debut at one of the many Festival concerts, which were supported by state arts grants. Dr. Levine, who practiced dentistry for many decades in Hazlet, passed away last week at age 88, having devoted much of his life to the promotion and presentation of the very finest in traditional and contemporary folk music for the estimated 33,000 people that attended the Festival concerts. The Middletown Folk Festivals, and Marlene and Dick Levine, made Middletown one of the bright stars in the Folk Music universe.
Thank you Ralph for sharing your memories of the Folk Festivals at Bodman Park. I attended many of them when I was a teenager in the 80s, but I did not know much about them or anything about the Levines. Very timely to remember Dick Levine’s contribution to the local culture!
I watched the Netflix production of the Broadway show on Wednesday night …ithad been a dream to see him live on Broadway, but this was still a wonderful experience for me. My son, Lt. Michael J. Cleary, was killed in Iraq on December 20th of 2005. I was incredibly sad on Wednesday night… this show, even on TV, had so much raw emotion coming from such an incredible talent. How I admire his ability to express these emotions through song and storytelling. I was able to open myself up, such a difficult thing for me to do… thank you, Bruce.
Thank you Middletown students and thank you Jay Lustig for bringing back a major chunk of my teenage years. The bands of that era in our small part of the world were simply incredible: Steel Mill, The Motifs (unbelievable, to me back then, that a local group actually cut a record [Molly]), The Mods (they played on Candid Camera, of all places), The Shadows (the first beach club dance [Edgewater] with a live band that I ever went to), The Source , The Chlan, The Clique (maybe the best of all, at that time), The Doors of Perception (a tribute band before tribute bands were invented)…
I just assumed bands were this good everywhere, as I had trouble getting mine out of the basement. The closest I came to all these great musicians was a jam session with Chris Plunkett in a friend’s basement and working at the Port Monmouth Foodtown with Steve Van Zandt, briefly. Getting $20 for my entire band at a Catholic School CYO job was about as far as I got, until I left the area and could get into South Jersey clubs, like Tony Marts and The Dunes.
A few years went by, Greetings from Asbury Park was released, and the light bulb went on in my head…”oh, that’s why it was so tough breaking in, up in Monmouth County!”
Bernie was such an underrated guitarist who really deserved national attention….New Jersey music fans were so lucky to have known him….to have seen him….to share his extraordinary gift…..I miss my friend and think about him all the time…..
A few years before Bernie’s passing , I first learned of him when he was in a band called Attaboy. There were a whole bunch of videos of the Uncle Floyd show on YouTube back then and Floyd Vivino had Attaboy play four of their songs. Just the way Bernie looked was unique. He stood out because IMO, he didn’t look like your stereotypical rocker. Yet, there he was playing his Strat with mastery like the best of them. There were no credits to say who the band members were so I did some internet surfing and eventually learned the guitarist was Bernie Brausewetter. I don’t know if he ever played in Southern NJ but in retrospect I remember a band that was playing at a local bar in Clementon NJ way back around 1980 and the guitarist could have passed for Bernie. Sorry I never got to catch him live and meet him. I read that he was a very nice guy and very accessible.
wow talk about strange, My wife just got me B.B. And The Stingers cd for Christmas. Bernie was my guitar teacher when i was a teenager, and recently i found the empty case but not the cd. I haven’t listen to it yet but when i do ill def be remembering going through the garage into his smoke filled basement and watching him just listening to a song once and know how to play it perfectly. RIP B B
HI I am so glad to see the success Kinderhook is beginning to have.
I was their first manager and they played at the Widow Browns in Madison NJand They created so much energy.
Hope they make it to the Country show in Nashville
Thank you for your review-Jay!!
Very sound judgement.
Janet and her colleagues do a WONDERFUL job of making the musicians feel welcome and comfortable- kudos to Cafe Artiste!!!
I’m so glad that I found this interview! Can’t wait to hear the new album! Much love, Elesa
any stuff with Todd Rundgren roundabout Todds only human album ii reckon did some jams at east im pretty sure on this , also thanks for puuting this together Jay its an awesome tribute to the Big Man and rightly so well played !
I don’t believe there’s anything with Todd and Clarence on YouTube, unfortunately.
You missed one of my favorite Clarence solos outside of the E Street Band, his searing sax solo on Silver Condor’s 1983 cover of “When A Man Loves A Woman.” It appears on the band’s “Trouble At Home” album, appropriately named because the band broke up shortly after the album’s release (I had tickets to see them perform at the Stone Pony, but their breakup occurred that day).
Thanks. I was not aware of that one but I looked it up and, yes, it’s pretty great. Here’s link for anyone interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u18DZXOIK0
I love Kate’s music and storytelling … I can’t wait to hear her new album. Happy Birthday Kate!
This song started a love affair I’ve had with Deano’s music which has lasted over 40 years & counting.
I’ve seen him live 4 times this side of the pond over the years, & hope to many more times in the future!
Thanks for the music – and the amazing lyrics! How does anyone think to set such dialogue to music?!?!
Mike, great review of the second night, thank you. I saw the first show and am surprised how little is available online about the show (or how inept I am at finding anything of substance). I have the album and the CD and highlights for me include James Taylor dueting with then-wife Carly Simon on Mockingbird, Ry Cooder’s Little Sister, Bonnie Raitt , The Doobies with then-new guitarist John McFee and Poco, but I don’t remember if Gil Scott Heron played both nights .
Do you have a anything that provides full setlists and lineups for both nights. I am closer to your brothers age and, while I didn’t vomit in the stairwell, beer was in the equation, impacting my memory. Thanks again.
Forgot to mention why we chose that show, Crosby, Stills & Nash. Made up for it over the next forty years catching up with Springsteen but back in the 70’s Stephen Stills was The Man
I agree plastic is bad when used improperly. And I agree a boycott is need and for these reasons I will be boycotting concerts from now on. Every concert I go to they empty my bottle of beer into a plastic cup just so I won’t throw my bottle at the artists already damaged head.
Why can’t these Hollywood types be consistent and really dive all in for a cause even if it affects their income.
This is an artist’s version; the real building does not look like that, also is not finished yet. One problem that is not mentioned: there is NO public parking at this site.
And where exactly will patrons of the Arts Center park?? This Arts Center is at the foot entrance to the Station Village Apartments. The only parking there is only available to those residents.
My husband and I are two of those 30+ years RT “nerds” (one opera singer and one EX-college professor, thank you very much). This is a superb interview, respectful and knowledgeable on the part of the interviewer. If anyone asks, I am an ex-college professor who is out there in the audience dancing (though it embarrasses the daylights out of my husband who, however, joins in enthusiastically on the “Tear-Stained Letter” singalongs). Glad to have Richard in Joisey.
Marvelous interview. Welcome to the right (correct) side of the US map, Richard.
hey wait a minute …. Richard left the “right” side of the U.S. — West Coast wants you back Richard! (or at least visit quite often :))
Great piece–thanks for it. (Nice to hear he and Linda are friendly these days. How about just one more album of them together again?)
Great interview. RT is the best. He should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Clearly one of the best guitarist, songwriter and singers ever.
Your religion finds you, he says. Similarly, his music found me back in the Fairport days, and I just can’t shake it. Truly enriching. Thanks Richard.
I somehow bumped into Fairport’s “ Moveable Feast” as a freshman in college in 1974. It changed me, leading me into a genre that moved passion and excitement of a good story with the revolutionary spirit of the times. I am forever grateful…
Absolutely fabulous man and equally fabulous art.
Beeswing – an epic story, an epic poem, set to lovely, compelling music. Love, tragedy, regret – it is all in there; the ingredients of an epic. If I were himself, I’d be content to be judged by history by this one offering alone. Welcome neighbor – Montclair’s a fine place, a warm space, and if its love that brings you here, you’ll stay.
Hello My name is Solomon Williams I lived in Paterson NJ for 2 years. I wanted to manger Riff some guy name Skip had them. I worked for Arista Records under Clive Davis. I had Angie stone signed T alk Lisa Left eyes signed. I can still get them a good deal. SO some get in touch with me. We have a free studio for then to record and can put on a dhow for 2 night back to back 1 in Charlotte the in Columbia SC it will be a fund raising with guys and girl with HIV teaching to live. Not on the street where they die, If u have a new demo if copyright u have I will be glad to listen to. So think contract.
Hello My name is Solomon Williams I lived in Paterson NJ for 2 years. I wanted to manger Riff some guy name Skip had them. I worked for Arista Records under Clive Davis. I had Angie stone signed T alk Lisa Left eyes signed. I can still get them a good deal. SO some get in touch with me. We have a free studio for then to record and can put on a dhow for 2 night back to back 1 in Charlotte the in Columbia SC it will be a fund raising with guys and girl with HIV teaching to live. Not on the street where they die, If u have a new demo if copyright u have I will be glad to listen to. So think contract. #m 9802372883 call me.
Just found you Mike on the net , love your sound and guitar playing , your guitar sounds a lot like a friend of mine, same style. I think the covered are better than a lot of the originals .
Bruder and Ginty are a potent musical combination. Rawk!!!!
Please let me know when I can purchase tickets to this beautiful performance next Christmas.
What a terrific show Tommy James and the Shondells performed at The Palace Theatre Valentine’s Day. Such a humble man leaving the stage and letting us shake hands and sneak a few pictures. I’m 52 and I knew all but one song. We had a blast. Can’t wait for the movie to be released! God bless!
Fascinating discussion…I can hardly wait to see “An Enemy of the People.” I know that it will prove as rewarding as “Oedipus Rex” and “King Lear”. We in Hackettstown are fortunate that Centenary University is home to the CSC and makes these enriching productions available to our community! Liz Gordon
Over analysing methinks. It is a simple sentimental “pop” song and nothing more. There is no meaning beyond the nostalgia expressed. This is the trouble with too much thought being given to what is merely slight music of a past time.
It’s not a simple “pop” song at any level. The chord and harmony structure is extremely sophisticated.
The piano is by george martin ,increasingly melodious and I’d say i consider this the best song of the beatles and especially best song john has ever written. Its a story of all of us.
I sang this song to my husband in front of friends many times. It really ment what my feelings still are.
Every once in a while I listen to this song after his death. 46 years with him
That is so sweet, it’s a song that’ll makes me cry every time I listen to it. A love song to the people you lost and the to the people who remains.
Sounds a lot more like a harpsichord and some piano. I don’t know much just theorizing by a self taught musician and I stink at lyrics. But Mr.
Martin was quite talented and not many people realize that.
Sounds a lot more like a harpsichord and some piano. I don’t know much just theorizing by a self taught musician and I stink at lyrics. But Mr.
Martin was quite talented and not many people realize that. I lost my love just 20 years ago and seems like yesterday
I’m sorry.
I like the song.
I wish Bette Middler could sing it at my funeral. I like the way she sings it.
It’s from the movie Beaches.
So agree. A beautifully written song.
One thing about Beatle songs is so many are easy to sing along with.
I agree with the over analyzing.
I’m in the there and in the now when I listen to it.
It’s one of my favorites.
Well Pogosound, it’s only simple if the simple is all you’re willing to embrace, wouldn’t you say? Making an assertion that cuts out other options simply posits your unwillingness to consider that there Could be other interpretations than yours, and I think you will admit that isn’t really very open minded.
The Beatles were, as a song writing entity, one of the very finest of their time. As artists, they appear to me to know when to make something explicitly stated and when to leave enough ‘wiggle room’ for interpretation.
What do you say? Are you coming along for the Magical Mystery Tour, or holding onto a more restrictive, limited interpretation? The choice is yours.
Jay Lustig is stating the bleeding obvious. Does he really think he has discovered some hidden meaning?
Analysis spot on. Music should always make you think
Leave the music alone and quit trying to put a spin on what YOU think it was supposed to mean! Your thoughts are not Lennon thoughts! Nor could you ever come close to that brilliant man!
I always thought of it as a love song. I heard “love” not “loved”. It’s a lovely song, and you calling it slight says more about you.
Over analysing methinks. It is a simple sentimental “pop” song and nothing more. There is no meaning beyond the nostalgia expressed. This is the trouble with too much thought being given to what is merely slight music of a past time.
Well analysed and written Jay – thank-you for taking the time. I agree with you 100%. Using the seamless transition from memories (past) to actual reality (present) to put the latter into the right perspective is a fine literary art. It must be a pain for artists to have their work misinterpreted or even repeated incorrectly, but as the level of true appreciation and careful understanding is decreasing globally, such unfortunate mishaps continue to occur more and more often – basically unnoticed by most but the handful of us.
Ah, anothe self-proclaimed group of eletists. Boring.
I never considered this song to be misunderstood but perhaps I am not as close as some to how it may be viewed today by those living in a very different environment with different values and tradition. I never felt the meaning of this song as strongly as when I first fell in love and left things behind that used to seem so important, but only important in the absence of love. It is only when love is absent that we retreat to the past, rather than look ahead to a future.
I recall John saying at the end of his life that this was a song written to an imaginary lover, who turned out to be Yoko. Indeed, if it had been written in 1968 instead of 1965, no one would misunderstand the meaning.
I totally agree.
This is always how I’ve thought of it… A love song. It’s how I’ve always felt about my husband, who’s nine years younger than me. As such I had friends, lovers, memories, that I’ve always cherished, including a previous big live, but once I met him, those all became cherished memories of an old life that was over once I met him
I think you’ve got this right, Jay. A favorite of mine — in Judy Collins’ slow & easy cover.
Storm Large’s live version of Fire and Born To Run can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVmdBPekurU
I saw the show and was more uncomfortable with another lyric change. and it doesn’t change the essence of the song, just came across as careless …. the line “I know I’ll often stop and think about them” was sung (and appeared on the lyric thread above the stage) as “and though I’ll often stop and think about them”.
Mott the hoople got me through my teenage years.god bless Ian Ariel overend Mick buffin and all the rest.You all know just what I’d do!
Any chance they’ll be doing any Ian solo material? I love Mott, however, I’d love to hear some of Ian’s solo stuff especially from “you’re never alone with a schizophrenic” and “welcome to the club”
I’m hoping they’ll be doing some Ian Hunter solo material, I love Mott, however, I’d love to hear a few Ian solo songs, like when the daylight comes and just another night, bastard, mostly material off of you’re never alone with a schizophrenic
Love me some Mott, but I really hope they do some solo Ian material, particularly songs from you’re never alone with a schizophrenic, that was one of the first albums I ever owned, I bought it when I was 12, my dad may have actually bought that for me, but I would love to hear when the daylight comes, just another night and bastard live while there’s still time
Ian still tours with his Rant band -, especially on the east coast. This is a Mott the Hoople tour, specifically a Mott the Hoople ’74 tour: I doubt there will be many if any solo songs. When the band did its 40th-anniversary shows, in 2009, at Hammersmith (HMV) Apollo, the original “classic” band, including Mick Ralphs, played both Bad Company and Ian’s solo songs.
Bender and Fisher replaced Ralphs and Verden Allen, who left in “73 and Overend Watts and Buffin Griffin both passed away in the last few years, leaving only Ian from the original line-up.
As a longtime fan and college professor, I take umbrage at that last remark!
I have been a fan of Celtic Woman for ages now and was thrilled to see you are touring the UK later this year. I have now bought two tickets to bring one of my sons to the show in London in November. Really looking forward to seeing and hearing you live instead of on U Tube X
Great article! I can’t wait to Morgan, Ian and Ariel in Milwaukee to open the tour. Stay safe boys!
I don’t recall the year–had to be in the ’60s–a concert in Asbury Park, NJ. It was a Joan Baez concert and Bob Dylan was a surprise guest. Does anyone recall that? Hope somebody does.
My then-husband and I went to the concert–all dressed up as young married couples were wont to do back then–me in heels and a pink polka dot dress, precisely made up and coiffed; hubby with a tie and shined shoes. Anyway, Joan Baez comes on stage and says she has a guest–and she introduces Bob Dylan. Don’t recall all the songs he sang–probably Blowin’ in the Wind, Hard Rain. What I remember most is that I got back home, stopped curling my hair, ditched the make-up, the heels, the pink polka dot dress and, of course, the bra. Started looking around, really looking around, understood “Maggie’s Farm,” marched in the ’70s against Viet Nam and for civil rights. I’m 79 now, but still, when I’m at a loss for words to say what’s goin’ on in our world, an old Bob Dylan song’ll pop into my head and lay it all out for me. Anyway, if anybody recalls that long-ago Asbury Park concert, sure like to know the date.
First Vince Gill in The Eagles?
Now Mike Campbell and Tim Finn in Fleetwood Mac?
Two more shit sandwiches from the evil Irving Azoff.
Sorry…Neil Finn
You shoukd neverreferto Mike Campbellasa shit sandwich. He deserves nuch more respect than that.
Saw them 7-16-1977 rupp arena Lexington, ky home of the ky wildcats!!!
Just came from Westbury Music Fair show – OMG Tommy still has the voice and a great entertainer. Saw him a few years ago atbthe venue and just love love love him!
A third channel would be a brilliant idea. I’d suggest a Howard History Channel that plays entire shows of exactly X years ago. When I work at home, I’d like to listen to the show all day long. But 101 is like 100 a replay channel that replays stuff for sometimes four days.
There was originally a planned third channel but that plan didn’t develop I suppose due to lack of content.
Howard Stern should never leave the air ways. I’m 38 now and started listening with my pop’s when I was 6 on 97.1 in Los Angeles. Radio would not be the same with no Stern.
I do not think Stern would ever let other people (like Shuli,etc) work under the Howard Stern umbrella.
I believe the sole purpose of the wrap-up show is live spots. The live commercials bring in more revenue than taped spots. An advertiser can still have some live presence in the Stern show without paying Stern rates
With that said, I think he would only allow Fred, Robin, and Gary to work under the Stern umbrella.
The rest of the staff will be offered jobs on other channels. JD can edit recordings for a news channel.
I am not sure if Sal and Richard can do anything more tha a podcast
They are all good enough for having an hour show. Stern rates won’t be needed to float the channel anymore being the big three paychecks will be gone (H, R & F)
A Robin show about “health”? That’s actually funny.
Love it. I want to bid.
Just put them on sale… sick of all the fundraising… bidding etc… loyal fans will buy them. Why does everything associated with Bruce Springsteen include or involve some sort of cause?….. some ppl just want to be an old fashioned fan!
Kristin Carr was Barbara Carr’s(Bruce’s manager) daughter who died of cancer. So I guess I would say this is personal to Bruce. Bruce is also a great marketer would never suspect these would be mass produced as the novelty would wear off.
I know right? The way he’s always helping people and doing the right thing. So annoying! And now this! Helping kids with cancer! What a selfish prick Bruce Springsteen is. Why can’t those kids do their own research and not have to rely on millions dollars from donated money in hopes that the top minds in the country will provide them help or maybe even find a cure?
What have you done lately
Jeff was being sarcastic, in response to the comment from Denise.
Jeff,,I have never heard a more idiotic statement..Ever. This is a great thing to do for all children with any cancer who are in need of help. You stated “let the children do their own research”..Quite honestly, you are either the dumbest person on the planet, or just a heartless basterd..more than likely, you are both. And to call Bruce Springsteen selfish is insane. It’s a great thing to do for children. Please Jeff, you really need to stay off your computer, shut your idiotic mouth, and go back to bed..
Jeff was being sarcastic, in response to the comment from Denise.
Howard doesn’t want a third channel plying rarely heard early bits. He wants to hide most of his history. That’s why they replay very recent shows ad nauseam.
This “show” is a complete disgrace and an insult to Italians everywhere! “The Soprano'” help solidify in the public’s brain that all Italians are ignorant no class mobsters and thugs. And Mr. Sinatra fought that idea his whole life. Shame on you!
Frank Travisano
Woodbury Connecticut
Proud Italian and member of the Italian American One Voice Committee and Unico National’s Anti Bias Committee
I think I was at this show. I do remember driving to a stadium in Englishtown..but I was also tripping, so, maybe it was the show in 77. I thought it was later, like early 80’s. some memories are hard to place. Thanks for the list.
So will Dion be doing this performance?
No, they will get a young actor to portray Dion (in his early days).
Joe D’Urso and Joe Grushecky are playing together acoustically sans either of their bands.
Thanks, will correct
Kind of ironic that this page has a link to the story about the North Bergen, NJ high school production of “Alien: The Play” that DIDN’T “clear all copyrights”
Brilliant song writing!
RT has been one of my major musical heroes for 50 years: spanning from the days of Fairport, his partnership with Linda, and his solo career. I can hardly believe that we will now welcome this great artist as a resident of Montclair.
RT has been one of my major musical heroes for 50 years: spanning from the days of Fairport, his partnership with Linda, and his solo career. I can hardly believe that we will now welcome this great artist as a resident of Montclair.
They were wonderful at Fox & Crow yesterday, even better than the album (which is terrific.) I sat down with the whole band on the new JB Podcast. http://jerseybeatpodcast.blogspot.com
I would have paid the cover just to hear Glenn sing “Don’t Think Twice.”
I’ve see this show 5 or 6 times it a Great Gig I think the highlight is Richard combining Phil Ochs CHANGES and Bob Dylan’s BLOWIN IN THE WIND unreal
Jonathan Larson died of an aortic dissection, not a brain aneurysm.
Benny. Not Ben. Benny.
Why are we pointing out Marcus John’s dreadlocks? Is that important?
Did you leave the show before it was over? They get back into their building, Maureen and Joanne end up together.
Do you understand what the words short and squat actually mean?
I think I can call the three guys that play with Max Weinberg friends I met Max a year ago August at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park it was very nice we spoke we shook hands I told him he’s been an idol of mine for 40 years we both play drums we started around the same time he’s a year older than me 1964 and Ringo was everything if you haven’t seen the show with my three friends John Glenn and Bob go it’s fantastic
Thoroughly enjoyed the article/interview. Perhaps Richard is correct in his speculation that much of his audience is made up of nerds and college professors. But I can guarantee that is not entirely the case. I would consider myself more of a bohemian non mainstream type, a music lover who has traveled and seen many concerts in and out of the USA. All different types and styles of artists, predominantly rock and folk. Indeed, I have seen Richard perform 2-3 times a year from 1995 until present.. And doing the math in those parameters it averages to about 62 times. That’s without even trying, lol. Anyway, we have danced and have attempted to dance at Richards shows like he would apparently prefer, but it is generally frowned upon. Maybe an advertised, ‘RT Spring Fling Dance Concert’ somewhere like, ‘The Space’ in Westbury NY.? It has a GA open floor plan without seating, room to dance and a balcony with seating for those who desire or need to sit. Just a thought, please carry on..
You are so right about the nature of RT audiences, often pretty staid and reverential.
It’s ok, being mesmerized by his musicianship is reward enough, but it would be fun to dance more. I’ve seen him on a similar regularity (well maybe not quite 62 times, but a lot … ), but maybe the most outright fun were electric gigs at relatively small venues — Showbox Seattle, Fillmore in SF — where you can get right up to the stage and DANCE — great fun
On August 11 and 12 of 1969 both the Jetro Tull and Led Zeppelin bands attended two of Elvis Presley’s 58 sold out shows at the International Hotel. Zeppelin was playing the Ice Palace on the 11th,so they took a night off to see Elvis. This is how the top groupie in the world a woman who bedded Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, Keith Moon,Nick St. Nicholas, Noel Redding, Jim Morrison, Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons, Waylon Jennings, and actors Brandon deWilde, Michael Richards, Woody Allen and Don Johnson, LOL, said about the experience of seeing Elvis. And I quote from page 139 of her auto biography. “I am with the band”
He was wearing black and looked like ten Greek Gods as he tore through “Love me Tender, “Don’t be cruel, and “Jailhouse Rock”. He was sweating, in the flesh, alive, inhaling and exhaling. And there I was, breathing the same air, sitting with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, completely and entirely beside myself. Some sideburned greased monkey appeared after the show, asking Jimmy if he would like to meet Elvis. He said “No, thank you,” and I never quite got over it….Unquote. Pamela Des Barres, blaming her then love interest Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin for declining to meet Presley after his midnight show at the International Hotel (now the Westgate, Las Vegas) on August 12, 1969, ostensibly in reference to the fact Page knew she was a huge Elvis fan but because of his jealously-derived decision, never got to meet him.
Not mentioned is RT’s wonderful wife of 30 + years, and the fact that his current fling with Zara Phillips has broken up his marriage.
It was her “fling” with him 30+ years ago that broke up his and Linda’s marriage.
Great post. Clear links. And as usual a joy to hear.
Talk about ripping off Don’t Worry Baby!
I just heard this winsome song about LBI – Brought so many memories back of gorwing up summers … first job, first love, learning to surf, so many summer friends. Thank you
Very enjoyable!
Lovely review- wish i wasn’t on the other side of the continent! I’ve been told that Ian/Mott has never performed Trudi’s Song live. I’ve never seen a video…
We made it to Philadelphia to see an absolutely amazing rock and roll show, and like Mott The Hoople of old the band came out of the stage door to shake hands, sign autographs, and take pictures with the people who love them. For me they are THE band. What a show.
That is a great song!
Had the pleasure of seeing Mott the Hoople in October of 73 at John Carroll University sitting in the gym on pullout bleachers. An act opened for them we had never even heard on WMMS radio. Arrowsmith. Great show.
Nice article….I saw the Philly show…..The one Monday night at the Keswick and the one at the Spectrum in 1973. Big shows were great!
Great Song!
Would love to read the lyrics for this or any song about LBI. I’m deaf woman. Just because I can’t hear doesn’t mean I can’t feel anything though music could hear music when I was little & young. Please CC for Deaf Closed Captions …
I saw them in Cleveland. They put on a great show. They just weren’t going thru the motions. Ian’s voice was very good.Dream Syndicate opened for them,
Lovely review….let’s also remember the loss of the great Mick Ronson too.
Can’t wait to see the show later this month in England
Totally gobsmacked to learn my all-time favorite singer/songwriter/guitarist is actually living in my hometown. What a great addition to Montclair. Welcome, Richard. There’s a great local music scene here. I hope I run into you some day so I can tell you in person how much joy you’ve brought to me for the past 50+ years.
I really enjoyed your LBI Song. It brings back so many great memories.
Turning 70 and for my husband and me and it will be our 50 anniversary and our bucket list is to be at cousin Brucies reunion this year. What hotel is close to the show and how can we get tickets for the June Show?
I don’t think show details are available yet but it’s part of State Fair Meadowlands and tickets for that are available at http://njfair.com/. Information on hotels is available at https://www.mlcvb.com/
If they share this with some people in public, why not share them (at whatever reasonable cost) with everyone that loves Dylan?
Only Dylan and his management could answer that, but I suspect the answer would be something like:
“We’re releasing things regularly via the bootleg series. It’s impossible to release everything immediately, because we want to make sure everything we release is of the highest quality possible, and things have to be negotiated with record companies, music publishing companies, film directors, etc. We’re going as fast as we can.”
Again, just a guess on my part.
Bootlegs of Renaldo and Clara have been available for years.
Lou Gramm in our opinion since his Black Sheep days forward is the most talented singer of all time. He also is a very down to earth, kind, humble person to talk to. He loves his family and friends and fans. Not at all the untouchable haughty Rock Star as most. He has shown us personally much kindness and generosity. We treasure the time spent with him at his concert shows. He will Always Remain Thee Voice of Foreigner! Only 1 Lou Gramm Voice. Miss you Lou.
We went to Cleveland for the show there from North Carolina. Pure class and nothing I ever thought I’d see as Mott The Hoople split when I was a child. Fisher is spot on on his assessment of Ian Hunter though. One of the best rock writers ever. And the merch I was most thrilled to buy at the show was finally getting a copy of Fisher’s “Miniatures” after looking for it for 39 years. I had not heard about the 2000 version also in that 2xCD set.
Thank you for picking up “Miniatures!” It’s actually never been hard to find, and is still available as CD, downloads, and vinyl. Check my Miniatures page for info:
http://www.morgan-fisher.com/discogpages_e/miniatures.html
I am the daughter of Warren Ryanes of the Monotones. I remember a camera crew coming out and interviewing several members of the group as a young child. I have been desperately searching for the tape with no success. Please help!!!
Hi Nina,
I am the niece of Warren Davis and would love to interview for something I am writing. My daughter is also working on a documentary which will expand. I have some memorabilia from The Monotones at Baxter Terrace. I would love to connect. Perhaps the website owner can connect us?
Adrienne
It’s not clear to me who you’re trying to connect with. – JL
Hi Nina,
Warren Davis is my uncle. I would love to connect.
Congratultions on getting your own show on Sriys XM! We really enjoy your show and of course love all your songs. Crimson and Clover is my favorite. Great sound. The 60s had the best music, in my opinion.
what happened to the Fleetwood mac cover band?They were the best we ever had at the summer concerts and they haven’t been back on years
Tony you were an amazing person and a dear friend . One of the most talented people I ever had the privilege to meet Rest In Peace my friend.
How about the doors tribute band? They were by far the best act of all the shows put together for at least the last 3 years. Very disappointed to see they are not playing.
Re Woodbridge summer concerts, why no night for jazz?
There’s a folk song, titled “The Asbury Park Rebellion,” which was posted at following music site link a few years, that recalls what happened in Asbury Park in July 1970, which might also interest viewers of this film:
https://bobafeldman.bandcamp.com/track/the-asbury-park-rebellion
It never ceases to amaze me after following Bruce for 45 years the extraordinary things he keeps accomplishing. A national treasure to say the least,thanks Bruce.
I want another one
BTS were not wearing WIGS … omg. They all wore their own fab hair. Thank you. Sheesh.
I attended a Class of 75 Reunion in 2015 in Niles, Michigan and went down memory lane as I walked the halls of Niles Senior High School. There in the NHS entranceway hallway, next to the Auditorium, was showcased one of your guitars behind a framed glass box, and a plaque of you, stating you were inducted into the Niles High School Wall of Fame! How cool was that! I have always enjoyed listening to and singing your many hit songs! Congratulations on getting your own show on SiriusXM!
The acting was very good, but the script needs a major edit, in particular paring down the first 45 minutes, which achieve far too little. The Freedom Riders were true American heroes and I felt their story was short-changed by the tepid and contrived domestic Tony Sally Mae plot.
I recall being at Westbury Music Long Island around summer 1968, 1969 or 1970. Joan Baez was featured.
Dylan sang Masters of War.
The most beautiful song I know. Here’s yet another version.
https://youtu.be/gyCae7OD1xI
nice!
John j Kelly is the worst example of what BRUCE stands for, don’t patronize his feeble minded Bruce blog!
Great review. oh by the way on the final song he sang sweet 16 is turning 74 (not 61 😂)
Excellent review!
Bob Seger is awesome, however PNC is not. The sound system is awful, one of the reasons we were on our feet the whole night on the lawn was because we were packed in like sardines. And because we had to stand, we couldn’t see well. The owners of PNC should take a trip up to Bethel Woods to see how a venue treats the patrons and respects the artists.
I agree with last commenter. Bob Seger was great however PNC sold me lawn tickets and I could not get within twenty yards of the lawn. Had to be oversold.
Wow I’m sorry I missed this concert. SMH .
I’m NOT sorry I missed being smashed in like sardines Not a great enjoyable evening like that & that is a shame because it could ruin the evening of a perfe8great concert depending on ur attitude ..I will have to look into the Venue someone spoke of called “Bethel Woods”
I’m glad a was enjoyable concert for most or many ..Sorry I missed it…Darn!!!
I did leave a comment above. It says awaiting moderation..
In essence I said I was sorry I missed it and PNC does pack u in like Sardines & sometimes can ruin an evening depe6on your mindset at the time and the ppl.around u..Again regret not knowing about his concert because I Love Bob Seger
& said I would look at the Bethel Wood Venue to see how that’s set up..
I sometimes purchase tickets that allow.me.ro be pretty close but sometimes not .I don’t enjoy being packed in like sardines as they say either. It is what it is .I doubt PNC cares much as long as ppl con’ t to pay for substandard seating arrangements. Why would they? My orig comment is above..Not quite as harsh as this 1…
EXCELLENT review, couldn’t have said it better myself.
Love Bob Seger, and your comments and observations about how is music resonates with people is spot on.
I just saw Seger for the first time at MSG on Oct 30. But have been a fan since he broke out onto the scene around 76 or so.
I’m saddened that this is going to be his last tour, and I’m kicking myself for not seeing him before. His show was so good I even considered driving to Philadelphia for his last night.
Very few musicians have the gift of writing songs that touch people in ways that Seger does – “a working-class hero to a generation of Americans who heard their perennially youthful dreams and frustrations in the lyrics of his song” – “songs about lost youth and the passage of time“
You hit it right on the nail with those observations about his catalog of songs – Perfect
How many comments do I need to leave I’ve left 2 …as well as my info ask for below..
For the 3rd & FINAL TIME I will provide my name & such as needed!!!
Luv ya Cousin Brucie for many, many years. Keep on keepin’ on. Will see you at the Meadowlands this month.
I enjoyed this video very much. I had been a fan of the band in the 80’s (they were my first concert at 12 years old!) and then a couple of years ago, I saw that they were playing locally and I realized that they were still really great to see live. I started going to the shows (many are fairly local to me) every chance I get. As much as I love their music, one of the things that is equally enjoyable is seeing how they still seem to love playing together after all these years and that they seem to be good guys. They come across in this video to be the good guys I always believed that they are and it makes me like them more. I love their story and learned a few new things from the video. Thanks for taking the time to create it!
Rochelle:
Sorry I just saw this tonight and wanted to thank you for your comments and enjoying my film.
Thanks Dennis
Florida Georgia Line is my favourite country music band. Headliners Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are those guys that could make anyone sing along. It’s the reason I like to visit their concerts. And – that’s surprisingly wonderful – in 2019 they have CAN’T SAY IT AIN’T COUNTRY TOUR which covers all the USA cities and towns. For tickets info visit fgltour.com.
Why was your scheduled concert on June 9 at Hudson Gardens near Denver Colorado cancelled.I see from website you just released a new album
Would have liked to hear the new cuts live.Disappointed.
i came from albany for the concert. it was such a wonderful evening. i have seen seger in concert around six times the last few years. the man never disappoints. this was the first time i have ever been to pnc bank arts center. i cannot comment about what other folks are saying about how this venue is set up. especially on the lawn. i originally purchased a premium lawn seat the day of presale. . since i was coming alone i checked the ticket master website and saw they did have a few good single seats left. the day before the show i upgraded my ticket and i was seating in section 301. i have no complaints about the seat, sound or venue, etc. if another act that i really liked was playing there i definitely would seriously consider coming back.
As a long time and current Fan of the Smithereens I feel compelled to say this .. It is a shame that Pat and the Smitheens did not get this recognition before he passed, he was compelled to share good music that people love and was doing it for years … For all the hits that band produced They all should have been inducted years before .. I am sure he is smiling where ever he is and I am absolutely thrilled with this and I am so happy for the Band Members .. They are all SO loved
Great performance to the first Springsteen song I ever heard in a hot summer’s day in 1979 as it’s the first song on the Darkness album. Fabulous. Keeping doing these guys.
The tour began June 20, not June 30.
Thanks, have fixed
Thanks, Cindy, thanks, Jay, thanks njarts!
Absolutely Amazing.
Heard CC Revisited last night on their final reunion tour. They rule! I jumped in my seat non-stop for 90 minutes with a couple of thousand other fans. Goodbye CCR. You surely revived your fans on your last revisit. Peace brothers.
I knew him when he was in Cahoots. He was the nicest guy in the band, ancd they were all great.
I can’t believe the writer of this review thought the swordfights did not have urgency or danger to them. They were the best swordfights I’ve ever seen and I’ve been coming to this theater since I moved to NJ in 1998.
The swordfights were dynamic, intricate and theatrical. I’m convinced the writer knows nothing of how swordfights are created for the stage or is too inexperienced to be reviewing theater.
I also question a review that’s published the day before the show closes.
Come on NJARTS.NET, what’s disappointing is a lame review that shows up too little and too late, I guess I’m not surprised since your organization seems a bit cartoonish for a state with such great theaters producing wonderful shows.
I’ve seen the show twice, since I liked it so much. That’s something I rarely do. The fights received applause both nights I saw the show. So maybe your reviewer has an agenda since he devoted so much attention to the fight work.
I’m not impressed with this review
Sorry you didn’t like review, but it’s just my opinion. I may disagree with your opinion but I would never say you’re wrong for having it.
As far as my credentials, I’ve been an arts writer and editor in NJ for 35 years. If that’s not enough for you, so be it.
Agree with you that’s it’s terrible this was published so late. I started NJArts.net four and a half years ago, after 25 years at the state’s largest newspaper, The Star-Ledger. I do the vast majority of the work for the website myself, and make very little money from it. I’m very proud that in those four and a half years, the site has published more than 3,000 posts about NJ arts.
Now, sometimes things happen and it’s impossible for a review to appear in a timely manner. When that happens, I figure it’s better to post late, than never. I HATE when that happens, trust me, more than you know. But it happens.
You think I have some kind of agenda! Great logic there: A reviewer who doesn’t like something — and, keep in mind, this was overall a mixed review, not a negative one — must have an agenda. Makes perfect sense.
Dear Jay,
I’m impressed you felt the need to respond to my comments regarding The Three Musketeers.
You’re right. I don’t like your review. I do respect your right to an opinion and acknowledge you have been writing about NJ entertainment for 35 years, which surprises me since I found your review so snarky.
I’m sure you realize the STNJ, like all the other theaters in NJ is a not for profit. They depend on ticket sales to keep their lights on. Their pockets are not as deep as Papermill or the McCarter nor do they have rich benefactors paying their bills. They depend on reviewers like yourself to help generate word of mouth. Your review did neither.
While I can appreciate that you created NJARTS.NET and you basically run it by yourself, the least you can do is try to release your reviews so they can have some kind of impact on the show you are writing about. Not only was your timing off but your review, in my opinion, was not a very informative one and the dig at the fight direction made me so angry my wife and I actually went to see it again tonight.
The house was full and the audience absolutely loved the show. The fights were rewarded with applause on three separate occasions. The big fight at the Luxembourg was a stand out, then the fight in the tavern received an extended applause and finally the final fight with Milady against the all three musketeers brought the house down.
I couldn’t help but wonder why you thought the fights were lacking when, after seeing the show for the third time, I joined the rest of the audience clapping my hands raw for the best fights I have ever seen.
My wife and I did not go see the show thinking we were going to see Hamlet. We knew it was written by Ken Ludwig. We knew it was going to be light hearted and zany. I would think, after 35 years of writing about theater, you would have expected that seeing as Ken Ludwig put his name before the title.
In your 35 years of reviewing theater, please tell me when you ever saw sword fights better than these on any NJ stage. I’ve been seeing theater in NJ since 1998. Nothing has ever come close.
So yes, my great logic did question why a reviewer would go see KEN LUDWIG’S Three Musketeers and question whether the tone would be cartoonish and ask why there was no danger to the fights. You missed the boat there Jay. The fights were rock solid and perfect for the tenor of the play.
With the Star Ledger losing the great Peter Filichia and no longer reviewing plays, theaters like STNJ need you. Please consider your writing and release dates. It’s vital to all the non profits. I look forward to continue reading your column.
My best to you.
This post has been around for a while but I just saw it as I was moving down a Dylan rabbit hole. I was at this show and it was astonishing. Dylan only spoke once that night. He sat down at the piano and said: “you’ll have to excuse my voice, I just got over a bad case of leprosy.” Then he launched into “Ballad of a Thin Man.” Almost 54 years later I still recall that comment. I also remember that just after the electric set started someone yelled out “rock and roll sucks!” That kind of stuff was still going on at that point but I assure you, it did not suck.
Hey Tommy, Great to heat your voice again. I played drums for you in the mid 70’s. Part of the time I played drums with you and the Shondells we toured with Jay and the Americans and the Four Seasons. We also played a lot of nightclubs and colleges. It was a great time in my life and I really had a blast touring with you and getting to know you.
Best of luck with the radio show. Your doing a great job.
Warm Regards,
Tony Assalti
The Rising actually is better than The River. No need to argue.
Happy and Back In Your Arms from Tracks
I like the list so far. Hoping to see some of the top spots occupied by Devil’s Arcade, The Line, Long Time Coming, Brothers Under the Bridge, & Moonlight Motel. I don’t wanna even SEE those titles before we get to #30.
I find the the sound of this song similar to his Halloween gift years before, “A Night With The Jersey Devil.”
Saw you on Long Island in the early 70’s and in Fayetteville, Georgia last month. Your voice is still fantastic and your show was phenomenal. I just finished reading your book, “Me, the Mob, and the Music. Very interesting book, and I look forward to the movie. Keep on rockin!!!
When did Southside Johnny get married?
I am not sure of his marital status but suspect this may be a reference to his ex-wife (i.e., some people who are divorced continue to refer to their ex as their husband or wife).
Where on this list is ‘New Jersey’ by England Dan and John Ford Coley?
https://youtu.be/vb8vHM3x-Tk
I considered that song but ultimately rejected it, because it doesn’t really say anything about the state. I mean, you could substitute any state name for “New Jersey,” and the song really wouldn’t change.
Love all your shows, your the best Cousin Brucie
Like the concept of the list. Across the Border (off Joad) has to be in the Top 5 (or no lower than 10) as it’s one of the 10 best of his career. There’s a beauty to it lyrically and musically that is rarely matched.
Others that I love that should be in the Top 10-15: Land of Hope & Dreams (all that is righteous on E Street encapsulized into one song)
Real World (from the passion of the initial Christic Institute performances to the soulfulness of the Human Touch version it’s a great one)
Happy,
Back in Your Arms
This Life (one of his great relationship songs about growing old together with Beach Boys-esque harmonies)
Long Walk Home
Living Proof
Better Days
If I Should Fall Behind
Please play songs from EXILE ON MAIN STREET 1971🎸
Land of Hope and Dreams should definitely be in the top 5.
Beautiful loser is Bob Seger. Bob Seger’s been writing about greed for many years that’s what the line means in the song, you can’t have it all. A couple of other songs about greed are, cross of gold and neon sky. Great review . PS bob Seger never cared about making a gazillion dollars , he cared about making a living doing what he loved to do Music.
Disgusting that parking fees are so high! $40.???? Shameful!
Thanks jay
Saw the film on PBS here in Chicago, shown right after a 2 hour special on the 50th of Woodstock Festival..well done film, enough for me to want to find out more about it all, thus leading me here. The Carole King connection is unreal.
The enthusiasm of the crowd on Monday evening, August 5, 2019, was electric. The crowd never sat down once, stomped, sang, cheered and went wholly wild. The Rolling Stones exceeded my wildest expectations. They are still the World’s Greatest Rock n’ Roll Band and prove it all the time.
I was the bass player in the Chlan. It was a magic time at the Shore. Bruce was in the Castiles and Steve was in the Shadows. Those were the best days of my like. Mark R
the Castiles and the Shadows played at our teen club, Teendevous! the Chlan, did, too I think. the coolest of times. all of them, the Clique, the Source, and such.
Love this haunting, unsettling song. Best song on this list so far, appropriately enough!
I like the write ups here. They are def above par. 👍
Oh, I always thought of the ending as him running and launching himself off the edge of the cliff. That prevents the cops and his own darkness catching up with him or having their way with him.
My wife knows I listen to your show and she surprised me for my upcoming birthday with tickets to see you at the Minnesota State Fair next week. I Think We’re Alone Now is my favorite song of all time. Keep on Playin’.
This is an inspired choice, beautiful track, a fave of mine!
A great choice, beautiful track, a fave of mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHTsxcWavXc
Croatian / ex Yugoslavian version of “I Will Survive” from 2LP compilation “Socialist Disco – Dancing Behind Yugoslavia’s Velvet Curtain 1977 – 1987”
Wonderful tribute – it deserves to have the live version from Charlotte embedded, as it is especially moving – and an intro that covers off much of the above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3m0BXVKPu0
We loved Cash is King and the Linda Ronstadt tribute band. NY State of Mind was great also.
I cant believe it what happen ? I was shocked and sadden to see the red carpet and VMA broadcast not mention or show any member of the Jersey shore cast. I expected to see at least a glimpse of the Jersey shore crew somewhere at the VMA event, a few were present. It makes sense for MTV to show the shore crew because its an MTV show that is mostly shot in Jersey. Hay MTV who dropped the ball ? the same celebs kept getting face time on t.v along with some fans but no Jersey shore member was shown. I’m sure I’m not the only fan that was expecting to see them. I was hoping to see at least one cast member make a presentation.
Was on vacation when this posted? But 36? You’re nuts. It’s one of the 10 best tracks in his entire catalog. It should’ve been No. 1 or 2 here.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are the equivalent to the e streeters, consistent,loyal and great musicians
No throw away songs,put the album and let it play,hey Bruce you should cover a Petty classic…please?
Jay… this may be my favorite song on the album. The guilt and remorse of a man living with lies he created in his relationship. I hate to admit… I can relate. One of my takes is this…. the movement of “stones in my mouth “… to fields of crows…..leaves falling down. From a few lies that fill the mouth like stones…. to enough to cover a field. It’s from minimizing to seeing the reality of the impact of the lies…
Well, that’s one take. Don’t take the easy (if not accurate) road and say it’s projective. 😉
Great post!
man, i love this song.
just want to add that this is one of a couple of songs on the devils and dust album that allude to ezekiel 37:1-14 — the valley of dry bones. bruce always used biblical imagery in his writing, but around the time of *the rising*, he got serious about it. it added a kind of brutal starkness to his storytelling. i continue to think that some of his best and most moving writing comes from this period.
Jay, the fundraiser is for Succeed2Gether, our tutoring program aimed at closing the opportunity gap. The Montclair Literary Festival is also a fundraising g event for S2G. Please correct.
Ok
Love this band.
Very sorry to hear this.
“Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” (Proverbs 20:17)
This is undoubtedly the inspiration for “Stones.” Can’t you hear the nuns of St. Rose of Lima telling the young Springsteen and his classmates, “Don’t tell lies or you’ll get a mouthful of gravel!”
Where the Camden, NJ concerts?
Such as?
Stephen Stills joined the band for Love the One You’re With as well as NFA on 4/17/83
Thanks, will add
I would like to buy tickets to this show. Can I get more info??
It’s in post but here is link again: hacpac.org
Where are the “top-tier” actors from “The Sopranos”? As a huge fan of the series, I find it *more than annoying* that the show glitterati cast members are too good to participate in this momentous occasion. They are behaving as though “butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths”!
Oh yea, what a day this was. Stevie brought it big time with all that jersey has to offer our new city. Linda Chorney was with me, celebrating the release of her feature film When I Sing. The film actually has contributions from a couple of the Disciples, Marc Ribler and Andy Burton!1 we danced the night away
Stevie said Disciples version not recycled version just saying !
my guess was that this one would be #1 for you.
might be #1 for me.
I found it particularly hard to put the Top 10 into any kind of order. They’re all incredible, in different ways.
I have listened to JLP since he was in the Zappa band. I have attended more than 25 live concerts all over the world. When a new album can out and he toured, I was there. His work in the 70’s and 80’s was unparalleled. I finally met him up front and close in Albany, upstate New York. I went back stage and had a great conversation with him. I asked him if when he was writing he music, did he take into consideration that his music effected the audiences that were, in most cases, stoned. His arrangements of deep bass integrated with high shrill violin, send chills up all who were in the room. His response was beautiful…he said “I just write what is in my head”. I can’t thank him enough for all of the pleasure his music has given me over these years. I hope you never stop…
Our favourite song: Two for the road.
Not eligible for this list as it’s a “Tunnel of Love” outtake. List is only for 1989-2019.
This is not #1? Oh, now I’m curious. My City of Ruins, perhaps? We still haven’t seen Lonesome Day or The Ghost of Tom Joad.
Best song on that record. Top 10 worthy, for sure. I’m starting to give up hope on seeing “The Line” or “Long Time Coming” here, though.
I think you meant to write: “Sadly, Springsteen has continued to HAVE new reasons to sing this song over the years” He doesn’t need to find reasons, the reasons present themselves.
Thanks. I think you’re right that “find” isn’t the right word. It implies a kind of search for reasons that isn’t really accurate. But I don’t like “have,” either. Have changed it to: “Sadly, additional reasons to sing this song have arisen over the years.
So glad you put this song on the list. I remember the grief reviewers and fans gave him for writing a song they seen as “too soon” to ask for understanding of Muslims, but totally misses the point of the MUSIC ans well as the form of the lyrics. The music, yes, has Qawwali singing helped bring into western popular culture by Nusrat Fati Ali Khan via Michael Brook and Peter Gabriel, but the chanting at the beginning and end is Native North American(!) and it’s in that seamless compatibility that he is saying “we are more alike than different”. The lyrics are a Sufi love poem with lines like “Let’s throw the truth away, we’ll find it in this kiss”; “May the living let us in before the dead tear us apart”; “Where the distant oceans sing, and rise to the plain in this dry and troubled country, your beauty remains”. These lyrics are pure poetry.
This is so good, Jay. Thank you! And now I see I must buy the soundtrack to Blinded. I love I’ll Stand By.
As a massive Bruce’s fan, I have really appreciated and enjoyed this list, especially because I had the chance to go back into the details of many songs. Bruce’s discography is humongous but focusing on the last 30 years was an original and solid idea. Cool, really!
(I’d like someone to do something similar for all the unreleased outtakes…).
But…
being a Bruce’s Fan, which stands for notoriously choosy and demanding pain in the arse type of fan, I have just a couple of complaints to make:
First and foremost, the lack of “the Wrestler” from the list.
Secondly, the lack of “the wrestler” from the list :-)
I would have chosen a couple of different songs off Western Stars and moved some tracks up or down the list, but you know, that’s just unimportant comparing to this very remarkable celebration for our man’s 70th birthday.
Thanks again!
You’re welcome!
I really enjoyed this and looked forward to the day’s song. Really nice and definitely food for thought.
Where the hell is “The Fuse”? Like a miniature Tennessee Williams play attached to a hypnotically driving rhythm, it’s one of his top songs ever (the version from the closing credits of “25th Hour” doubly so) yet there’s no sign of it in this list…
I have been a patron of this club many many times. I will be at the Last show September 28th. One of my favorites is Bob Baldwin. I will miss this friendly, cozy spot and especially the kindness of Kristine Massari and her amazing staff. I just hope the next owners or as wonderful as the last.
Once there was Eddie Murphy funny but dirty. Then came Richard Pryor dirty at times but the funniest man who ever lived!! You are very close to the top. You have all races and genders ( forget that 5% walkout they don’t understand comedy ) you are the best show I have seen lately keep it up . If you need a joke or two email me @rusty58377@gmail.com thanks for the show
I was there last night and it was an Excellent Gig.
One thing you really should check that the set list
was correct as there is No song called “Hug you like a mountain”
It was in fact the Jazz Classic “Cry me a river”.
Other Artists included Kate Rusby, Maddy Prior And
loudon wainwright 😊
Here is video of “Hug You Like a Mountain”https://youtu.be/q4MT5_PSBXc
I absolutely loved the play. She’s a master wordsmith and an equally gifted actress. This play should go next to an off- broadway theater. I could see this play again and again. My 4 friends also were blown away.
I love Tammy Faye. Her Nico show is fantastic too.
Jim, you are so sweet! Love to you!
Dear Jay, Please interview Stanley Jordan for up coming HENDRIX performance at Crossroads Dec 8 2019. Contact me Jan Greiner JG Production to set up phone interview soon Ok ? 973 801 8444. FYI. Just sold out 3 nights NYC Iridium
Jay, love your work as always terrific NJ updates 🎶❤️🎶. Please join Stanley Jordan as Jimi Hendrix at Crossroads Garwood. NJ. Dec 8 2019 in his only NJ performance . Would you like to do a phone interview let me know Jan. JG. Production. 3 nights 5 Show sold out Oct Iridium.
Loved that tune sooooo much , I’ve searching for that single for a year, ant plans to release it???
I don’t think Whitney Houston has anything to do with RocknRoll and it would be a shame to see someone who IS deserving not get in because she gets in. Meanwhile, Todd Rundgren, who is SO deserving of being in, is still just on the ballot and not in.
I don’t think you understand quite a lot in music, man. Whitney Houston can sing, and have sung any style of music better than anyone. She’s one of the greatest voices of all times, and deserves, more than Madonna, Janet Jackson, and many other artists, the right to be in the Hall of Fame.
It’s nice to be important……BUT it’s more important to be nice _/) Tim is BOTH !
May God continue to Bless The Holiday Express musical ministry .
4 years out and I still miss you
“It’s interesting to see what what E Streeters recall. Tallent remembers seeing a letter from Raitt’s manager to her booking agency, asking that Springsteen never open for her again (presumably because he was so hard to follow).”
It was because Springsteen played far past his contractually allotted time in the first show, promised Raitt’s manager (who also booked the show) in between the performances that he would not do it again but then did as part of the second show. Everything was already behind schedule and during Raitt’s second show set, her fans were having to leave early to catch the subway before it stopped running.
Funny that the jazz festival is being cslled Love in a Hate Nation when it’s being held in a rapidly Repiblican town where Trump flags fly from the yachts in the basin! A house burned down here this week and commenters blamed Obama–I kid you not.
a Juke like feel love the horns….vocals and backup vocals
The Beacon show last week was Awesome. One of the best shows I have ever seen.
In the late 70’s Tom and Bruce were definitely a big part of my life. I always had this crazy idea that the two of them should swap bands.
Tom with the likes of Stevie and Clarence and Bruce with Mike Campbell & Co. It kind of happened when Mike Campbell and Bruce worked on the Patti Scialfa album. Although Bruce and Tom came from different places, to my mind they were lock-step connected and dialed into the same FM station.
It is simply self explanatory that Grammy are a fake, a disaster. Grammy are driven by lobbies as always…
But thanking God, Bruce does no need Grammy and as you written he is the most important US rocker of the last 50 years (minimum)
Most important American rock artist of the last 50 years??? Opinions are like assholes
Ok, who’s more important?
Prince is more important to me. BTW, I don’t own any Bruce records, so I am biased. I also think that all award shows, esp the Grammys, are skewed to what is currently popular.
Meh. You’re just saying that because he’s dead.
People who equate opinions with assholes are typically assholes!
And you are who? Exactly.
Fast-forward will come in quite handy for the Grammy telecast in January.
Well let’s face it, Born to Run, is one of the best albums of all time. So how it wasn’t nominated and won is unbelievable. You have three top songs of all time on one album. So you need to start there. It’s a travesty.
I have loved Bruce since 1985 when I discovered him. No one compares th him!!
Loved Cover Me, Tougher than the Rest, Murder Inc, Atlantic City etc. So many phenomenal songs!!
I love all of Springsteen’s work. Western Stars, while very different from earlier works, is amazing. I think he has always done an excellent job of doing his own thing, grammy or no grammy. What talent!
My whole consent
I agree that he is one of the most important rock artists of the last 50 years. Easily. If not THE best. However, that’s a tough crowd he’d be up against. Lol
Still he’s a legend and fuck Grammy for not acknowledging him even more. And in the right category with the right song at the right time.
But just goes to show that like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it’s primarily a joke. Just bullshit all the way around.
I agree sell them and put all proceeds to the charity…. bet it would raise a lot of funds..
But kudos to the band for always helping local and personal charity’s..
The E Street Band Rocks..
They need to make one of Clarence for ol times sake as well as Danny.
I absolutely love this all time classic love song that turned out to be a gospel hit by Foreigner and the New Jersey mass choir fantastic collaboration even though it’s been recorded my favorite will always be the original version by New Jersey mass choir and Foreigner.
My husband gave 22 years to NEMF and they gave him 3 days notice and closed the doors…a damned party in New Jersey? Really? What a F you to all the people who worked for them…
George Benson on Cafe Wha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBLWXD4Uw5Q
“Amarillo By Morning” is actually a Terry Stafford song, which was covered by George Strait.
Thanks
The so called rock n roll hall of fame lost all credibility years ago by nominating non rock n roll acts like Madonna and numerous rap artists. This only proves that their committee members are grossly ignorant about what rock n roll even is.
Bought a Mr. Reality demo cassette tape years ago at a thrift store. Always wondered why they didn’t make it big. Now, thanks to the Internet, I found out that they did. Yae!
I was there a few months ago and I believe the original bartender was still there. Many magic moments experienced there
this is such a good set list.
i’ve always loved these guys and i’m happy to have them back.
I met Tony back in the summer of 1988 when I was playing drums for one of his recording proteges Valerie Ford. Tony generously provided lodging for the band members and myself while we played gigs in New York and North Jersey. He was a very nice guy and had an amazing studio where he allowed us to jam between sessions.
Really cool
thank you for writing this. this one hit me way harder than rock star deaths usually do.
as much as i loved neil as a drummer — and i sure did — i loved him even more as a writer and a thinker. subdivisions was the first song i ever heard that described my reality. i was ten years old and growing up in a new jersey automobile suburb, and every line of that song resonated. neil’s description of the world as he saw it was completely different from what i was getting on mainstream radio. that’s because it was honest. neil was the rare rock star who cared too much to lie to me.
by all accounts he was a wonderful guy as well as a wonderful musician. his unbreakable bond with geddy and alex speaks volumes about the sort of person he was. while other famous musicians feuded and jockeyed for power, rush hung tight to the end. it breaks my heart that i’ll never get to see those three onstage together again.
Western Stars, not to be nominated – that is a surprise. His recent work has been stunning. It is surprising too to see that nothing off the Wrecking Ball album has any Grammy recognition. Retrospectively ‘Born to Run’ should be recognised and ‘Darkness on the Edge of Town’ gets many hard core fans contending that this was possibly his best album. Roll on 2020 with a new album with E-Street Band mooted by the Boss.
It is a bit surprising since “Western Stars” is not only a different effort from Bruce, but it’s definitely one of the best albums of 2019.
Oldham managed the Stones and the quote is bungled
And then there’s this one …
https://youtu.be/Gl1x6SGOWS8
Went this week Show was good singer s were excellent !
Wow! I am so excited to see Yolanda Adams, the Reigning Queen of Modern Gospel! She’s one of the greatest singers of our time.
Dear Tris, my name is Marco Inzerillo and I am Federico Uribe’s partner. Thank you very much for the beautifully written article. We truly appreciate it and it moved us. There is only one point in the article which is not accurate and I thought it would make sense to draw your attention on it. You namely write “It’s probable that some computer modeling was used to realize these works, but there’s nothing digital or impersonal about the results”. As a matter of fact Federico does not make use of any computer modeling to create his artworks, nor any kind of digital technology. We thought it is important to address this. Thank you very very much
Thanks for letting us know. I talked to Tris and we’ve changed copy to reflect that. Jay Lustig, editor
God I love this woman .
So heartwarming to see musicians gathering together to support one of their/our brothers. I played with Mr. James Mastro in the Mott the Hoople tour last April – he is a rock Maestro of the highest calibre. This is a show Not To Be Missed – for multiple reasons! So – be there!!!
🎶 Heartwarming to see numerous talented artists gathering to support one of their/our brothers in need like this. If I weren’t many thousands of miles away I’d be there like a shot. Last April I had the pleasure of playing with Mr. James Mastro on the US tour of my band Mott the Hoople. He is a Maestro of rock. Just one of many reasons to come and enjoy this fine event. So please consider attending, to help Ivan’s cancer treatment. Love 🙏
— Morgan Fisher, in Tokyo
Thank you for being candid about this. As a visual artist, I’m trying to have frank conversations with my associates about what will be feasible (for exhibition openings and other expectations) in the short term. It comes down to the fact that we are not prepared for this as a nation. We just aren’t. News coming out of Italy right now is grim. A robust, well funded federal science and health research community would have been smart – but it was decimated. Generations of institutional knowledge has been supplanted by cultish anti-science madness from a weak leader who currently sits in the White House.
Would like to hear about when he and Allison divorced. I know it was hard times but I never heard the truth about what happen back in those days..
He’s talked about how he was absorbed by work, and they grew apart, and that it was very painful. He’s also said there was no affair (and I’ve never heard anyone contradict him on that). I don’t really feel like I need to know any more.
It’s “Don’t Let Us GET Sick.”
Thanks! Have corrected
Always loved this one. Thanks for singing it Lily.
very dark, but right on for these times
Love that!!!
Thank you Bruce, Devito & company. I’m from Texas but l love you Jersey folk.
Nicely done. Jersey 💪🏼 Strong!
“If you can’t do what you do, do what you can”. 😎
Sending love and healing light to all.
Alert , local musicians and entertainers have lost their source of income. I’m fortunate because my wife career is supporting our family during this pandemic crisis. But many of my fellow bar musicians are lost , with no way to earn a living. Let’s all band together and help our local bar band musicians. Our brothers and sisters who entertain us weekly while we have a burger and a beer with friends need us now.
Right now they are without anyway to pay bills, buy food. There is no unemployment money for us. And most of us have no savings to draw from.
Don’t forget about them. Someone out there with the organizational no how please step up, band together and help out these local musicians
This is wonderful and thank you all so much. Love to see our Jersey stars coming together to help lift others up in times like these. Please don’t forget about the non-profits that are also on the front line feeding people and helping with non-food emergencies also. We’re all in this together! God Bless you all!
What a great perfectly natural phot of bruce……so natural and warming
Thank you Bruce as we fight this pandemic together. Greetings from Saint Paul Minnesota
Jersey pride at its best. Thank you all for teaming together to keep New Jersey strong.
Good Idea. Fully support this worthwhile project. Northern Canada says Hello to all the great people in the great state of New Jersey. Be Safe, Be Well. Be Kind.
Hello from Spain!
Thank you for taking care. Stay at home. We are going throught hard times..
We may think that we are many millions of people in the world and it will not touch us .. but I have an uncle in the ICU since Sunday night .. Sedated and intubated .. Sometimes, he plays closer than we can think ..
What we would like to think about .. Please stay home .. This is very contagious when there are no symptoms yet and that is very dangerous ..
Wash your hands often.. Use your “bad” hand to open doors and touch things .. The “good” hand will be the one you will instinctively use to touch your face..
Attentive to lesser-known symptoms .. Nausea, diarrhea, loss of smell and taste ..
Thinking of yourself, but especially of the others, take all precautions Possible ..
If the health system collapses, soon they will have to choose to save a person or the other, as it is happening in Italy and Spain ..
Maybe someone has an accident or needs an urgent operation and there are no resources to attend to it, because they are overloaded. I know some organ donations have not been done, because there are no sterilized rooms available to carry them out and these are more lives being lost, collateral damages … Anyway, I could tell you more … but I think you may have an idea already …
My best wishes from Spain .. Bruce !! Take care!! We need you back in Spain !!
NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER!!!
Tom Tom Club was not founded after Talking Heads disbanded, as the article states. It was started as a side project in the early 80’s while Talking Heads was still active and was featured in Stop Making Sense (the concert film for Talking Heads).
Thanks, will correct
Love to see what you are all doing at thi trying time. hubby and myself love your music down through the years. Still listen to it a lot
To the tune of Thunder Road –
I call it HedgeFund Road (Ode to Warren Buffett)
HedgeFund Road
The Coronavirus slams
Donalds hair sways
On a mission he complains about the fake news – as the ticker tape plays
Andrew Ross Sorkin singing for the Lonely
Hey it’s the small business hurting only
Don’t leave them out again
They just can’t face this crisis alone again
Don’t you run back inside –
Mnuchin you know just what I’m here for
So your scared and you’re thinking
that maybe the dems wont shell no dough anymore
Show a little faith there’s magic in the night
It ain’t perfect, but the bailout’s alright
Oh and that’s alright with me
You can hide neath your covers
And study Boeing’s pain
Watch Jim Cramer and others
Say the market – its just so lame
Waste this quarantine praying in vain
For a savior to rise from Wall Street
Well now Fauci’s a hero that’s understood
But all the redemption he can offer
Is straight talk just as he should
With a chance to make it good somehow
Hey what else can Powell do now
Except roll down the window
And let the liquidity blow back your hair
Well the Dow’s busting open –
These fed guys will take us anywhere
We got one one last chance to save this deal
To trade in our politics on some wheels
So climb in back
Prosperity waiting down on the tracks
Oh-oh come take Gupta’s hand
We’re riding out tonight to save the promised land
Oh-oh-oh-oh HedgeFund Road, oh HedgeFund Road,
Oh HedgeFund Road
Lying out there like Virus in the sun
Hey I know its late we can make it if we run
Oh-oh-oh-oh HedgeFund Road, sit tight, Take Hold
HedgeFund Road
Well I got this iPhone
And I learned how to make it Squawk
And my Broker’s out back
If your ready take that long walk
From your home office to my front seat
The door’s open but the ride ain’t free
And I know this virus, – we’re flattening the curve
Soon it’ll be waiters again, and no more self serve
There were ghosts in the eyes of all the bankers you sent away
They haunt your Hamptons home in the skeleton frames
gone the Bear and Lehman way
They scream they’re going broke each day on Wall Street
Your Harvard mba gown lies in rags at their feet
And in the lonely cool before dawn
You hear the traders roaring on
When you get to the social distanced porch they’re gone
On the wind
So Buffett climb in – Doot Doot doot doot do
It’s a Capitol full of losers and were pull’n out of here to win!
“Drum part” – BOOM! boom boom boom boom boom..BOOM! boom boom boom boom boom boom boom boom..BOOM! boom boom boom boom boom boom boom boom boooooom boooooooooom BOOM!
Okay you get the point!
Will there be a refund or will our tickets be valid for new date?
I don’t think they’ve officially announced that yet but usually in cases like these, the ticket will be honored on the new date BUT you can also get a refund, if you’d prefer. I recommend contact the venue’s box office for more details.
It is a sad day for us hearing that Bucky
Has passed on.
He was one of few great guitarist who have
Died in the last 15 years. Al Caiola and Don
Arnone among the NJ born great guitarists.
May you Rest In Peace Bucky.
Lynn Arnone Tsukalas
Sad day in music indeed. Proud to say I got to know this man when I worked at Victor’s House Of Music many years ago. RIP sir…
I had the pleasure of meeting Bucky in NYC – March 2009 .– he was playing in an Italian restaurant just off Central Park and I made myself known to him – when he found out that I was from Ireland he wanted to know all about Louis Stewart whom he had played with in the Benny Goodman orchestra on a European tour in the early sixties — a more approachable and likeable person would be hard to find – he will be greatly missed — condolences to all the family.
John Whaley
Sadly, my memories include seeing him at Godfrey Daniels, a club in Bethlehem, Pa. I also got to see him in Kutztown, Pa. as backup for Stephen Grappelli.
Wonderful times with a wonderful man!
John “Bucky” Pizzarelli,was a wonderful gentleman ,an Iconic musician who led music into decades of originality. It was an honor to met him and spend a few hours getting tutored and jamming with one of the greats.John asked what i needed help with i said chord melody He said “I’ll teach ya that in a couple of minutes.””Play this chord, and so it went .”We met a few more times while he was still touring venues..Proud to have met him and sad he’s gone….but his music lives on….’ll missies growl”
Paul bracco
What a sad day for all who loved him and his music. I was fortunate to enjoy his playing in Seattle a few years back at Jazz Ally. Bucky and John filled the club and it was magic.
used to hear his wonderful playing when he did gigs at Shanghai Jazz in Madison, NJ, and if my memory serves me well, Gullivers in (West)? Paterson. another tremendous talent gone from our world…
So happy and thrilled to hear there is another tour in the future!
Paula Rancilio
Thank you Bruce for all your contributions to our community. Right now your hometown of Freehold NJ community hospital Centra State is hit hard and we need help providing PPE and supplies to our healthcare workers. It is a month now and we are tired, worn and doing our best, your uplifting music gets us through our 12 hour shifts. If there is anyway you can help your old hometown it would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely a Nurse on the Front Line xo
Dont these dumbasses know what quarantine means.
Fuck you Stamos!
Fuck you Foggerty!
Fuck you Springsteen!
Thomas Barton, you must be a complete idiot. This was from 1995!!
Thanks so much John. That was epic!
Springsteen and Fogerty are just what the doctor ordered. Thank you all.
I remember it fondly. Can’t believe it’s been 25 years. By the way, I was the Cameraman.
Nice work!
Ooooo Thomas, lucky you!!!
Are you insane? Can you read? Obviously not. Because if you could you would realize this video was made in 1995! Btw, there are many wonderful groups that teach adults to read. I suggest you try one.
I have a suggestion. Consider using your time in quarantine to learn reading and comprehension.
Loved this! Thanks John Stamos for sharing. Epic party for sure.
Hey John ; Weren’t you in Freehold , NJ back in 2000 filming an independent movie ? Was wondering if you checked out the Jersey Shore scene and Springsteen landmarks.
WOW!
Awesome tom Basker shot this video from south bend in
So good! Detail man sounds a bit like Roy Orbison but I don’t know. Anyway this is so good- thanks for sharing it with us.
I was at a party once….
Tony produced my first album for RCA Records with my group Valentine 1977 in his studio. As many have stated he was a wonderful funny warm person, who was. Dry generous with his time, talent and positive attitude. I spent a lot of time at venture studios and have nothing but great memories. Rest In Peace 🙏🙏🎼🎼🇮🇹🇺🇸
Detail Man seems it could be the flip side of Red Headed Woman.
As a Jersey Girl in GA, it’s grreat to support the Arts from Home! Thank You.
Awesome footage John. Thank so much for sharing. Love you, John Fogerty and Bruce Springstein of course. Great music. Loved every minute of it. Wasn’t that you on the drums?? Excellent.
Fantastic so cool to see these songs in this form
Check out my tune for the front line people working right now I think you will like it it’s free to share at http://www.zeeblues.com and to the guy at the top comment you need to read not skim articles
I listened to Howard from about 1994 until about three months ago. I found myself paying but not listening. The show changed. Not as funny as it used to be. He grew up and I didn’t. I’m 75 but I liked the show before he grew up. Blame me.
I keep imagining this song being reworked into a tourism jingle like
🎶Jersey, Jersey, just think of all the fun we’ll have in Jersey
There’s lots to see and lots to do
We’ll see the tigers at the zoo
It’s all a great big hullabaloo
Over on the Jersey Jersey Jersey over on the Jersey side!🎶
I know the lyrics are completely generic and could use improvement but anyway there really is much more to your state than that stretch of highway from Newark airport to the Lincoln Tunnel that gives the state its undeserved reputation.
Look for my name, Carla Auld on You Tube.
Won an International Competition performing at Carnegie Hall, organized the first organization in New Jersey celebrating the beauty of the Flûte ( New Jersey Flûte Society) and more!
I would love to be a part of this event!
Apologies, but my website is down for updates. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Carla Auld
Flutist
201-245-0227
Should sell tee shirts to raise $
I attended the final two shows, have the ticket stubs if anyone wants them ? Derek Freedman derekafreedman@Gmail
Com (847) 707 – 4187. Posted 4-23-20.
Thank you for sharing this.
The world still mourns the loss of SRV. That pain will be felt for many, many years.
Hey Bruce,
Thanks for playing our music!
Sincerely, Anthony Paule (Town Without Pity)
Thank you for playing Slim Dunlop..
Bob and Chrissie are rare.
They do not live together.
Thank you for the Jeff Kazee concert from his home. See him tonight on Facebook.
It’s always great to see Jeff Kazee perform but last night’s in house concert was a grand slam. Your piano playing, your singing and your heart felt tribute to Hood hit home for me. And it’s great to see your dedication and love for your family and their love for you. Stay healthy and keep on rocking. Thanks for the great tunes!!!
Bruder is a good song writer and a profoundly strong lyricist. As the follow up to his debut album “Act of Kindness,” the new album “Evolution” has more meat on the bones from a production standpoint, but that doesn’t get in the way of him still being able to tell wonderful stories with vivid imagery with songs like “Indivisible” and “City Tear.” I’ve been a fan for 40 years, starting in his bar band days in South Orange and Maplewood NJ, and glad to see he is still going for it.
Jeff, I couldn’t agree more! See my comment below.
Amazing-that performance was not only incredible uplifting and so talented.
Thank you NJ Arts in a time much needed you changed my spirts.
Amazing talented musicians💜. Thank you all for doing what you do. I started my day smiling, singing and happy!
Thanks for a beautiful cover of this song, one we’ve gotten so used to as a concert staple over the past 18 years. And appropriate: In our lives, in good times and in bad, Bruce is always there, channeling everything we feel and giving voice to it. After all these years, he remains the adult in the room — the musical conscience of America.
Touched my Jersey Roots and my love for Bruce always. Thank you to these amazing musicians!
I remember buying the live album when it came out in 74.. I was 14 . The woman who checked me out looked at the record , smiled and said This is a great album… she was not wrong . I just listened to it again the other day…Still great .
Congratulations to Southside and the Smithereens in both cases its about time!
As a resident of Glen Ridge and artist myself I find charging instead of asking for a nominal donation outrageous during a financial crisis!
All the money goes directly to the artists. And why shouldn’t they be paid? Even in a crisis, supermarkets and gas stations charge for their goods, they don’t just ask for donations.
Great interview! I hope it went well. Mickey’s the best singer ever and clearly a nice guy!
Ms. Phillips has a lot of talent and her collaborations with Mr. Richard Thompson give evidence that they are in a good place artistically and otherwise. Conversely I look at 2018’s “13 Rivers” as one of RT’s strongest albums. I consider it a bookend to the 1982 masterpiece “Shoot Out The Lights” which was written as Thompson’s marriage to wife and musical partner Linda Thompson was falling apart. Three plus decades later, Thompson is leaving another long term relationship from wife and manager Nancy Covey. No one depicts angst and inequities of life in time of marital displeasure better than Thompson; guilt, regret and bile punctuated with lacerating guitar riffs. I look forward to seeing Ms. Phillips and Mr. Thompson when some rendition of normalcy returns and live music replaces this quarantine.
Glad to see Steve’s newest work, and to support musicians here, there & everywhere.
Not a performance by Dylan but 2 Jersey connections. 1) in 1965(?) Dylan tracked down Levon and the Hawks at Tony Mart in Sommers Point to sign the group that became The Band to back him on his electric tour. 2) About 10 years ago Dylan was stopped by the police in West Long Branch as he was wandering around searching for the house that Springsteen wrote Born to Run in.
Yes, definitely 1965. I wrote a little about that here: https://www.njarts.net/pop-rock/before-they-were-the-band-levon-and-the-hawks-performed-with-bob-dylan-in-newark/
Evolution has a couple tunes that are SO timely for the current political turmoil in America. I got chills listening to “City Tear” talk about “A big man’s come to town this week to sell us our flag” but yet it was written by Bruder in the early 1980’s. “Indivisible” is a stunning portrait of our country today with the riots, protests and oppression, and he prophetically wrote this in 2016. This guy writes some worthy material, surrounds himself with killer musicians and delivers!
Charles Patrick is one of our best friends and he is alive but he does have Alzheimer’s. Is not gone yet. Wonderful man to have known
Hi Alice,
Warren Davis is my uncle. Is Charles still alive?
Joe Jackson wasn’t on The Uncle Floyd Show.
Thanks, will delete
Zobus, please.
Hello Uncle floyd this is Domenic Lombardo My Father was Umberto of Naples as Past Away as you can play the videos when he came on your show
Awe, sorry to hear Umberto passed. He was my neighbor
Is there a schedule of episodes he’ll show?
Not that I’m aware of.
Me and my posse saw these guys a lot in the 70s after they played our high school once, primarily at the Wooden Nickel in North Brunswick.
it should ud not be so difficult to figure out how to pay to hear Philemona tonight. I want to pay for the event not give a donation. The email address . bounces back that is post on either facebook or instagram
i have videos of shows from late 1977 on. because of the location of my house, reception was mediocre at best. many are fuzzy to very fuzzy. not all but enough, yet the audio comes through even on these.
if someone wanted them i could send on a thumb drive(i transferred them from tape to computer a while back). you could determine if they are worth watching. they are funny.
Hi: I appeared on the show around ’79-’80 in a band called Dizzy and the Romilars. Do you happen to have that episode? If so, pls contact me at janturaninfo@yahoo.com. Thanks.
Any Cham e you have the show with the Misfits?
Please send me these! after78@gmail.com
Reminds me of the Netflix ZZ Top Documentary. They played a show and there was only one person in attendance. The fan became a life long fan attending many shows. They still remember him to this day.
I would like to receive a refund on my tickets but can’t find any correct link to go on. A response back would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to know why I wasn’t contacted directly about the postponement of this years show and had to hear it from a friend. Purchased two VIP tickets, at a large expense, and I should have been notified via email
Did you buy through Eventbrite? If so, instructions are here: https://www.eventbrite.com/support/articles/en_US/How_To/can-i-get-a-refund
OMG! Can’t wait to hear from SOUTHSIDE! I don’t wanna go home.
When I was younger, and more easily influenced, as well as being more susceptible to the transgression of adulation/idolatry, I more or less committed said trespass. I had already recognized that visual entertainment, watching TV shows and movies were a waste of one’s time unless they were specifically documenting facts and reality, or current events and developments, news which every intelligent citizen should unaccountably follow if they are aspiring to be responsible citizens and even Christians per se. As it were I still admired and appreciated The Boss and his messages representative of the common working class. I don’t think I was mistaken in that accordance of recognition and admiration. However, after he Bruce had failed to maintain His Commitment and Promise to his Spouse and immediately wedded his back-up vocalist,( Who, I will not deny, was and still is an attractive Lady.) I was so disappointed in his failure to maintain the lifelong commitment to his first wife, and I felt a tangible disappointment with the man, himself and refused to listen to his music altogether, due to his betrayal of the beliefs that he’d always sung about. However, having always appreciated The Professor’s ability to tickle the ivories and thunder on them as well and Clarence’s incomparable soulful expression on the Tenor Sax, I accepted the Truth that we all are guilty of youthful indiscretions, and to overlook The Boss’s failure to maintain that dedication to fidelity. So, I swallowed my bile. As it were, and it wasn’t many years later, that I was committing the self same faux pas…How amazing it is to realize that you are not superior to others and in accorded humility, accept an idol’s errors and rejoin the human race and once again enjoy music, which is essentially one’s Spirit expressing itself auditorily and to receive the soulful expression of a fluid group such as The E Street Band is a worthy form of relaxing entertainment, a human necessity in anyone’s recognition. Rock On Boss… and continue to Vocalize the American Experience!!!
Love South…. From Club Bene’ to the Garden State Art Center to Count Basie. Always the real deal. No hype- no b/s, just a great rocker and entertainer.
The return of STEEL MILL
Roosevelt was a nightmare to get to and especially leave from after the show–the night of the rain-out was extra nightmarish. But all of those early ’70s shows there were unforgettable, peak Grateful Dead. Seeing them in ’76 at the Capitol in lovely Passaic was also a treat, even if it wasn’t one of their greatest nights. By the ’80s, the bottom fell out. Saw them in ’83 at Brendan Byrne with Stills and they were beyond bad–Stills especially. I got off the Live Dead bus after that one, although I continued to see the Garcia Band every chance I got, right up until the end (2/28/80 at Kean College was especially tasty). You don’t miss the opportunity to see a musical genius in action.
Whether you have loved Judy Collins your entire life, or whether you just listened to her for the first time, this detailed and beautiful interview will inspire and renew your determination to make this world a better place. xo
I would like information on being a participant at the gospel fest. I’m a member and business manager for Alma Brown and the A-1 Gospel Singers of Little Rock Arkansas. We would like the opportunity to be apart of such a grand event. My contact number is 501-831-5004
Irving Street Rep is the company that produces Gospelfest. They can be reached at 973-643-6262
Show is trash since he’s become a Hollywood brown-loser. Bye Howard, you retired about 10 years ago
A fine interview with one of the nicest guys in music (we’ve met several times), and one half of one of the greatest rock’n’roll couples ever. His book deserves to be a runaway best seller topping a field where, frankly, the quality is variable. Not all musicians can write well, with care and with heart. I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, Morgan. And we hope to see you on stage again soon with your band, Mott the Hoople
Why not continue through August?
This is a great idea
the Castiles and the Shadows played at our teen club, Teendevous! the Chlan, did, too I think. the coolest of times. all of them, the Clique, the Source, and such.
Saw Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers there in June, 1980. Holding out hope that some day some video may surface from that show. With Tommy Tutone as the opening act, years before “Jenny” :-)
I donated to see Richard Thompson . I was sent an email to register and was rerouted to a service called Aliza ; a music, book and video game provider. I then had to register an account with them and after several attempts to log in had to contact someone at Aliza , who told me they didn’t carry an live performances. That took 40 minutes of trying and I gave up searching. I had forgotten that NJ Arts was presenting in the first place . Is the show still available to watch?
I’m not sure what you’re talking about but you can find some of his recent streams archived on YouTube. Here’s one of them: https://youtu.be/zRF71ClkXbg
There is no one I’d rather see live (except Kate Bush!) than Richard. He is always fabulous, funny, warm, and utterly committed to giving you the best he’s got, and given what he’s got, it’s a musical banquet. I haven’t seen him in a few years now, living at the edge of beyond, but hope to again soon. Lucky Woodbridge!
My faves, too! You have great musical taste.
There is no one I’d rather see live (except Kate Bush!) than Richard. He is always fabulous, funny, warm, and utterly committed to giving you the best he’s got, and given what he’s got, it’s a musical banquet. I haven’t seen him in a few years now, living at the edge of beyond, but hope to again soon. Lucky Woodbridge!
I have loved Richard Thompson since seeing and hearing him at the Fillmore East (when Fairport was third on the bill), and I will say to anyone in hearing distance that he is the most lyrical and creative guitarist of our time. What a wonderful treat for the folks of New Jersey to have this warm, giving, caring artist in their community.
How I would have loved to have been there! Thank you very much for posting this, next best thing to being there. How great of Richard Thompson, and how great he is. I still can hardly believe he’s living in N.J. now. Cheers!
Nice review, it was a terrific show. Amazing to be seated a stones throw from this legendary musician. My first time seeing him and boy does he get his moneys worth out of an acoustic guitar and that voice, Richard’s classic phrasing, musically he hasn’t aged. I did notice one type-o, I believe the mayor said the attendance was 499. Thanks for the set list, if you don’t mind I may need it for reference of my photos through the show.
Please everybody support the Surflight! But please donate directly to them via PayPal or directly to their website instead of using GoFundMe!
Living for the day live music is back fully “in the flesh”. Miss SSJ & The Jukes most of all.
I miss my guys. I miss Johnny & the band. I miss his wise cracks, his silliness. I miss his heart & his voice, but most of all, I miss his soul. His soul lifts me to new heights all the time.
But who specifically was he singing about??
Was he a religious man or did he have a personal connection with the creator that he could be referencing? No one ever asks who the song is about
I don’t know who he was singing about, specifically. Maybe no one. I think prolific songwriters such as Lennon write about love so often that they’re not necessarily writing with someone in mind. Sometimes, they’re just writing about love in general. It is interesting to try to put this song into some context in regard to Lennon’s life, though. He wrote “In My Life” in late 1965. He met his first wife Cynthia in ’57 and they married in ’62 (after Cynthia became pregnant with Julian). It’s unlikely that he had her in mind for this song, though. It’s a song about new love, and even if he was thinking back to when they first met, that wouldn’t make sense, since he was so young in ’57 he couldn’t have had an abundance of nostalgic memories then. He didn’t meet Yoko Ono until late ’66. But it’s interesting to think that this song expresses his yearning for the kind of romantic rebirth he found with Yoko.
I believe he was singing to Paul. Although not romantically lovers, John and Paul loved each other. This is why years later he was truthfully able to say that it was about past friends and lovers. Because Paul was then also in his past. I believe Lennon-McCartney songs fall into two categories: songs written together and songs written about each other. This becomes really clear to me in the Let It Be documentary. Two of Us, written by Paul supposedly about him and Linda definitely seems to be more about John and Paul.
Pretty sure that was back when Biden knew where he was. Lol
Hmmm, bet he can pronounce ” Yosemite” though. And he only has to use one hand to drink water. And have you seen him walk down a ramp? He glides!! LOL!!!!!!! 1
And he supports the slaughter of the innocent
Yuk yuk. You’re a great American (lie).
Ridiculous comment from an idiotic troll
Perfect song for the times that we now live in. Joe Biden is the one who will help us get back on the right track & help better life for all of us, no matter what we look like. He will clean up Trump’s mess. Gotta love Bruce Springsteen!!
Funny you should mention that, since Trump told Minnesota today about being named Michigan man of the year (lie again, for the 30th time).
Beautiful moment. Made me feel hopeful, along with Michelle’s powerful speech. Hate, lies, corruption, and racism will not triumph in an America founded on hopes and dreams of freedom, and on equality. The threat is so big we must all come together.
Certainly gave me hope.
The first time I heard Born in the USA at a Reagan rally I knew dementia was in the cards
That song was for me. Not to support baby murders
Fuck little bruce springsteen hes as clueless as joe and the rest of those loons are
Novotny, Putin much ?
This is my response to the anti-abortion sentiments expressed above:
What does it mean to be “pro-life”? Many of President Trump’s most faithful supporters proudly trumpet their pro-life stance, fervently wishing that the Supreme Court will one day eliminate Roe v. Wade. They believe the president’s policies will lead to a better, more life-affirming world. They are wrong. They have a shockingly narrow definition of what it means to be pro-life and are in fact culpable in ushering in a world of far greater death and misery.
On the home front, Trump has abandoned any semblance of leadership during this pandemic. His clownish antics, disdain for masks, and glaring incompetence leaves the world appalled and America ill-prepared for the long, hard, Covid-19 fight that lies ahead. Trump and the GOP work to eliminate the Affordable Care Act, knowing they have nothing to replace it with. Their new budget cuts food stamps and the CHIP program that provides healthcare to children. They gleefully slash environmental regulations, lower automobile mileage requirements, and promote coal. How many cases of cancer will result from this increased pollution? How many children will die? How is this a pro-life president?
Internationally, Trump’s dismissal of climate change and our abandonment of the Paris Climate Accord make humanity’s future more precarious. His 2020 budget cuts foreign aid by 21%. How many vulnerable people in the third world will suffer and die? Enormous sales of American armaments to Saudi Arabia allow the war in Yemen to rage on, a war that has killed tens of thousands, caused a million to flee, and threatens a famine that could starve millions more. Abandonment of the Iran nuclear deal allows that regime to enrich ever-increasing amounts of uranium. And lest we forget the North Korean “love letter exchange” that yielded nothing but a photo op for the president and emboldened Kim Jong-un to add to his nuclear arsenal. Our transactional president would happily turn a blind eye to Xi Jinping’s placing a million Uighur Muslims in “re-education” camps as long as that nation purchased more soybeans from states important to the president’s reelection. It is speculated that a Trump reelection means the United States exits NATO. A destabilized Europe, combined with Putin’s desire to exert regional dominance, has global implications. What could possibly go wrong on that continent? And isn’t separating this thin-skinned, volatile man from the nuclear launch codes the ultimate pro-life act? But that would require that he lose in November. Again I ask, how is this a pro-life president?
There are innumerable other Trump-sponsored policies, here and abroad, that I could cite, but the common thread is that they are all hugely consequential and destructive with respect to human life.
The pro-life community, so steadfastly loyal to Trump, should employ a broader, more realistic moral calculus in November. Continued willful indifference to this president’s dangerous, soul-crushing actions would make them complicit in incalculable human suffering.
Well said
Hey guys…can we all try to remember that we’re all Americans and respect each other’s right to have conflicting opinions. Personally, I’d like to see some decency rather than petty, childish squabbling. Also, it’s OK to keep an open mind. Whatever happens in this election we’re going to need a united effort to get out of this mess we’re in. Standing up for yourself has nothing to do with attacking other people, and being strong has nothing to do with being a bully.
I believe the Dems have picked the wrong Bruce song for this campaign.
They should be using a newer more current song off his last LP called
Sleepy Joe’s Cafe.
Just a Thought to be current.
You can’t just give songwriting credit to George Martin just because he “composed” the bridge. The verses and melody have already been laid down, and obviously also the key of the song. The Beatles just needed a bridge to the last verse of the song and this isn’t hard to do. But you can give credit to George Martin for using the harpsichord in the bridge. That’s what producers normally do, determine which instruments to use in certain parts of a song.
And I doubt whether Lennon needed help from McCartney in composing the song. Maybe in the arrangement but that’s what Paul usually does, arrange their songs. Usually, in the Beatles, the one who wrote the lyrics also wrote the melody. This is how John, Paul, and George write. The melody is in their heads. They write down the words, and just try to remember the melody or put it in tape. They are not the sort of Elton John / Bernie Taupin type of songwriters.
My thinking was that the solo/bridge, composed by Martin, does not grow naturally out of the Lennon/McCartney melody, but feels like a mini-song of its own. Certainly, people have been given songwriting credit for less, or for the same kind of thing: Ray Manzarek, for instance, is credited as a co-songwriter on “Light My Fire” just for coming up with the organ intro. On the other hand, I concede that tradition dictates that that kind of contribution usually does not result in a songwriting credit, so perhaps I overstated it. Mainly, I just wanted people to be aware of Martin’s contribution.
You’re so right. This song has new meaning to me as I’ve had friends that left, places changed. So I choose to focus on my son and husband. In my life, I love them more.
“For ‘In My Life’, I had a complete set of lyrics after struggling with a journalistic vision of a trip from home to downtown on a bus naming every sight. It became ‘In My Life’, which is a remembrance of friends and lovers of the past. Paul helped with the middle eight musically. But all lyrics written, signed, sealed, and delivered. And it was, I think, my first real major piece of work. Up till then it had all been sort of glib and throwaway.”
John Lennon.
As stated to David Sheff in one of Lennon’s last interviews. Sheff interviewed Lennon for a three week period in 1980. Sheff authored the excellent “All we are saying”.
As for who wrote the song, I read that’s it’s heavily John Lennon. I even read that the only true musical portion contributed by Paul was the unusual “A 11th” chord on the phrase “with lovers and friends” and on similar phrases in the other verses. This chord is voiced with an “A” note on the bottom and a G major chord (first position) above it.
As for George Martin getting song-writing credits, I agree that he did not earn that. If he were to be given credit, there are numerous other Beatles songs to which he contributed keyboard parts on which he would then have to be credited as a co-writer: He was classically trained. E.G. “Lovely Rita”, “Misery” and many others.
Been fan since 1978, Capital Theater New Years Eve.
Thank you SSJ, listen you you every day and your music has made this pandemic bearable…
Huge Springsteen fan, over 60 concerts planning to tour over to Europe in 2021. This song was for all the lost souls in the 911 attacks. Every time I here that song I have tears in my eyes. Not anymore, it should be for the memory of that day not as a political song for anyone. Bruce what’s going on in your head, I am sad for you.
Dan A.
I am really pumped up about the “Jem Records Celebrates John Lennon” release coming soon! Great article covering this album. Some of my favorite bands are on it, like the Grip Weeds, the Weeklings, and The Midnight Callers. Absolutely amazing bands, Amazing Music, and amazing John Lennon! How can you beat it! Take care, Matt Street
Jay Lustig, this compilation is extraordinary. What a great idea to do this. Soooo glad the proposal made the cut. You, Jay, are fantastic!!
The album is called “Chase THIS Light”
Thanks! Will fix.
Happy, happy Birthday, Bruce, from Minneapolis MN
Loving Fans, Bob and Terry Roos
Happy Birthday Bruce just another Springnut
Happy Birthday just another Springnut
Happy Birthday Bruce
Thanks for making my journey abit easier
Happy birthday Bruce; you have been the soundtrack to my adult life and long may that continue for both of us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRUCE FROM A LONG TIME ADMIRER OF YOU AND YOUR MUSIC. GOD BLESS YOU
does anyone know which episodes had E-man?
Sorry, no.
This song has all the meaning of love; love of life and love of relationships past and present, all inclusive of friendships, family, and lovers. The title is perfect! It would be even more perfect if that last solo line sung by John Lennon said “In my life I loved you all.”
It’s meant for everyone who has crossed your path in life. There aren’t any coincidences.
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. ECCLESIASTES 3:1
It’s Jesus who loves you all. Don’t drag Lennon in it.
And Jesus wanted us to love one another just as he loved us. So John had every right to sing of love
Too bad Bruce and Don have absolutely no problem enabling the monsrous evil of abortion. Never thought Bruce would be such a coward, but he has chosen to be on the wrong side of history just like slave owners and Nazis.
What a blithering idiot. You would support tin pot Donnie, and then say this? You’re incapable of experiencing irony.
Rich you’re a definite coof who needs to study history, but for now, study your wannabee dictators deadly deeds and evil incomprehensible jibberish. 🤪
Right on Rich!! These damn elite celebrities using their platform to push the liberal agenda is disgusting. How can you be an advocate for anyone when you support pro abortion politicians.
What hypocrisy.
My favorite local guitarist and friend.
Thank you for the review, Jay. I am looking forward to hearing the complete album when it arrives. The two singles are excellent.
Thank you for the review, Jay. I am looking forward to hearing the complete album when it arrives. The two singles are excellent.
SO TRUE…SO SAD…I WANTED TO CRY…SO VERY MOVING…PEOPLE ARE HURTING AND IT DOES NOT SEEM HELP IS COMING SOON ENOUGH..
”
“Janey (Jeannie) Needs a Shooter” has been released, just not by Bruce. Unless it’s a different song, which seems highly unlikely.
90 percent different from the Warren Zevon version.
Question did Jay and the Americans play on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City in the 60s thank you
It appears they did. When they played at Harrah’s in Atlantic City in 2014, they posted on Facebook that this was their first show in AC since they played the Steel Pier more than 40 years before. https://www.facebook.com/jayamericans/
Jay, I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve it, but Tom Parker, Albert Grossman, and Peter Grant were never on the Nominating committee. Jon has been on the committee almost since the start of the RRHF and Chariman of the committee most of that time. Maybe that gave him a slight advantage? But to his credit, Bruce and E-Street still play and sellout the big venues world wide, so he must be doing something right.
Where were the children of color? America doesn’t look like this!!
Great article thanks….didnt know reagarding Suspicious Minds….can the 2 versions be heard,any recordings online or on cd?
Not as far as I know. Both times were when making guest appearances with John Eddie: http://brucebase.wikidot.com/song:suspicious-minds
I totally agree.
Even though it’s only a few snippets of songs, the memories evoked in those moments are priceless to many of us raised in the late 50’s and early 60’s.
I have followed them for a while now, their live show is always impressive.. unfortunately due to the pandemic, concerts are sadly banned, but this streaming performance of the “Letter to You” album was amazing and so enjoyable for all Bruce fans who were dying to hear these new songs live. Garry Tallent and Ron Aniello heard the news and both commented on Blood Brothers band social profiles “bravo, bellissimo, wow!” . Well done Blood Brothers, way to go!
I love Howard Stern and listen everyday. Robin and Howard never get old.
Such a great piece. Thanks Jay.
Been a fan for decades but Garry could have found a more diplomatic way of saying he’s afraid of Covid. I’m in NY; NJ is bad. But he basically said Performing 2 Songs With the E Street Band on arguably the best show, SNL, is not worth it. I guarantee Sister Soozie wouldn’t put it so obnoxiously.
I thought this was free as a member. Very disappointed.
It’s free on Facebook, isn’t it? https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218887134805827/permalink/4058170024210843/
Wonderful musician,person,devoted mother and grandmother. Met her at Montclair Unity Church in the late 80’s when she Accompanied me when I had a solo at the church one Sunday service. Enjoyed many big band programs she arranged at Trumpets over the years . David Mc Lean , Nutley , NJ
Thank you for posting this, and hope those who knew or worked with Randy will contribute.
I have various early and more current photos of Stevie I can submit if he is interested.
Frank Stefanko
I am 160 year-old New Jersey board and educated musician and photographer I hope to draw your tension by the buzz from my emerging work this year I found your site through WBGO.org. 160 should have been “a 60”!
I have only just come across this article. As a fan, from the UK for several decades, I have not read a better or more revealing interview with the man. I now live in the Azores, so Covid or not, I stand little chance of seeing him ‘live’, where once I would catch every tour or Cropredy appearance. However, my pretty full CD collection of his music gets a regular airing.
So thank you Cindy and Richard for sharing these fascinating insights.
Many thanks for reading the article and sharing your thoughts. Stay well.
The most fondly remembered Sanctuary concert had to be for me the last time I saw Richie Havens in concert for what was (unbeknownst to everyone) one of his final concerts. It was an evening that I will remember for the rest of my life from this man who epitomized such deep spirit and kindness to his audiences. And not a day goes by that I do not pray that someone (post pandemic, of course)will take up the reigns of this so sorely-missed venue.
Clarence would regularly tour with Steve Smith and The Nakeds from Rhode Island. They have a long history working with The Big Man. http://www.ripopmusic.org/musical-artists/musicians/steve-smith-the-nakeds-naked-truth/
are resevered lawn seats available for the reserved lawn seats
Been a Springsteen fan since I was 16. I am now 52. I watched him tear down walls both physical and social with his music. I have to say I am disappointed with him. In the last 12 days I have seen the very citizens he wants to welcome back censored and silenced. Had companies threaten to not do business with them and heard newscasts about de-programming them. And who speaks for them Bruce? Where are your thoughts on these dangerous thoughts? These people are not outcasts. They are not cultists. They are not racists. They are people who buy and listen to your music whom just happen have different political viewpoints than you. They have been forgotten. The very people you write about. Where is your voice on this Bruce? Right now it sounds like condescension not a voice for the very things you used to stand against. I remember that Bruce. The one who stood against Censorship and advocated for free speech. I wish that Bruce had the courage to show up again.
Bruce is one of the greatest singer/songwriters in American History. However he is just another liberal celebrity. People must understand that just because celebrities have a national platform, they also have a must different lifestyle than the average citizen. Years fom now these people will understand what Trump did for the good of the country. The worst reason why this country is so divided is the media. Years ago the news was strictly based on facts. Not opinions as it is today. These 24 hour “news channels” brainwash the public to believing whatever there side is. Do the intelligent citizens really think if all you got was the straight news the country would be this divided. I think not.
Stick to music please.
But yet they area all okay with the whole corrupt Biden family, that’s okay and all the irregularities that went on during the election. How can anyone who really supposedly cares about our Country look at all that is going on and be okay with it all. These people do not live in the real world or our world. And I really could care less wtf they think. They are only entertainers and nothing more. But really has turned me off on all of them.
Hi! Tommy james I’m from Texas! I 💕 love all your songs! But most insoerational song Of Mine Is Crystal Blue Persuasion! It’s a Beautiful Song! And Every Word Is True If you Really listen to it! It’s like saying just look beyond and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel! Love n ✌️Peace
People please. Bruce was talking about a man who sent people out to try an overthrow a duly elected President and government. People were killed a treasured historical building was destroied
The life of every congressman and senator in our country along with the targeted Vice President of the United States was threatened or in danger. It is not a partisan stand to be appalled by that and more
Trump at the very least sat by and watched it and refused call for help
And people are ok with that? Sad and tragic
Thank you Bruce. Play on
Yes, much like the riots that destroyed lives, families, and businesses all summer. Democrat leaders said nothing and in some cases supported the violence. I’m not trying to argue with anyone. But to find unity we have to hold all our leaders to the same standards. We can’t have rules applied to some and not to others. Hate Trump the rest of your life if you want. But once that hatred starts infringing on people’s rights and targets people for simply exercising their right to vote for whom the want. Well that’s when things like censorship and spying on citizens becomes the norm That should bother everyone.
I clearly remember Joe Biden speaking (more than once) in public about how the violence and looting has to stop and has nothing to do with your constitutional right to protest. That was during the presidential campaign and the protests in Portland. It was televised nationwide, so it is not true that “democratic leaders said nothing”.
I agree with you on how even hatred of a despicable person like Trump can lead to wrong acts and discrimination of those who supported him – in doing so one would follow the simplistic logic of the Bible’s “eye for an eye” policy. Expressing an opposite view is fine, hatred is always wrong.
But don’t you also think that something like censorship and “spying on citizens” became more often the norm under Republican presidents like Nixon and George W. Bush?
The part that George Martin played was on a piano not a harpsichord. The tape was sped up so it sounded somewhat like a harpsichord. This part of the song is not “the bridge”.
The bridge is the term for that section of a pop song the is usually the middle eight bars, and connects the verses and chorus with a different melody.
The part in In My Life that John said Paul wrote was only ” the bridge”(middle eight), where the lyrics are…. though I know I’ll never lose affection, for people and things that went before,I know I’ll often think about them,
The Beatles used the term “middle eight” even if it wasn’t eight bars.
How can I see this entire film?
Use the Eventlive link in story but you have to wait until Feb. 6. (movie will only be available then)
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To illustrate;
1). “No one compares with you.”
2). “There is no one compared with you.”
Both of these phrases when used to declare how you feel about somebody in the present right in front of them are both grammatically correct and would convey the same intent and meaning.
But the effect of adding the extra “There is” in option 1 would ruin the structure and using the “s” at the end of “compare” instead of a “d” in option 2 would have the same effect as well not to mention that it just doesn’t sound right.
Well said. I don’t see it as a bad thing at all. In 2021 how does an artist remain viable. No tours and no one buys records anymore in this age of streaming. The message is nothing but positive and although the Jeep logo shows up regularly, it’s the message that resonates with me. Bravo Bruce! May 2021 bring many more surprises.
A beautiful message. I don’t mind that it’s paid for by a car company. It is aligned with Bruce’s values. As for his ludicrous image of himself that prevented him from cashing in, he has done the work in therapy to understand himself. Plus, along with his lifestyle, there is the anonymous giving that he does consistently to take care of people in need.
In that induction speech for U2 he also said that U2 didn’t take any money for the ad. I don’t know if that is true and it doesn’t matter anyway. It was pretty funny when he was going on about the “Wiley Bono”. I’m not suggesting that Bruce did the same nor do I think it really matters, at least to me. It’s a beautiful ad with a wonderful message we need to hear. I’m thinking of this very personally because my immediate family is divided.
It’s not like Bruce went out there and said “Buy a Jeep.” He’s not singing a jingle extolling the virtues of the brand. It’s more like a sponsored performance. This is a beautiful ad with a beautiful message, and I hope it gets a lot of views.
Agree with everything in this analysis. And I would add a few thoughts. 1) It’s about as soft a sell as any commercial will ever be, 2) It’s very tastefully done, with a message no sane person could argue with, and 3) it’s an American made product that I think Bruce believes in and probably owns.
I think he used his own car in the ad…
Yes, it is a Jeep ad, and that doesn’t bother me. (For a car ad, you have to admit that at least 80% of the spot has nothing to do with driving a car.) Obviously Bruce wants to use this beautifully-shot spot to be seen by a lot of Americans, so I think he thought of it more as an opportunity to get a (good, heartfelt, important) message across to a lot of people all at once at a difficult time in this country’s history, more than he looked at it as an additional paycheck.
Beautifully done, luv Bruce!!!!!
I’m assuming Bruce himself got paid little to nothing or will quietly donate his earnings to charity. The way to look at this is that Jeep bought the airtime and paid for the production, and got a credit at the end. Yes, he is seen driving a Jeep, but it’s a classic model, not one that is even for sale now.
I think he got paid a lot. What he does with the money is his business. But yes, he has a long history of being generous with charitable causes.
That is his own jeep. I think a 1950.
That is a 1972 CJ-5. A Jeep you cannot buy new now. A Jeep there is no equivalent to in the current product lineup. A Jeep that was priced so that farmers and “people” could buy them. A Jeep that had no frills, electronic whiz-bangs, or anything “digital”. Some genius in marketing probably figured that the current lineup wasn’t “gritty” enough to end up in a marketing image piece that is an anachronism and hypocritical…
I stopped seeing an artist as selling out for anything, ever, when I saw this. Who cares? Really.
https://youtu.be/eBq7SyGtG8Y
This comment is copied from what I just wrote on FB SPRING-NUTS.
Maybe he is donating every cent received to one of his favorite charities like the Foodbank or the foundation he has the provides help to people who need it. I would expect no less from him. I love the message in the commercial and I don’t feel that he has crossed a line. He has found a way to get an important message out to an incredibly large audience. Good for him and good for the corporation and writer that crafted the message.
This is earth shattering. Thanks for this wonderful clip .
As soon as you start selling cars you are no longer an artist. He used to be the boss. SMH
Also, it’s very Christianity focused. No one wants to reunite with bigots and people that think insurrection is okay. I also don’t think Jeep give a fuck about unity, just making a profit off the back of the current trying times in the US. This was all about money, nothing else. Bruce did sell out, he sold out hard, and wants you to be friends with trump supporters now.
It doesn’t have the feel of a commercial to me. I think of it as Jeep sponsoring a PSA from Bruce.
Good for him! The commercial – although that’s not really what it is – serves as a perfect vehicle for his message. It will stand alone during this sporting event, I am sure; the audacity of hope vs commercialism. I’ll take the yellow lab puppy and Clydesdales any day over the other crap, too.
This is not a sell out. The jeep is not that in your face visible, but Bruce’s message is. Visually stunning and beautiful music of course.
I don’t get the whole being sullied “by any attachment to any commercial product.” This disdain for American business is ridiculous. They are part-and-parcel of our society and are deserving of our support. If one has specific issues with a company, fine — protest or boycott or try to change them. But putting up these artificial barriers to protect one’s belief turf is part of the exact problem the spot is trying to address.
The Artist Formerly Known As Boss (TAFKAB). . .
I just love how all the public figures who wanted to crucify Trump,before he ever had a chance,are now wanting to come together,nope.
He was driving west to talk with Nancy about the middle and common ground, but he gave up and turned back to New Jersey to watch the impeachment trial and to get his covid shot.
U2 did not take the money for doing an iPod commercial and the band’s commercial did not contain “a message.” That shows the band respects its fans, which is more than I can say about $pring$teen. PS: Pretty sure he wouldn’t be caught dead driving a Jeep. How proletariat.
..
Springsteen appears behind the wheel of a 1980 Jeep CJ-5 that Variety reports is his own.
I guess The Boss used the platform that Jeep (a product he likes and believes) offered him to share the feeling that a dignified American person feels, with all the people who live in the USA. The moment was perfect to spread hope in the heart of each of us, accompanied by a beautiful melody as a background that he composed.
Money, The Boss no longer needs. Thank you, Bruce!
Bruce wants unity now because the candidate he wanted is in office.
Where were his calls for unity before?
Bruce you insult your lifelong fans who have been with you for your entire career with your politics and your opinions. Do you think you are superior to us? Why do people who are paid to entertain feel the need to tell the public their views?
I find it amusing that for all the ‘unity of the middle’ Bruce is held as ‘salt of the Earth’ and Trump as ‘dung of the camel’ when in reality THEY ARE cut from the same cloth; for all those hypocrites that will never be able to see it. Not least which may be Bruce.
Well Bruce I guess your cash is running out and you’re trying to be relevant again. And looks like Jeep is jumping the shark for hoping for more sales from the masses who have problems driving their gas saving economical dangerous little cars
Springsteen dumped on America years back fired his band mates and moved to France. Please just move into a community with the likes of the John Cougar and GO AWAY. I have yet to see what unity you can have when your whole agenda is based on lies, But they created a message for the mindless drones voiced by Entertainers not educated experienced individuals with a view on unprivilidged reality we call working America. Was actually looking at buying a Cherokee and will now be buying a 4 Runner. Jeep is no longer going to be considered in my household ever again. PS they aren’t that reliable either kinda like Bruce.
If “unity” means bowing to the globalists in both parties, forget it.
I’m actually surprised some Karen’s aren’t on here complaining that Springsteen wasn’t wearing a mask.
Good point on the no mask, But he’s special I wonder if he was driving while under suspension for a DUI he is still going to court next month for. Gotta love it when people do research, I guess driving drunk putting the public at dire risk qualifies your as DEMA god. Please BOYCOTT JEEP and burn that sanctimonious Un American anti Unity has-been out of music history.
Only hope he really drives a jeep!!! Been a jeepgirl for 20 years!
So very sad to hear this news.
When I worked at The Montclair Times, I interviewed Diane Moser — at least five times. Her vast resume of work was incredible. She was always creating and performing. Not only was she a great talent, she was a very nice person. So sweet and down-to-earth. She will be missed.
Jim Babjak is such a handsome man. Got better looking as he got older and with the cigar!! Very sexy man!!?
Sugar Miami Steve, Give me 1-2 hours to ask you questions re your music career 1974-1979, the time period I expect you will glance over, on your way to writing about your solo career. This was the period I admire about you the most, when you were managing, producing, writing, arranging songs for the Jukes, playing for Springsteen, and doing things like organizing two sets of Miami Horns for each band. When SSJ was sick, you and Bruce covered his shows at Monmouth County Arts Center May 12-13, 1977, with the Jukes and the E Street Band. Did you live across from the Stone Pony, or was that just a business/mailing address for Miami Productions? I need to know about the demo session for the Jukes, when you recorded “I Don’t want to Go Home’, ‘Sweeter than Honey’ and ‘The Fever’ for Steve Popovich and got them a recording contract. Did Bruce play tambourine on all 3 songs, or just The Fever? I may have couple of the tracks, they are demos, but not sure of date. You recorded their second album during the Dec-Jan break in the Lawsuit Tour, that’s when Sugar Miami took over the entire production. Springsteen had a song called ‘Little Girl of Mine’ from early 1976, next thing I know you were singing it on ‘The Early Work’. The album listing said ‘Little Girl So Fine’, but that was not what it was called at the time of your recording, and you were clearly singing ‘Little Girl of Mine’ on the album. I am guessing it was you who came up with the new lyrics, title, and arrangement, another masterpiece. You gotta tell about what happened during all those recording sessions, including 1978, when you dragged Max with you to Secret Studios to record ‘Hearts of Stone’. I know Bruce recorded the demos for ‘Hearts’ and ‘Talk to Me’ on Oct 14, 1977, while you had the day off to play at the Roxy in Los Angeles with the Jukes. I got a picture of the note Thom Panunzio wrote to hold the cassette with both songs for you. When did you start recording, Jan 15, 1978, after your Darkness work was pretty much complete? Did you and Max come to Record Plant on March 9, 1978, to record the new version of Darkness On the Edge of Town from scratch? I know Max was there, because his drum sound got a lot of attention during those sessions. Please, I have many questions for you, make some time so we can do this. These crazy Springsteen fans want to know everything, and they want music, too. So bring any old DAT tapes when you come, I hope you saved them. I promise to only ask questions about music, I don’t care about fights with Southside Johnny, etc. Take care, talk to you soon-tw
It should be noted that Pete Seeger’s “Erie Canal” is, in turn, a cover of the 1912 song, “Low Bridge, Everybody Down” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_Bridge_(song)
Happy Birthday Hari Georgson
Happy Birthday Hari Georgeson
I really want to see this.
Congratulations, Jay!
I have loved this song for this reason, “And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new”. It says to me, that he logically knows and understands that love doesn’t go away, if I loved you once I always will, that love has no location, and even if it was romantic love and that romantic feeling is gone that that is still separate from actual love which remains, that he understood the truest meaning of love, meaning there is no “amount: of love, and that love is radiated from him not something in another location or person as far as he is concerned etc… He himself did know this, he was a wise man, he espoused love and knew it couldn’t be compartmentalized. But he shows by the way he ended the song that in and of himself as a man, that although he knows the truth about love, that in the natural he was still feeling that this current love is most special. I have always thought this of awakened souls who know truth and see the bigger picture that even so, we still want to express those things we currently feel even though we know it is in reality much bigger than that. This makes this his most special song, to me.
Bram Tchaikovsky!!!
Virtual Tartan Day 2021
Feeling “crabbit” that the coronavirus just stamped out a second year of most in-person Tartan Day celebrations on April 6? You’re not alone. More than 20 million Americans lay claim they are descendants of Scotland. These Scottish Americans coupled with lovers of Scotland, ordinarily lead to grand attendance at these events. Here’s a safe solution for your sorrow.
First, check out The American Scottish Foundation. Everyday, they are updating virtual events for Tartan Day Week events across the country. You’ll want to hear the pipers, see the clans, and enjoy the parade of tartans by live-streaming.
https://americanscottishfoundation.com/events/2021-NTD-Celebration.html
Second, enjoy tantalizing Tartan Day Celebration Kits brimming with authentic foods, or select delicacies from hundreds of Scottish imported foods offered by The Scottish Grocer, ready to ship in the U.S. today!
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“I Love You More”
An empty broken heart always loves more.
– after the anger is gone –
John never got a chance to say goodbye
– to anyone-
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I was at three of the listed concerts in ’67:
April 29: Ian & Sylvia at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison. Ian and Sylvia Tyson were accompanied by Felix Pappalardi on electric bass.
May 6: The Lovin’ Spoonful at Baldwin Gymnasium at Drew University, Madison. Zal Yanovksy’s guitar in “Night Owl Blues” was thrilling; he also managed a live gargle of water during the gargle-break in “Bald-Headed Lena.”
Aug. 12: Herman’s Hermits, Blues Magoos, The Who at Convention Hall, Asbury Park. As I recall it, the Blues Magoos opened the show, not the Who. Blues Magoos played “We Ain’t Got Nothin’ Yet,” and sported flashing, multicolored, battery-powered light belts/bandoliers in a rookie effort at psychedelia. The Who played “My Generation,” “I Can See for Miles” and “Happy Jack” among other songs. They were terrific. I don’t remember anything at all about the Herman’s Hermits set list.
The Cyrkle played a short set at Chatham High School, Chatham NJ. I recall them opening for writer and radio raconteur Jean Shepherd. If I’m right about that, the date would have been Wednesday, May 17, 1967. “Red Rubber Ball” was in the short set.
He didn’t raise $10,000 for charities.
This is an amazingly profound, honest meditation on the “then” and the “now!”
Totally agree with your thoughts, Jay. Years ago when my niece was in her late teens, early 20s, her mother encouraged her to get in touch with me so I could provide some her with more info and examples of classic rock music because she loved it. Now she is in her early 40s and still loves it. It is all easily available now with the Internet and Youtube, etc. I do not see the music of the 60s, 70s, 80s going away or the artists. Slate’s article has it all wrong…
I had tix to finally see the Smithereens when Pat passed away. Found the show online and it was amazing. For me a highlight was Marshall Crenshaw; I see him every chance I get & he tours with various bands so I thought it would be so cool if they played together. 6 or so months later it happened in Needham MA. That and seeing Danny Seraphine jamming with a Chicago tribute band were the best shows I’ve seen in 15 years.
The Smithereens are the best bar band ever!!!
Much respect, Tony was fantastic to me and the band. Real gentleman & Talented music man. Rest in peace Tony.
I’ve seen RT 4/5 times over the years , none better than where he opened for Emmy Lou Harris w/Rodney Crowell at DPAC in NC. Audience pleaded with him to keep playing, but
he gracefully left so as not to hog the attention. Of course Emmy Lou insisted Richard return half-way through her show for 3/4 songs.
Yes, RT is greatly underrated, but what about Linda Thompson ? Next to Sandy Denny she had the best voice in that era for that genre. Down Like Silver and Shoot Out the Lights are my favorite albums.
Bruce oughta know by now what a bitch Pete Seeger is. Geez man, he tried to unplug Dylan when he went electric at the Newport Folk Festival. Literally tried to cut the power cords with a axe or some equally psychotic pansy action.
He may have a decent song or two, but he’s far from the open minded freedom for all folk singer he perpetrates. He’s a narrow minded bigot who will shake his fist at you and tell you to turn it down. That’s unacceptable Bruce. Cut Seeger loose.
Yeah except that didn’t really happen. Please check this out: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/allenstjohn/2014/01/28/pete-seeger-dead-at-94-and-the-real-story-behind-his-electric-feud-with-bob-dylan/amp/
What do you have, I would love to see anything of Uncle Floyd to possibly connect the songs the life in my head without a band to connect to
I have to choose every song he has because I am one of his biggest fan. Even naming my son after him. Saw his show up in Chicago one night and didn’t have a buzz on. That’s was my only concert without a buzz and it was my favorite concert to. Wishing Bob Dylan a happy Birthday on May 24 th . Young 80 years my man.
that’s absurd and offensive. Springsteen’s a poser. nothing more.
I was waiting to buy my tickets for this very reason…. they were scheduled to play Chula Vista amphitheater, a few hundred yards from my house….o well….see you next year!
What is the reason behind this? If it’s the pandemic why wait a year?
This was an interesting article. Since Napster and other file-sharing internet sites that began to “share” music by means of virtual piracy from artists back in the 1990s, it has been a difficult, grueling, unfair, and litigious process to recover losses and collect their rightful royalties to earn a living. Consequently, music journalists have suffered financially as a result, too.
I’d like to hear a pissed off version. Thank you.
The Catholic Girls were a great band and ahead of their time. I was in my early teens when I bought their first album on MCA. I then saw them at several shows they played in the Philadelphia area in the early 2000s. Maybe when this current crisis is over they will play again and we can reconnect.
Ray B.
A great song, great lyrics, nice package. Brilliant!
Any Chance you have the show with the Misfits? Would be Late 70s… Early 80S?
So Tommy James will not be at thePNC show ???
This post is from 2019.
The 2009 concert at First Energy Park was memorable for two reasons;
– the show was mostly played in a monsoon
– it was the day Dylan was picked up and questioned by the Long Branch Police department
https://www.nj.com/news/2009/08/bob_dylan_stopped_by_long_bran.html
There have been numerous stories and theories as to what exactly Dylan was doing in Long Branch that day.
The reason I have retirement pay is Mott the Hoople. I used to work when younger just to have money to go to a concert show. Thats what kept me motivated-Bands like Mott the Hoople. Thank you guys in Mott and other bands
This is why I assume a lot of artist don’t explain their work… what it means to them, what it means to you and what it means to one another are all different things.. this is an interesting take on it as your trying to tell me Lennon didn’t know what his own song was about 🤣 to me this songs exactly what Lennon says it’s about… It’s about friends growing up and going their own way ,meeting new friends… It’s about the field you used to party in that is now a strip mall… It’s about the girlfriend you had before you met your wife… it’s about a journey and not forgetting how you got there… The verse that brings the song into the present is the most sentimental of them all… It’s the acknowledgment that these people places and things are an important part of who they have become… the most beautiful sentiment being the realization that they don’t want this person to become a part of their past like everything else…
Completely agree. The presumptuous arrogance of the article writer is off the charts. His “analysis” is ludicrous. Pretty sure Lennon knew what it meant, as he wrote it. The article writer would have been on solid ground to set up his analysis by saying honestly that the song carried different meaning for him. Listeners of music, readers of poetry and prose, and viewers of visual arts are legitimately within their rights to express the creation’s meaning to themselves, personally; they lose credibility when they launch into a self-important discourse that contradicts the artist him- or herself on the meaning of that creation.
Great rendition of a not so well known song.
Hello. Has anyone a review on this Bob Fest of 5/23 2021 ?
In all those years Pat Guandago and Tired Horses covered Dylan did Bob ever come himself?
Or can anyone refer me to a review in a paper or in anywhere? Thank you so much👌
Jay Lustig, Les Paul never claimed he invented the “electric guitar.” He started experimenting with designing a SOLID BODY electric guitar in the 1920s and built his solid body Log in 1941.
He may not have claimed it but journalists frequently use “Les Paul, inventor of the electric guitar,” as a kind of shorthand. That’s what I was objecting to. I didn’t intend any disrespect to him.
I also saw George Theiss at Big man’s west. Of all the clubs I’ve been at, Big Man’s West was the best ! Those were the days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for this song about hope. My 16 year old had a tough time this past year and learned of this song from Breaking Bad, but it has become an anthem of hope in our home.
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I will never forget how generous Tony Camillo was to me with his time, his studio, the most talented pianist he knew, and his feedback. Although I returned to college and studied in another field, my first vocal recording efforts had the benefit of his feedback. Rest in Heavenly Peace, Sir ! (aka Jane Ross Rogers)
Not to imply what Lennon was feeling or going through when he penned these amazing lyrics. And everyone is allowed to relate and respond to this song in there own way. I believeIf your a parent, as Lennon was still newly founded at the time with a young Julian as his first born it makes since this song is about the love you have for your child. You would never know this love before and all prior family love and romances immediately fall short of this newly understood unconditional love. “And these memories lose there meaning…when I think of love as something new.” All these things that shape you in your life have meaning and you will never forget them of course but when you’ve experienced this new love it changes you forever on how you understood what real love means going forward. To me it’s a retrospective of a person looking back in there life and understanding the world never stops spinning – things change and people leave – but because of this new love and revelation you now understand you’ll never love anything more than this child in this moment your in. In my life I love you more. Perfect! I enjoy singing it to both my young children.
Right, everyone can and should interpret it in their own way. For me, though, there are two things that work against your interpretation. (1) Lennon uses the phrases “lovers and friends” and “friends and lovers,” underscoring, to me, that he’s comparing the present love/friendship relationship to past love/friendship relationships. Nothing in the lyrics adds children into the equation. (2) While Julian was born before the writing of “In My Life,” John, by all accounts, was distracted by Beatlemania and other relationships and never developed the kind of deep relationship with Julian that he had with Sean, later. Knowing this about him, it’s hard for me to believe that that’s what he intended. (On the other hand, of course, songs can take on meaning beyond what the artist intended; that’s one of the things that’s great about them.)
For me I dont feel he has to name a child or indicate he’s referring to a child. Hes spelling it out ambiguously, and possibly without himself even realizing, he thought he knew love before, and recalls memories of lover(s) and friend(s) and he still recounts that in the present tense as friend(s) and lover(s), past and present he always uses a plural sense. Yet, the song is obviously being sung with direction, toward one person. I agree it could be the new love of his life (not John’s necessarily, just anybody) but it works so well to point this toward your own kin. Nothing replaces the love you discover when your child is born, and you don’t really get to have a say in the matter, it just happens, its wonderfully part of being human. You now love that child unconditionally and you never knew you could love something so much, considering you thought you knew love before in other capacities of your life. Those prior feelings, acquaintances, and memories will never change but they will never compare to what you now have experienced. I do understand its hard to consider this would have been about John reflecting as a new father given his track record with Julian, but he was still his father and I imagine very proud at the time. Even absent fathers still love their children unconditionally (even if they write them out of their will lol), they just may not be good at showing it or don’t make great choices in the long run. I’m not right, I’m not the end all be all, but I personally always struggled with the ambiguity of the lyrics and tried to apply them to my owner personal love interest as I grew up, loving this song. It wasn’t until I found myself singing this to my first born son as an infant with all those feelings and emotions pouring out of me that it seemed to make so much sense! Like you said that’s the amazing part of song writing, it affects everyone differently and we all get to relate to it in our own special way. I appreciate the discussion!
Legendary Hearts, not “Temporary” Hearts.
Thanks, will fix
Welcome back Bruce! 💕
I read that Dave Grohl sang this to his wife as she was giving birth to their first child. It gives me the chills. So lovely and precious
https://deedeewarwick.com/ – Dee Dee Warwick: I’m Gonna Make You Love Me
Just one thought…although it can be interpreted in many ways, who are we to decide that he meant anything more or less than what HE said it meant to him.
Art often means one thing to the person who created it, and other things to the people who experience it. I don’t see any problem with that.
I thought the original performance was much better than the 2o21 version which we just saw on July 3 2021. Maybe because that performance was so raw and just pure perfection. This time it seemed choppy and too staged. The part where he yelled at an audience member for clapping was funny on the surface yet obnoxious and started a massive argument in the first level section. It was even more distracting than the clapping and a group of us could not hear what Bruce was saying for a good couple minutes after. Not really funny when you are paying so much for an experience you can’t hear. And honestly he called it the bane of his existence. Come on. He should be honored! It got so bad and distracting that people were kicked out. Not the experience I expected.
I remember wearing this LP out when I was in the navy on the USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA 62) in 58 to 60–“Last Train From Overbrook” is one of my fave all-time pieces. Moody makes one feel the train, and feel Overbrook and freedom too. Richard Hoe
You claim to no longer list this venue, yet you have continued to mention and continue to list them in your venue section. Journalistic integrity matters.
Ok, I will remove them there, too.
No such album as All Along the Watchtower. It was called John Wesley Harding.
Thanks, I’ll fix
Local band, recorded tunes in his basement recording studio. Tony was very talented and kind. Helped us alot to get started. Rest in peace.
Very interesting read, Jay. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Especially, in deflecting the inane debate over sways/waves.
I never tied in the depression theme, which with presently understanding Bruce’s life long struggles seems so obvious.
Have you ever seen the film “Thunder Road” with Robert Mitchum? Mitchum returns from war, forced to make a dishonest living doing what he knows best, running moonshine. I think underlying theme of escape to a better life run through that too.
Thanks again!
No, have never seen that.
As I’m certain you’re aware Jay, he now sings (on Broadway), There were ghosts in the eyes of all the MEN you sent away…
Great, in-depth deconstruction of the song, Jay!
Re: “My car’s out back…” is because the famous little house that Bruce wrote the song (and the others from BTR), in Long Branch, has its driveway in back of the house!
Aloha Jay,
A couple of observations to share. To the question of his use of the word “case.” About 20 years ago (I remember discussing how clearly we could see the Twin Towers in Manhattan, so it was pre-911) I was visiting my parents in NJ. They had a membership at the same beach club as Bruce and on visits there I’d often see Bruce and his family. On one occasion I swam out to a large raft that the club owners anchored at the outside ropes demarcating the area the lifeguards would allow you to swim. I was alone on the raft for a few minutes when Bruce swam out and joined me. We were exchanging pleasantries and admiring the NYC skyline visible in the distance (it was a gorgeous, clear, summer day with only afternoon clouds forming to the west). After a couple of minutes a young boy (I’d estimate 10-12 years old) swam out and joined us on the raft. The boy said hello to Bruce and then began questioning him about the meaning of the word “case” in his song Thunder Road. Bruce and I exchanged side glances and Bruce responded to the boy that it was like in the old gangster movies when they’d check out a place the were planning to rob, they’d “case the joint.” So if there was any question about his use of that phrase, that should shed light.
In regards to the “graduation gown lying in rags at their feet line, I’ve always interpreted that, as well as the rest of the song’s context, as Mary recently having graduated from high school and the safe environment that it provided. Bruce’s character, the “greaser” type versus the varsity types that Mary had dated during school, is trying to lure her away from the safe but boring defined course of that life to join him on an adventure, breaking from the fixed path that small town life might offer, that the open road promises.
Really smart and interesting reading, Jay.
Bruce keeps writing this “C’mon, baby” song over and over again, from Rosalita to Sherry Darlin to Nebraska. That’s what makes TR so rich. Not only can Mary go either way off the porch–back inside or to the front seat and the road–but that road trip, too, can go any number of ways, too.
One little thing. I had a new understanding of the song when I heard the live solo version of Thunder Road (link below.) Starting with “there were ghosts in the eyes of all the boys you sent away” the tone of the live solo version diverges radically from the studio recording even though the lyrics are the same.
The album version it’s almost all about the music, about the buildup to that big getaway. Calling them “losers” almost seems dismissive and a way to set up the hope of their “win.”
“We’re better than them and we won’t make the mistakes they did,” is what our narrator seems to be saying to Mary as part of his sales pitch.
On the Live version it’s much more nuanced. This town does something to you. These guys weren’t just “losers” so much as victims of fate and circumstance. (like, say, the narrator in The River)
The slower more delicate reading of that line adds both a sweetness and a darkness to the song that takes it a notch above, say, Rosalia.
Mary and the narrator, they’re escaping more than just boredom.
To me, it foreshadows Racing in the Street. That guy who comes home from work and washes up could be an earlier version of our narrator, and his “baby…who stares off alone into the night, with the eyes of one who hates for just being born” could be Mary, just a little further down the road.
That quieter version of the last line reminds me of the end of Racing which lays it out much more explicitly. What’s at stake here, Mary, is our *souls.*
“For all the shut down strangers and hot rod angels rumbling through this promised land, tonight my baby and me we’re going to ride to the sea and wash these sins off our hands.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgRC8n2zuHY
All around great analysis. Regarding “you ain’t a beauty . . . ,” I read an interpretation somewhere that the line demonstrates his familiarity with Mary. It reads like an inside joke. I always hear it that way now, as something he does (or at least would) actually say to her and probably already has. Whether intended or not (I’m not convinced intent is the best measure for evaluating interpretations, anyway), I like the interpretation because it says so much about their relationship and in so few words.
This has long been my favorite song and was actually part of a poetry class I took in college. As a female, the transition from innocence to experience is not just a sexual or relationship one – during this time in history, women were finally allowed to make choices and do things legally they had not before.
So you have the past for both Mary and the narrator of the Vietnam War, the vets coming home to protests and chaos, women able to choose their life path beyond marriage and kids – and you also have the loss of faith (crosses from your lovers, all the redemption I can offer).
It’s a new America being created by the younger generation the narrator wants to seek hope, adventure, love – as opposed to the gloominess of the racial and political upheaval around them in the town of losers. Before, Mary had no choice. She was stuck in the house, so he’s offering her more than she has ever been offered (I envision the graduation gown in rags as a worthless education because the ghosts in the eyes of the men she turned away only wanted a wife, kids, etc) This is a change in the American Dream of the 50’s and 60’s that Bruce grew up in, to seek out something better, leave the depression and traditional roles behind – Mary has a choice, and he does too. He has made up his mind to try to be better.
This is an incredibly romantic poem that can be put to raging or quiet music yet carries the same great power either way. The poem is a psychologically brilliant pick up line.
The narrator and Mary would probably not be considered the ‘perfect couple.’ Yet the narrator believes Mary can be convinced to come away with him.
The first verse sets the scene between the narrator and Mary. The next verses are all about the narrator and what he wants and can do. He is appealing to his strengths and weaknesses. But the last verse, the narrator takes Mary’s perspective to call out her failings and losses. “all the boys you sent away” and the “when you get to the porch they’re gone.” He basically is saying I am the only one left that really gets you. Very few poems or songs can seemlessly switch the narration like Springsteen does here.
Hi Jay- very nice article. there are a few more shows this season put on by the Garden State Arts Foundation. Gary Puckett and the Association Sept 14th 130pm. Vinnie Medugno and the Coda Band 130pm Sept 8th. Jay Siegel’s Tokens and Ron Dante Sept 28th 130pm. all FREE, no tix needed. Ron Gravino NJTA Commissioner/Foundation VP
Great, I’ll add to story.
Thank you yet again Jay. Your incredible work brings so much pleasure. I regularly share links to your page on our Australia facebook group: Bruce Springsteen – Australia where a lot of us hard-core Australian Springsteen fans gather, and always credit you as the fantastic author. You’re always a source a magnificent information. These songs are simply exquisite and even include one of our own from Australia, the fabulous Amy Shark. Very much appreciated for all the work you do. It’s a daily pleasure to check out your page. Graham (from Australia)
Long Live King Crimson!! Vinyl Court of the Crimson King and In the wake of Poseidon
It’s worth noting that Jackson Browne’s Touring Band has added Asbury Park Alumnus and Keyboardist Jason Crosby to ist’s ensemble. Jason, originally from Long Island, spent many years as an Asbury Park, NJ resident and musician. His band affiliations have included the seminal NJ Jamband Solar Circus, and he has gone on to play Keyboards and Violin with The Zen Tricksters, Phil Lesh & Friends, John McGlaughlin’s Mahavishnu Project, and more!
Can I be reimbursed for my tickets to the Rod Stewart concert that has been rescheduled for September 2022?
I’m not sure but there is more information here: https://www.livenationentertainment.com/ticketrefund/
Good luck! No you won’t. Unless it is cancelled you have no recourse or you sell them yourself. I have tickets for Toronto show and the country isn’t even open. I still can’t get my money back. That’s why they just keep postponing. He doesn’t want to give back the advance they gave him!
I grew up there marching from our elementary schools. Every family in the towns had a Golden Ticket. Miss our Park! What a way to grow up in safety. The free shows, competitions, dancing, singing stars, the circus, the pin ball and bowling machines, the food- especially the fries and cotton candy, the carousel and all the rides from kiddie to the cyclone. Don’t think there will ever be anything like The Park again. Thank you owners and Cousin Brucie, Cousin Brucie, Cousin Brucie. Nanc
Hello Cousin Brucie and Tony Orlando! So great that you are in tribute wirh the nostalgic and most amazing amusement park of the day-PALISADES AMUSEMENT PARK! Have you considered aniother act who had graced the PAP stage in the 60’s with their big hit, YOU BELONG TO ME, by, and I know who you know who they are-THE DUPREES who were all brought up in Jersey, (Jersey City to be exact)? I was only six years old, but I will always remember how Mom, Dad and I were so proud to see their son and my brother, John Salvato, (who is the survivng,original member and originator of the Duprees), sing on that famous PAP stage-still can feel that surge of excitement and honor as if it were yesterday. Thank you for making yesterday today, dear Cuz and Tony. May you have the best swingin’ swarey yet!
Fantastic…things I never knew…Seamlessly written …beautiful!!
Thank you, Steve. You’re such an inspiration.
I loveGeorge Usher and his music! I would’ve
I’ve been a fan of Suzanne’s art for so many years, and read so many interviews she gave over the years, but this one really stands out. I’ve never had the chance to hear or read Suzanne address her childhood abuse so specifically, so thank you! This means a lot to me :-)
Good Afternoon.
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Cape May, My Love is a collection of love poetry about a man and a woman exploring Cape May as they fall in love. A Christmas Kiss in Cape May is a wholesome Holiday romance set in Cape May.
Cape May, My Love and A Christmas Kiss in Cape May by Terry Harris are offered on Amazon Kindle and have 5 star reviews.
Thanks for the consideration. I thought your fine organization might be interested in learning about my truly unique books.
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MA, BA, BS in Education
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taught Theatre and Integrative Arts at
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Why did PNC wait until the last minute to cancel the show? I had already traveled earlier in the day. It should have been cancelled earlier in the day. This is unacceptable.
Considering we all knew this was coming, why would you even make the trip. Shame on you, not them.
what an idiot this guy is
You’re the idiot
Suicidal idiocy.
What a well written and heart touching piece about Charlie and the love his mates Bernard and Tim have for him. Of the many articles I have read since the Wembley Whammer passed, this is my favourite. Beautiful, thank you Cindy!
Thank you for your kind words.
I wonder how big his back yard is? Because he’s not performing in my back yard, and I’m sure that I’m not attending any backyard performance anywhere else. Mostly because, there is no vaccine for the stupidity virus. While I’m certain I won’t catch the stupidity virus, I still don’t want to be around anyone who has it, and I’m certainly not giving them my money.
Hey Steve– If you’re vaccinated, what the hell do you have to worry about? YOU’RE PROTECTED! Right? The vaccine either works or it doesn’t. In either case, there’s no need to prove your status to anyone.
Dirtbag
Certainly an Idiot. But hey it, it’s America and he’s allowed his idiotic view points. Apparently the crazy right says it’s their right to kill themselves, but not their fetal heartbeat.
Lmao he’s an idiot because he’s not forcing people to prove status of an experimental drug that has no long term studies done? Our right to kill ourselves? You mean from a virus with a 99.8% survival rate? What a crime a against humanity, NOT killing a baby. And NOT being a paranoid freak over a flu. Someone call the authorities!
Everybody has the right to do what is best for themselves you dont have to attend and or be involved if you don’t want to so save the snowflake comments and views for people that want to hear them its all freedoms we ALL enjoy vaccinated or not
It’s called behaving in the common good. You’re not a snowflake, simply a flake.
Laughable. If your vaccine works, why do you give a rat’s a$$ whether anyone else takes the experimental gene therapy?
Such brainwashed ridiculousness.
“For the greater good”
Where have I heard that before?
Proud of you Jim! I’m happy to attend one of your shows elsewhere!!
Absolutely! What a hero!!
Losers
Wow man way to hit us right in he feels. Please, no more projections
Hey Jim thanks so much for cancelling shows in places that required covid test or vax. Have friend with kidney transplant who was thrilled to get to see you in a safe environment. We’ve both been lifetime fans. Nobody was forced to get vaxed, coulda been tested too. You suck.
And you blow.
Youtube on his computer is a safe environment.
There are many more of us who know better. There is no one that could discount what you stated, but it’s not relevant. You are looking for attention
JB has lost his ever loving mind.
His video spent a good amount of time saying to be respectful of other people’s opinions/decisions and then this article does the opposite in the last paragraph by labeling his opinions “non-sensical rantings.”
You try to undermine his position by doing exactly what he is talking about thus proving his point haha.
Calling his rantings “non-sensical” was being respectful. It’s a factual and accurate description. It just means “makes no sense.” They could have alled him a dope, a moron, an idiot, an ignoramus. Those might be considered disrespectful. He is, in fact, non-sensical.
He’s not nonsensical you just can’t comprehend that you’re being enslaved.
Calling his rantings “non-sensical” was being respectful. It’s a factual and accurate description. It just means “makes no sense.” They could have called him a dope, a moron, an idiot, an ignoramus. Those might be considered disrespectful. He is, in fact, non-sensical.
I agree. When I graduated from school with a journalism degree, the press printed only the facts (outside the editorial pages). Now every mainstream news outlet has become a propaganda mouthpiece. This writer is a tool.
It’s so true. Totally being manipulated to think segregation is ok.
It’s insulting. There was a time when they would just give you the information people could form their own opinion. Now every writer tells you what to think.
Totally agree. How about just reporting the facts of the story, not throwing in the reporter’s opinion. Does this publication have any editors?
I do give the author, Jay Lustig, credit for posting everyones comments. There is tons of censorship on most sites. Or they do not have a comments section at all. And it seems like he is allowing for an open discussion and that is truly appreciated.
I’ve heard him on podcasts act like the religious angle is from his family. Like they’re the crazy ones.
Let’s just hope he has a show and he gets it. Then gives it to other non vaxxers
You sound like a very compassionate human being. Of course I’m just kidding. I get it, I’m not very compassionate toward idiots either. With that being said, now that you have pathogenic primed yourself , Maybe we will get just as lucky on people like you will drop off the planet.
Holy fuck you are a complete moron
Um, pathogenic priming happens when someone is vaxxed for a disease after contracting that disease. Try doing some actual research before you spew nonsense.
I’ve always like Brewer and his comedy. Now I respect him for his conviction and his character. We are ruled by fear in this country. And when that doesn’t work they’ll start pointing the guns.
“Ruled by fear.” What a silly statement. Are you ruled by fear if you stop at a stop sign or a traffic light? If you wear a seat belt? If you wash feces off your hands before eating? If you don’t lick a toilet bowl seat in a restaurant? Or, are you being sensible and safe? What a silly statement.
I’m afraid your opinion is awful.
The situation is ridiculous and dangerous. The so-called science is being manipulated in astounding ways. I never heard of science where hundreds of doctors and scientists were censored for raising concerns or questions. Meanwhile, Janet Woodcock who helped kill hundreds of young people during the opioid crisis as a “consumer watchdog” has been promoted to supervise the FDA. Anyone who isn’t asking questions about what is going on is either absurdly naive or stupid.
Although the entertainment field was taken over by the morally bankrupt long ago, there are many, many others who still remain true to our principles.
This can be said of both the patrons and the artists themselves.
News flash: those of us who practice natural medicine and trust our bodies over man-made “cure-alls” also enjoy the arts! We’ve always walked among you, the “vaxxed”, and yet it didn’t matter until the people WE put in power (govt officials, CEOS, etc…) decided to make this a dividing issue.
I cannot understand why fear has taken such a tight grip over such a huge percentage of this country. Fear from a virus with a <1% mortality rate. Are we this concerned about our fellow man when they shove McDonald's cheeseburgers in their mouth? Maybe we should ban motorcycles and ferris wheels because those "daredevils" sure live "risky" lives and may die. We could go on and on. Where do we draw the line on protecting ourselves and others from every possible risk factor in life? Because there are many.
If we consider ourselves a tolerant melting pot, we need to stop fearing our fellow man and understand what it means to be human. There are no guarantees in this world. You are hanging on to false hope if you believe a man-made shot, or any other medical device will make you invincible. It doesn't, and to divide a country based on that premise is beyond dangerous. It is inhumane.
You “walk among the vaxxed” because “the vaxxed” did their part and made the world safe for you to be dopey and stay unvaxxed. If no one got vaxxed, tens of millions more would die. You can be unvaxxed because the vaxxed have made it safe for you. No one sad the vax makes you “invincible.” Seat belts don’t make you invincible, but they improve your safety odds. So do stop signs, speed limits, traffic lights and — yes — vaccines. You are rather cavalier with your ignorance. Learn the data.
You are an idito, DIT! It is simple ignorance to be vaccinated and be afraid of the unvaccinated. The vaccines are causing the virus to mutate. It is the unvaccinated that trust in their immune system to tackle this virus without a vaccination because they know this virus is just 1, yes, just ONE of 40,000 subclades of the corona strain. You are ignorant. I am sick of the stupidity. This virus was created in the lab, as bio-warfare, why would someone want to inject themselves with a vaccintion that used a piece of this bio-weapon? The death rate is slightly higher than Influenza. You need to get your head out of your ass and stop being brain washed by media.
Well said, Carrie. Most people don’t know the first thing about how this vaccine actually works, or have bothered to look at the skyrocketing VAERS reports, or understand how homogenizing the immune response with a non-sterilizing vaccination is making the virus mutate even faster–and turning the vaxxed into asymptomatic super-spreaders. It’s very easy to tell in this comment section who watches a ton of TV and who doesn’t.
Good for him stop giving the government so much power over our lives and the decisions we make. Thank you Jim!!
The Wellmont is not an arm of the government. As for me, let a business do what they want and let a comedian do what he wants.
Great job Jim! Keep it up
Thank you, Jay, for your poignant comments and insights. As always.
This is a really great piece. Thank you sincerely from a longtime Stones fan. We are crushed by the loss of Charlie but will carry on with the band, as was Charlie’s wish. I am going to the Stones concert on Nov. 15th in Detroit, and it will be sad but also uplifting, I’m sure. Steve Jordan will surely do Charlie proud. ❤️
Wonder how many people this idiot and the idiots who support him have killed by spreading lies, misinformation, and the virus. Shame on all of you.
Love it…keep drinking the Kool Aid you bunch of sheep!
I’d rather be a live sheep than a dead “ass.”
Thank you, Jim! I hope this sets a precedent! God bless you!
Too bad most entertainers care more about a buck than doing the right thing. Going to spend money with all who do and boycott discriminating venues and entertainers.
Thank you for standing up to tyranny, Jim. If only the rest of the country would wake up. Hope to catch one of your shows soon!
Thank you, Jim!! No one should support segregation or tyranny. Great job standing up for what is right. You DO NOT sound crazy. What IS crazy: mandating a vaccine that has killed people including teens, caused thousands of injuries including heart attacks, blood clots, seizures, neurological damage, blindness, deafness, skin falling off, removal of limbs due to clotting, paralysis, miscarriages, bells palsy, etc., etc. This is all been reported to VAERS (The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) and go to Bitchute or other platforms that will show victims actual testimony, not Facebook or Youtube that will shamefully remove people’s own videos of debilitating vaccine reactions. God bless you, Jim!
Thank you Jim, you have been speaking up and it’s so rare and refreshing. I’m an even bigger fan now.
Died in the wool anti-vaxxer here – 65 y/o and ZERO health problems or meds. My kids never got vaxxed after my 2-1/2 y/o daughter was injured by the MMR and they are also uber-healthy in their 20s. Big Pharma and the government have been lying to the public for more than 30 years: NO vaccines on the ever-growing childhood vax schedule have been properly safety-tested, leading to countless deaths, injuries and chronic illnesses. As for the carnage from the experimental gene therapy injections: the tally is 650,000 injuries and 14,000 deaths — more than has been reported for ALL vaccines since they have been tracked in the late 1980s. (See https://www.openvaers.com/covid-data)
Wish I had a back yard to offer up, Jim. But I will go anywhere, anytime to see you perform. More celebs need to take a stand on this issue. You are my hero!
Jim
While I respect your stand, you did not provide for the refund of tickets already purchased. Ticketmaster as of 9/10/21 states there are no provisions for refunds. So I’m out right now $244.50 for 2 tkts for the Montclair show. Now I’m disputing the charge via my credit card. You didn’t really think this through. We are really disappointed in you.
Take it up with the venue. They are the ones changing the arrangement after the fact. They are also attempting to shift the blame and you are falling for it.
Jim wake up you wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for vaccines… because Tucker says it’s worse than slavery should tell you the hyperbolic right is playing politics with millions of lives. You probably don’t believe Biden won the election either…RW saps.
A great tribute to Charlie Watts from fellow musicians who knew him well.
New Jersey is really a leftist state. People here love high taxes. And socialism. Everyone I talk to is pro socialism. What I don’t understand is how the people got that way. Have they been teaching this in the schools from childhood? I retired from the federal gov. The majority were pro union and extremely left wing. The 1/3 that moved here from out of state that I worked with called New Jersey. “New Germany”. And this was 20 years ago!! My political background. After graduating college in New Jersey I was a pro communist……go figure. Now I’m pro religion and a tea party advocate. I saw the failure and damaging effects of a totalitarian form of government around the world. We in America are swiftly heading that way. I think the main reason myself included is because we believe the main stream media and don’t have the time or interest to do our own research. The corrupt globalists know this and are taking advantage.
1998 is devastated by this news…
In other news, the blood bank is segregating people with Hepatitis by not letting them donate blood. I will not be party to segregation!
Yankee Stadium will not let naked people attend baseball games. Segregation!
🐑
I was at that show. 17 years old and 1984. RUN DMC were electric.
Agree that there were some surprised folks in the crowd, but those were the one’s not paying attention. Me and my friends knew about their album and were really excited to see them. The older folks in the corwd….Lou purists…. not so much.
But these three guys did not give a crap. Their music was solid hip-hop, but their attitude was very much Rock and Roll. They kicked ass and I still tell people about the show today. Oh… Lou was awesome too :)
The BONGOS reunion at the beautiful Van Vleck Gardens in Montclair was an extraordinary night of music for everyone fortunate enough to have been there . Listening to the soundcheck as we waited for entry only heightened the excitement . Sold-Out crowd of long-time fans watched the 90-minute performance with cheers , thunderous applause , and plenty of dancing . BONGOS were on fire and never missed a beat . Extraordinary outdoor venue , incredible performances throughout , and an unforgettable night of solid rockin’ entertainment . WOW!! What a party in Montclair!!
Went to the 2nd to last performance of Bruce on Broadway 2021! My son was able to attend his other performance in 2018 and was able to get his autograph! 😊 This time, it was a family affair, mother father daughter son! I was in totally awe! I have been to quite a few of his concerts thanks to my son Kevin Curley! I have watched the Bruce Springsteen on Broadway on Netflix soon after it came out! I have watched it four times already! So this time, Bruce on Broadway I was ready for it, thanks to my son and daughter as a gift!! Bruce never disappoints!… I do feel he talked a lot about death, actually think that’s what this show was all about! Reminiscing and passing of others that were very near and dear to him! What really choked me more this time around was (2021 version) Bruce on Broadway was “The Wish”….One of my favorite songs of his… my son sent me that song when it first came out and my heart was full!…We all get there in life as we get older, where, we reminisce of of all our loved ones! Bruce tells it like it is and that’s why I love him! My son absolutely cannot get enough of Bruce (he’s 33) Bruce is his number one fan.. we usually celebrate Christmas at our house and somehow it always ends up playing BRUCE songs….We love you Bruce!! The Curley’s!!
I got the book today and haven’t begun reading it yet. On the front and back inside covers is a list of songs that I’m assuming is an old garage band days setlist. Stevie’s handwriting (like mine) isn’t the best and the writing with a magic marker makes some of the titles difficult to read. Any idea of the full list? Or is that an upcoming article?
Not sure. I have an advance copy of book, which doesn’t have this art. Not sure if you can attach photo here but you could try to do that or email to me at njartsdaily@gmail.com
I don’t see a function to attach pictures here. Email on the way shortly.
I thought the teenage girl with Tony at the phone booth was young Carmella???🤔
At least that’s the name I heard him refer to her as.
Yes, you’re correct. I watched tonight (Oct. 1) and noticed same thing. Will correct story. – Jay Lustig
Love this! THANK YOU!
Money is the root of all evil, but the greed going on in todays society is the EVIL. I pray for the truth to come out. But, even then, people will not believe it. It’s easier to believe the lies and live in denial. The lies are so deep, I highly doubt most could handle the truth.
Stay true to your morals!
amazing, amazing. amazing. I loved this…when day comes, sweet honey in the rock. All I can say, is, I want to see it again, and again and again. A must see. Absolutely poetically, lyrically gifted chorepoem. It should run more often and I hope it goes to Broadway
I thought that any male Everly student connected to Nashville was connected to Don .
Wonderful tribute. My wife and I saw Nanci at TX Student Union way back in about “84 and enjoyed her work every since. What a treat to hear her songs again from both of you.
I love Postmodern Jukebox so much! I liked it when they worked with Haley Reinhart. I love her too.
To add to McCall’s ambivalence about street art, unless there are provisions for restoration or replacement, street murals will fad, peel and attract graffiti, and in a few years they will look worse than the walls did originally.
Unlike the author, I had the privilege of seeing Bruce and the ESB in a small venue in 1978 and again in 1980. And also later, as he moved into larger arena. Those earlier shows were performed by a juggernaut artist and a band that was in total synch, providing a thrillingly structured set of concerts that were enthralling and performed with an energy and excitement that were incredible.
Springsteen remains a great artist, but much was lost as he moved into larger venues, stadiums, huge makeshift fields (e.g. Circus Maxima in Rome) to reach more fans. I am very glad that I saw him in more intimate settings, and when his shows were and exhausting performance from him, and an incredible experience for the fortunate fans who saw him “when.” I’ve already done an Advance Order for the DVD of the No Nukes concert via Amazon, and can’t wait to giving it a look-see.
The first word of the song is the key: Remember.
The song is the stream-of-conscience thoughts of a soldier, his love, and maybe
his brother in arms.
Flashing scenes of memories from before, during, and after the violence of war.
It’s an evil game, a devils’ arcade, played by those in power, playing with the lives of people they’ll never know, and who they don’t care about!
Bruce wonderfully evokes a dreamy, spooky, aura of love and horror.
One of His many songs with multiple or ambiguous interpretations.
One of His best, least known, songs.
I believe that John may have been thinking about his Mother Julia who was tragically killed when he was young, when he says “In my life I love(d) you more.” Carefully read the lyrics to his song “Julia” and see if this makes sense to you. That loss haunted him his entire life.
I love Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center! They have professional plays that are both multicultural and meaningful for today’s audience. Thank you for featuring them!
I prefer the podcasts with video so I can see Boccettis fat head. I hope you bring the video back and have guests in the “studio”, not on the phone. I figured the lack of video on the current podcast, was due to, Artie finally getting his nose fixed, and not wanting film of his bandaged up face??? Either way I’ll listen to anything Artie has to say, but I think we would ALL prefer video as well. Just sayin!
Please send me information about when rod Stewart will be in Chicago Illinois
Here you go: https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/1236572/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fconcerts.livenation.com%2Frod-stewart-with-special-guest-cheap-tinley-park-illinois-07-16-2022%2Fevent%2F040057791FB27245%3F_ga%3D2.149645494.1261385020.1638118251-529586037.1638118251
I was diagnosed with bulbar ALS in the summer of 2019; My initial symptoms were quite noticeable. I first experienced weakness in my right arm and my speech and swallowing abilities were profoundly affected. The Rilutek (riluzole) did very little to help me. The medical team at the ALS clinic did even less. My decline was rapid and devastating.if it were not for the sensitive care and attention of my primary physician I would have been deceased,There has been little if any progress in finding a cure or reliable treatment. Acupuncture eased my anxiety a bit. Our primary physician recommended me to kycuyu health clinic and their amazing ALS treatment. My symptoms including muscle weakness, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing disappeared after 4 months treatment! The herbal treatment is a sensation.
Cindy Bullens – If I Should Fall Behind – on Light of Day tribute album to Bruce: https://youtu.be/5K4hY_XZE3Y
Thanks. I think I looked for that one for an earlier edition but no video was available. Now that video is available maybe I can include if I do another edition.
Our primary physician recommended me to kycuyu health clinic and their amazing ALS treatment. My symptoms including muscle weakness, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing disappeared after 4 months treatment! The herbal treatment is a sensation.
YAWN!
Thank God for people like Jim Breuer. And I’m so glad he mentioned that he doesn’t care if you’re vaccinated. Meaning, he acknowledges it’s a personal choice and the vaccinated or whatever side people are on, so so hateful. I’ve seen them comment that unvaccinated should be shot…just disgusting and vile things. I pray for all of you. No matter your position. Put some love in your heart. It always wins, and the truth will prevail.
Don’t forget the allusion to Rosalita in Hard Core Troubadour!
Too many years ago I saw Steve Earle and Garry and Max were playing with the band at the Chestnut Cabaret. It was pretty great.
Thanks for this, NJArts. Ms. Chen deserves a serious artistic profile and Robert Johnson is the right man for the job. A sad loss for dance and cross-cultural arts.
Thanks, Michael.
““Dance of the Heavenly Flower Maiden” (1991). In this reinterpretation of a classic opera number, Chen portrayed a flying apsara come to scatter flowers over the earth to rid it of plague. ”
Wishing she could do that now.
Tedious.
Errrrr’body fuckin’ errrrrrr’body.
Does anyone know who did the Band arrangemnts for this album?
Man! Just checked out the D.M.C. interview, it was bangin. Run-D.M.C. for me was GOD sent. Before the kings, I only had my big sister to look up too and even though I love her, as I moved to be a teenager she just became a girl to me. So in year 1986 at 14 years old we lost our house and my sister and mother went to live with grandma and me and my little brother went to live with my auntee. She had a friend that had a son my age and they had a relationship that I never thought a son and mother could have. He said, mom come listen to this new record. She came running down the stairs like his friend and they started listening to MC Shan and Marly’s, The Bridge.
I had never heard rap music in my life and it did something to me. Something like dragged me inward, and for the first time in my 14 years of walking the Earth, I felt like I belonged to something or was reconnected with something. So up to this point, I was a pencil artist from 8 years old to 14 years old. So at 14 years old I heard Here we go, Run-D.M.C. live at the fun house. It was my language, my vibe and my calling. I learned every lyric and studied the flow, breathing, and rhyming technique. Then I put down the pencil and picked up the pen and started writing my own rhymes.
Now mind you, I had not seen Run-D.M.C. yet, till I came across King of Rock, and Run-D.M.C. were my Gods. Now I didn’t have a constantly present father. I had a stressed out mother and a big sister for my role model and she was a very good one for a little boy but, GOD the Father knew what I needed and He sent me Run-D.M.C. and Jam Master Jay. When I saw them, I saw me in a positive way, a strong way, a kingly way. So in that same year, 1986, my mother and father dropped me off at Joe Louis Arena downtown Detroit and I attended the Raising Hell concert.
Now, all the acts came on but I hardly knew or liked them. I knew Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince but didn’t care for them even though they were okay in concert. I had just heard of E.P.M.D. and they were dope on record but sucked in concert. Public Enemy I had just heard from the booming cars up and down the street but, never listened to one of there songs, so they were kinda strange. Then the lights went out and they announced Run-D.M.C. and we lost our ever loving minds. The crowd did a shift trying to get closer to the stage and when it moved like a wave in the ocean, I went from like four roles of people from the stage to like two roles from the stage.
They came out and they looked like Gods! Heavenly clean. I mean from their black cat silky shine hats to their fresh to def straight out the box Adidas. I mean skin was glowing and gold ropes were shooting of lasers. Their stage presence was Godly, their lyrics were Godly and when D.M.C. said, ” I cut the head off the devil and I throw it at you.” He threw his towel out into the audience and the fire jumped up out of the stage; we lost our ever loving minds. One point, me and Run locked eyes and I broke down and shed a tear. Look here, you know how the people faint and cry over Michael Jackson? I was there. No. Some guys may say that’s gay but, when you are in the presence of your God and your God looks at you like, I see you my son; you feel like Daniel and John in Revelation in the Bible.
I saw Run-D.M.C. again in the nineties at Harpo’s in Detroit and they brought the heat. Then I saw them again at Chene Park on the Detroit River front for the last time in 2018 and me and my little brother lost our ever loving minds. Run was in, I am ascending back to my throne to sit with the Rock Gods forever mode. I couldn’t speak after that concert.
My husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease at 67. His symptoms were shuffling of feet, slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of handwriting, horrible driving skills, and his right arm is held at 45 degree angle. He was placed on Sinemet for 7 months and then Sifrol and rotigotine were introduced which replaced the Sinemet but he had to stop due to side effects. We tried every shot available but nothing was working. There has been little if any progress in finding a reliable treatment, I quit my meds due to side effects. Our care provider introduced us to Kycuyu Health Clinic Parkinson’s herbal treatment. The treatment is a miracle. My husband has recovered significantly
Thank you so much for posting this
CELEBRATING 47 YEARS !
#LifersGroupOfficial follow us
The Dead played one week I believe in August the academy of music 1973 NY
My husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease at 67. His symptoms were shuffling of feet, slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of handwriting, horrible driving skills, and his right arm is held at 45 degree angle. He was placed on Sinemet for 7 months and then Sifrol and rotigotine were introduced which replaced the Sinemet but he had to stop due to side effects. We tried every shot available but nothing was working. There has been little if any progress in finding a reliable treatment, I quit my meds due to side effects. Our care provider introduced us to Kycuyu Health Clinic Parkinson’s herbal treatment. The treatment is a miracle. My husband has recovered significantly!
Cinderella is Alyssa Tanti. Her name is misspelled in the article. Such a Wonderful article.
Thanks, I will correct.
“But he insists that a few words don’t define a person, and denies that Baraka was anti-Semitic.” Whether or not one agrees with that, I wonder — Do progressives grant the same indulgence to folks who have been caught making one racist statement in their lives, or engaging in one or just a few inappropriate acts of cultural misappropriation in their lives? It seems to me that the “leniency” in dismissing racist or other objectionable conduct is usually based on who the victim or the target is, and if the victim or target is Jewish or Israeli, the offense is often disregarded by progressives. But if the offended group is one of the groups preferred by progressives, the offense is unforgivable. And I say this as a bleeding-heart liberal.
Do you know whether this film is simply the rooftop portion of “Get Back”, perhaps with some of the surrounding materials from Get Back?
Or is it a different film with some different video of the concert, street reaction, police, etc.? Shouldn’t there be a lot of such different material that fans would like to see?
I believe it’s just the rooftop segment from larger documentary. But yes, there is much footage that has not been released yet. I assume it will all eventually come out in some form.
mike. you have great taste in song selection and cover them just as powerfully
as the originals…are you any relationship to Frank Chairman of the Board?
STILL HAVE MY CRAIG BARRY DRUM STICKS WHEN THEY APPEARED AT THE MEADOWLANDS RACE TRACK IN N.J.1980’s
Being vaccinated or not is turning into one of those topics you can’t talk about in front of certain family members, friends or other people (for example, religion, politics or sexual orientation just to name a few). You know someone’s gonna get pissed off if they don’t agree with you or your beliefs, and that’s just life, right? What I don’t understand is why there are so many angry people resorting to violence and hate, a lot of times against innocent people. If that’s just part of our daily lives then I sure as hell don’t want to see what’s gonna happen tomorrow.
I once wrote a song with Janis Ian! It was called “They Said It Wouldn’t Last (and they were right)”!!!
I’d love to hear you perform the song, Mary Lee!
It’s very inspiring to hear Janis Ian still writing relevant music…Her remarkable voice has barely aged….She says this is her final album but how does someone of her caliber stop creating?? She generously contributed a track to the upcoming Eric Andersen tribute/compilation album that I am working on. It will be out late springtime. It’s a collection of Eric’s songs performed by many of Eric’s musician friends.
Thanks Cindy for another great interview!
Thank you for your kind words and interesting comments
Jay, I agree with you 100% and that makes the song consistent with the theme of “I’ll Cry Instead,” “Not A Second Time,” “Tell Me Why,” and of course, “Julia.” I have thought this but been to afraid to say it. Right, right, 100% right.
Although it was their 1st show with Moe and their 1st paying gig they had already played a few free shows in NYC with Angus MacLise on percussion.
The genius of donald and walter will forever be with me…maybe im still trying to understand the lyrics…..ill just drink my black cow and get outa here
It would be really nice to know why this album is not available on streaming services – and it would be even better if it was available!
It’s on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/especially-for-you/724080417
You hit all the points that have run through my mind since the show ended. I’m curious how this will be processed – or ignored – in the weeks to come.
Another well written piece, Stephen. I hate to sound like the old guy in the crowd, but has it really come to this? Yes, Rock may have been insensitive to Pinkett, Smith should have had thicker skin, but no matter what, once he resorted to violence he should have been asked to leave. He made his choice to strike Rock, live with the consequences.
Saw them regularly at Royal Manor North Brunswick late 70s/early 80s and enjoyed a reunion show a couple years back at Stanhope House.
I can only hope that Mr. Willis might see this comment when I say all this, and if he does, I hope he can understand that I mean no offense whatsoever.
Mr. Willis, you weren’t my absolutely favorite actor, but I’ve always admired you as a man, a human. The only reason I wasn’t a huge fan was because I’m not interested in some of the roles you were in. That’s not to say you did poorly, because quite the opposite is true. I could always tell, and I always heard stories, about how much you were devoted to the arts and your craft, and I admire that. I also respected how you would talk in interviews you would give. I always felt as if you were a really good man, always doing what you could to make it in this world — and in my humble opinion, you did make it. Not because you were a celebrity, but I could feel a kind of genuine integrity coming from you, an integrity that is unfortunately hard to explain, but should be noted that our culture seems to be losing with each passing day. You never lost sight of who you were, and even though I imagine we’d have differences of opinion, you appeared to have stuck to your morals and ethics. I applaud that, Mr. Willis. It shows more courage than any of your “bad boy” type of roles ever had, and that’s a truly special thing.
Also, Mr. Willis, if you do happen to come across my comment, I’m deeply sorry you’re going through your current medical journey. I’m sure it won’t be easy at all for you, especially if things seem to get more and more difficult. Please don’t lose hope, though. It may be hard to understand right now, but our Lord has a plan for each and every one of us. Please don’t forget this. I’m not saying He gave you this issue, but I do know He’ll help you through it if you can just keep your eyes toward Him and trust Him completely. As you do, stay close to loved ones, too. They’ll always love you for who you are, as well, and nothing will ever change that. Love can, and does, conquer all.
Lastly, you will always be remembered as amazing, even though you may not be able to act. Many fans will love you for the roles I’m not a fan of, some may love you for one of your more “random” roles, and I’ll always appreciate what you did in The Sixth Sense. :) That movie was amazing for me, and I will always appreciate some of the lines you gave, as they caused me to think about stuff in a whole new light. :)
God bless you, Mr. Willis, and for myself and numerous others, please let me say: Thank you for being you, and for bringing so many good things to this table we can call life. :)
When will you lift the mandatory vaccine mandate to attend a show? This is discrimination at its finest and needs to be stopped. Many venues across NJ have ended this discrimination and so should the Papermill Playhouse.
This isn’t the right place to ask this question. I suggest emailing info@papermill.org or boxoffice@papremill.org. But as someone who attends shows at Paper Mill, I can tell you that I, for one, am glad they create a safe environment by checking vaccine cards. – Jay Lustig
Excellent reviews by Stephen Whitt! He is the
Best!
I agree 100% with your feelings. Great article!
Great piece Stepen. I’ve seen this first-hand. I teach a course at a university in the Media and Communications Department. I asked a question the other day and none of me MC majors had ever heard of “Citizen Kane.” It would be difficult to imagine junior and senior English majors unfamiliar with Shakespear or Dickens. But today, who knows?
Another smart commentary from my fellow Jerseyan Stephen Witty, whose writing I’ve been following for years.
I’ve seen this too in literature. In my MFA program, one writer proudly said he didn’t read anything before Kerouac. I asked him “What did Kerouac read?”
I learned a great deal about movies, life, and writing growing up in Manhattan in the 50s and 60s when many local stations played films from the 30s and 40s. They still resonate for me, and is there a funnier comedy than Midnight with Don Ameche and Claudette Colbert?
You seem to overlook the (1) element of ideology and (2) tropes used by movies which came from 19th century literature and were discarded by 20 th century literature. It would seem that “old” cinema is the semi-literate wo/man’s artistic medium, which is thus shunned by the intellectuals of the 20th/21st centuries.
Maybe the tropes are shunned, but they are quoted again and again in modern films, which is one of the points the article makes. Many younger film makers and indeed intellectuals of film (appear to) think that everything started in the 60s or 70s (if you’re lucky, but mainly 80s and 90s) and are unaware that the cornerstones of their experience where themselves a reaction to what came closer.
It’s really difficult and occasionally painful discussing films with people who have no idea of the influence of films like High Noon, Gone with the Wind, the films of Ford, Cukor or Wilder (just to be REALLY populist) or the fact that most of what the world (and Amercians in particular) think about the “Wild West” is a fruit of movies from the 40s and 50s. How can one be an honest intellectual while being unaware of these things?
Yes, much of the output of Hollywood’s heyday is forgettable and the product of a factory system, and “the semi-literate person’s merdium” but no less so than American TV of the 60s or 70s. And the easy option of dragging out the same tropes over and again continues now in both the cinema and on TV, perhaps even worse than ever. But you can’t disimiss all the diamonds in the rough just because there was/is so much crap that has not/will not stand the test of time. And many classics which have stood the test of time are incrreasingly forgotten, which is entirtely the thesis of the article.
That was a far more intelligent and insightful response than his comment deserved.
Sadly, I used to feel the same before I turned 20 and took a History Of Cinema class in college as part of my education as a filmmaker.
Thank heaven for that course.
Now I can’t imagine my DVD collection without the works of Buster Keaton, Frank Capra, Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, Wyler, Wilder, and Hawks.
At around, maybe, 7 years old, I already loved watching movies. I surfed both of our available channels to catch old movies. Black and white? No problem. Television was black and white also. This was a gift, I think. Not knowing anything different and so without an opinion about black and white movies, I never judged their content, either. But I certainly hungered for them. I was entertained by them. I learned from them. They all absorbed me.
Really excellent article – and one that I totally agree with.
Even here (in the UK) the BBC showed (in a school holiday week) daily Tarzan films. I discovered Johnny Weissmuller, and those movies got to be a ‘must see’. Now, the same channel serves up gardening, antiques and lifestyle shows – and those are all repeats. It’s left to a new channel- Talking Pictures TV – to show classic movies…which it duly does. But, at the end of the day, not at least offering some of these black and white films leaves us all the poorer.
I work in the film industry and no longer reference movies pre-1990s in meetings because I know none of the junior executives have seen them.
CASABLANCA was made in 1942, after Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entry into World War II.
Based on an unproduced play written in 1940. The movie is set in December 1941, and it’s mentioned in the film that Rick’s attracts refugees who are trying to get to neutral America.
“Old movies” begin with Edison. I taught The History of Silent Film (Yawn,for most people), and showed my students how much of “modern” film making came from those cutting edge, experimental artists. We watched The Great Train Robbery three times in a row, and they jotted down notes after each viewing, noting the new things they saw–moving camera, editing, color,etc. We watched scenes from The Godfather ,The Matrix, Black Panther and they were amazed . Ignoring the history of film is like ignoring the history of the world.
Love early cinema. I started out when I was about ten buying 8mm films from local department stores. By fifteen, I was purchasing from Blackhawk Films, and collected Edison, MelIs, Griffith, Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy, etc. Moved up to sound films when I got my first job, then U-matic, VHS and so on. After sixty years of collecting, my library probobly rivals that of TCM. I’m trying to instill the love of “old” film to my grandchildren; they’re almost at the age I was when I started appreciating and loving these wonderful early films. I’m pushing 69 years, but I would have loved to have been able to take your course at any age. Thank you so much for your response to Mr. Whitty’s article. Y’all brought back many wonderful memories.
Dimucci holds the title most famous oldies singer….n most famous oldies dope addict dead beat dad…DION DA FAMOUS LMFAO. NOT IN THE EYES OF HIS BIOLOGICAL SON .sincerely DION FRANCIS AMBROGIO AKA DION II…dob 1956…before the fat heads fame.
Respondents to a web survey do not represent the general public, not even their age cohort broadly so I’m not sure this is such a problem. As you say, access was never better. At 15 I started reading Sarris in the Voice and, little by little, learned the canon. That’s what a critic should do – inform, educate, seduce, indoctrinate into the cinephile club. Leave the kvetching to the rest of us.
Part of me suspects The Machine for creating this cinematic void, thus leaving them free to eventually repackage the ideas of the past, and present them as their own.
I agree with this essay but for one point. At the very end, you seem to imply our schools should teach classic cinema.
I think the current school curriculum is so crowded there will never be room to add something as vitally important as classic cinema.
I enjoyed hearing this jam session– and “just a little talk with jesus” brought tears to my eyes!!! You see…today’s mother’s day…my mother is with our Lord…but she adored Jerry Lee and Elvis and hearing these voices made me remember my sweet mother.. it’s an honor to have seen and heard this today…
Hi As I was reading I read about Arturo Sandoval
All about we know he’s 10 times Grammy Winner instead of the 5 times the article said
The trumpet player has another relevant recognitions that are not mentioned.
Thanks in advance
Ms
According to the Grammys official count — https://www.recordingacademy.com/grammys/artists/arturo-sandoval/13839 — he has only won four, though he has been nominated 10 times.
I realize there is much more to say about him but this was not intended to be an in-depth article on him, but an overview of things going on, around the state.
Very proud of the work being done for arts education Mrs. Bell would be proud!
Would love to see Joe Piscapo in concert this summer!
Well let’s talk about silent films … a medium that’s been dead for more than 90 years and still going strong. Turner Classic Movies still showcases silent films on a regular basis. Film festivals still screen silent films with live musical accompaniment. New silent film restorations are constantly being produced via crowdfunding and being issued on various DVD/Blu-ray labels. New books are still being published about silent films and silent film stars. We’re nearly to the point in time where the actual silent film era is not within human memory … but silent films are going strong.
I bought 2 tix before COVID, now Steve dumps the tour? OMG, Steve why? I got 2 yrs. waiting and over $800 into tix.
I am on the mailing list for the last several years but this year I never received the schedule or the envelope to order tickets. Can I still attend the concerts without the tickets? Thank you
I don’t know but I recommend calling and asking at (732) 442-9200. They’re open 9 to 4 daily.
Thank you..I left a message.
Are tickets still available for the Cousin Brucey show at the PNC Arts Center? If so, I would like four.
I don’t know but I recommend calling phone number in story.
Can I talk to Lisa Rose for a couple minutes? What a brilliant piece on the Primus’ tour (freaking wow).
I can’t give out her contact info but can send her your email address.
How do I get tickets to free senior concerts
Call (732) 442-9200.
What time do the gates open?
Perhaps it is a start on the other end, but I have noticed a vastly increased number of films and TV series featuring women as business executives, superheroines, district attorneys, lead detectives and crime fighters, tough soldiers and ex-soldiers, etc. These are both foreign and domestic productions. Perhaps, after having established their credentials in those categories, they will be able to enjoy the fleshy pleasures that older male actors can indulge in. Is this trend a movement or a passing fad to catch the coat tails of the “me-too” movement?
Can I show up without a ticket?
I don’t know. I recommend calling phone number in article.
I love this publication.
Randey Faulkner
Moody Bluegrass
Think and Grow Through Art and Music
Simply awful.
I saw “Rent” today. Go!! It is fantastic!! Don’t miss this one!!
Yet the 1988 Tunnek of Love express tour was an even bigger Financial sucess. Of course coming in the heels of Born in the USA. He made 50 million USD in 67 concerts on the Tunnel of love Esxpress tour in 5 months time. Born in the USA tour grossed 85 million USD in 156 concerts .
That is he made 750 USD in average in the Tunnel of love Express Tour. On the Born in the USA tour he made 544 000 USD in General. He sold a lot more Merchandize on the Tunnel of love express tour to double the price of the Born in the USA tour. A t short for example cost 6 USD on the Born in the USA tour on the tunnel of love ecoress tour the t shirt cost 12 USD. And there were much more different Merchandize on the Tunnel of love Express tour. On the Born in the USA tour there was the t shirt and the tour book. On the tunnel of love express tour there were t shirts of many different types a tour book double the price fron the Born in the USA tour, jackets, scarfs, rings, pins to put on your t shirt, binoculars for short people, tour posters, and real exclusive jackets, a doll of Bruce and hundreds of more Merchandize things.
The ticket prices were 6 USD more in 1988 than in 1985. And finally the big one, on the Tunnel of love Express tour Bruce received 95 % of all ticket sales. In 1985 he only received 60 %. So for so Little workbThe Tunnel of love Express tour was a far more finsnickare sucess than the Born in the USA tour. He also got to play the biggest stadiums he had ever played on the Tunnel of Love Express tour. In East Berlin 500 000 people saw Bruce Springsteen. The final stop of the tour was in the biggest football stadium in Europe Camp Nou. 90 000 people attended. There were supposed to be 2 concerts at Wembley in London But a Mike Tyson fight Made that impossible in Bruces tour schedule. So instead of letten the usual 72 000 people in Bruce had 70 000 people at Wembley 1985, in 1988 because of the second concert not happening They cramed 80 000 people into Wembley Stadium. In Paris at the Hippodrome de Vincent 80 000 people saw Bruce play. There were lots more 60 000 to 70 000 stadiums on the Tunnel of Love express tour. There was supposed to be 4 concerts in Italy. But there was a paper strike. And the promotor got nervous if he could not get commercial out to the people and becsuse of Bruces enormous guarantee fee he was afraid to Loose money. But Italians ususally buy tickets on the day of the concert or the day before. So in Turin They crammed in 65 000 people instead of the planed 58 000 people. The same amount that saw him in Milan 1985. The Slbum that should be a lowkey album backfired. Sales were 9 million records for an almost accoustic album. And there were 3 big hit singles from the slbum somethibg never heard of before. Also he made the record in his home studio almost by himself instead of hire an expensive studio and pay the Estreet band for thousands hours of sorj as he did on the Born in the USA slbum.
He got extremely reach fron the Tunnel of love album and tour. In 1987 he made 56 million USD, in 198& he made 61 million USD and in 1989 Where the only thing he did was to release the 1978-1988 video he made 40 million USD. So in 3 years time from 1987 to 1989 he made 157 million USD. Not bad for a low key album and a 5 month tour. Off course sales of other albums helped as well. But thr big sales came from tunnel of love and the big royalty checks came from his 3 Tunnel of love singles. So there. You have it regarding Tunnel of love and its tour.
This is the first time I had to really think about whether this ultimately worked or not. I loved the concept of using the music, especially the Talking Heads songs; it doesn’t take much to understand why they were chosen. The one number that gave me pause, but conversely may have validated some other directorial choices was The Show Must Go On by Queen. This song epitomized why I was on the fence about the production. I had been feeling frustrated that the world of the play seemed to indicate – and I mean this literally – an air of people playing pre-determined roles in their lives and doing it melodramatically. The Talking Heads songs were obvious choices. Was The Show Must Go On a reference to my impression of everything that came before it? Then it’s subjective as far as if it was a strong choice to begin with. I found the enhanced delivery of the actors to be irksome. The only things that justified the world were the Queen song and the use of puppets for the elderly characters (another convention I loved).
Overall, the concept does the job of staying true to the essence of Chekhov’s play, less you forget that his plays were bold and groundbreaking at the time. A lot of careful thought and planning went into this production; and even if you didn’t like it, you should appreciate the bold risk taking inherent in the use of music, gender and color blind casting, and other theatrical elements.
I didn’t love it, but I enjoyed it and commended the creative vision of everyone involved.
I loved the opening, and the 80’s style music video dance of Heart’s song, especially with the fan and the blowing scarf had me howling with laughter.
Nice, daring work Two River.
Lol, it’s not Skinny Puppy, it’s Snarky Puppy.
Thanks, will correct.
Boy, I wish it was Skinny Puppy. That would be hilarious to be in that audience. I’ve seen both Skinny and Steely numerous times – that Venn diagram doesn’t even REMOTELY overlap. Got tickets to see the Dan tonight in Richmond. Was bummed about both Winwood and Mann being cancelled, but oh well.
Saw him perform live in 1969, 1971, 1989 and 2016. His 2016 performance was disappointing. As much as appreciate his willingness to go on, he needs to retire.
Ray Charles at The Mosque Theater – July 1967 is our memory. Can you confirm?
Not sure. Mosque Theater became Symphony Hall in ’64, so in ’67 it would have been called Symphony Hall. The setlist.fm website, which is pretty good but not necessarily complete, lists the following Ray Charles shows:
March 17, 1962: Mosque Theater
May 8, 1966: Symphony Hall
Dec. 4, 1966: Symphony Hall
Dec. 10, 1968: Symphony Hall
May 8, 1971: Symphony Hall
“Much Ado About Nothing” at Outdoor Stage at St. Elizabeth ‘s College was fantastic !! Weather was perfect last evening and I haven’t laughed so much in a long time!! Cast was amazing!!
Wonderful opportunity for all.
The whole point is that you are responsible for your own feelings. You completely missed the whole theme?
How did you get this job?
so he needed to make a whole film to make that banal point ?
Saw the show with 1910 Fruitgum company, Little Anthony, and Tommy James. Great show. 👍
Yes, a lot of people have selective memory & hear what they want to hear. I have been a fan for 50 years, he owes me nothing. I think Ticketmaster, however is criminal in it’s fees & policies. I have written to my legislators to ask them to do something about this.
Jay that is one intelligent and well
Put together summary and analogy. Thanks for the trip down memory lane of Bruce’s poetic writings. Sadly they feel more pronounced in light of this ticket debacle. It’s really so heartbreaking to see that this once humble man is completely changed . Money has not changed him for the better. It’s really sad that the very people he once sung about are the very people he is now hurting with his silence and keeping from his shows . The best seats are now out of reach for these fans which encompasses the mayority of his adoring and most loyal fans. The best is now reserved fir the elite in society. The nosebleeds and blocked views fir the rest. His silence is deafening. As a fan of 43 years having attended over 340 concerts throughout the decades I’m s disheartened and will be skipping this tour. I am so heart broken. On principle I refuse to pay these obscene prices for seats I was always accustomed to. 5600 is really criminal sorry . I would much rather put that money to use on a vacation . I’m not poor but I’m not insane.
Bruce can pick up the tab for NJARTS. That’s all I have to say.
The Springsteen Factory has a lot of employees to feed, so there’s that part of it. And he does quietly give it away often. People moan about the horror of it all but what’s the answer? I don’t have it and Jon Landau isn’t who people want to hear from still, what to do? Good thoughts as always Jay.
The River (2022 Version)
I come from down in the bank vault
Where, mister, when you’re rich
You can do whatever you want,
And be a greedy sonofabitch…
Me and Patty we met during the Tunnel of Love,
When my wife wasn’t on the scene,
We’d drive out of those arenas
And count all the cash, so green…
We’d go down to the stable
And onto those horses we’d glide
Oh, down to the stable we’d ride…
Cause I got Patty pregnant
And man, we had a kid of course
And for her teenage birthday
I bought her a real expensive horse
We went down to get it dewormed
And the Vet put it all to rest
No break on the price, but it’s little Missy’s vice
So I’ll do what I know to do best
That night we went down to the bank vault
And into the dollars we dived
Oh, down to the bank vault we did hide
Ah-yah-yah…
I got a job playing the guitar
For the Ticketmaster Company
But lately there wasn’t much work
On account of the Covid, you see
Now all them fans that seemed so important
Well, mister, I showed ‘em how much I don’t care
Now I just act like a working class hero
As Patty rides off on her new mare…
Cuz’ to keep us riding in a limousine
Ticket prices gotta be obscene,
So at night, in the bed, I can lie awake
Just to dream of all the money we’ll make
Now the tax man comes back to haunt me
He haunts me like a curse
Is an offshore account something I can hide
And lie about how much I’m worth?
That sends me down to the arena
So I can bleed the fans dry
Down to the arena tonight…
listen to tRash eXEcutioner https://g.co/kgs/btZBtb
Wish I’d known about your organization sooner! – Charley
I would love to get 4 free tickets to your show. We love u Cousin Brucie
This is what it says on the web site:
If you would like tickets for this show, please send us a
self-addressed, stamped envelope with the number of tickets
(Limit 10) and mail to
Garden State Arts Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 5013
Woodbridge, NJ 07095-5013
ATT: Cousin Brucie
wow Stephen, I can actually match your lyrics right to the song, eerie and sad at the same time.
I’m trying hard to not abandon an entertainer I followed from Asbury Park and on, but this has been more difficult than just not getting to see a show. I’ve seen some tours, missed some tours, but always had a shot at a ticket. But not this time.
Pay Me My Money Down (2022 Version)
I thought I heard the Bossman say
Pay me my money down
Tomorrow is our concert day
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Soon as those tickets went on sale
Pay me my money down
All my fans began to wail
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Tulsa floor seat for a thousand bucks
Pay me my money down
I don’t really give two fucks
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Well I wish I was Mr. Springsteen
Pay me my money down
Read my story in some magazines
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Well fifty nights we’ll play for you
Pay me my money down
Make a cool hundred million or two
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
Pay me, pay me, pay me my money down
Pay me or stay at home
Pay me my money down
I am not upset with this dude. He’s been my idol since before I was an adult (and that is quite a while). But I don’t think we have heard the last from Bruce on this topic. I think that some arenas won’t sell out and others will have crappy crowds that will not pump up the band. It’s a disappointment – that we’re going to have a lot of people who paid north of $1,000 for a ticket to a 3-hour Springsteen show. In our house, we got in at $200 and I am thrilled. But when I saw the fracas of the ticket-buying experience, I thought, “they did not anticipate this demand pricing experience.” And I suspect Bruce will tell us that at some point.
I’m very lucky and got two tickets for $169 ea. When I saw the prices (thank you dynamic pricing!) for the first set of shows that went on sale, I decided I wouldn’t spend over $225 for a ticket. I spent $160 to see him in Philly in 2016, so I expected tickets for Tour 2023 to be in the $200-$225 range. Like many, I’m still processing why he’s charging so much this time around and why? I’m extremely disappointed he took the route he did.
You’re spot on with this and yes so many other lines.. But I do think Seeds is worthy of this article as well one of his best about the haves & have nots (haves not?.. you know what I mean)
Well a great black river a man had found
So he put all his money in a hole in the ground
Sent a big steel arm driving down down down
Now I live on the streets of Houston town
Packed up my wife and kids when winter came along
And I headed down south with just spit and a song
But they said, “Sorry son it’s gone gone gone,
Yeah it’s all gone,
All work is gone”
There is men hunkered down by the railroad tracks
The Elkhorn Special blowing my hair back
Tents pitched on the highway in the dirty moonlight
And I don’t know where I’m gonna sleep tonight
Parked in the lumberyard freezing our asses off
Kids in the back seat got a graveyard cough
I’m sleeping up in front with my wife
Billy club tapping on the windshield in the middle of the night
He says, “Move along son, move along”
Big limousine, long shiny and black
You don’t look ahead, you don’t look back
How many times can you get up after you’ve been hit
Well I swear if I could spare the spit
I’d lay one on your shiny chrome
And send you on your way back home
If you’re gonna leave your town where the north wind blow
To come on down where the sweet soda river flow
You better think twice on it Jack
You’re better off buying a shotgun straight off a rack
Ticketmaster and uber-capitalism are the guilty parties. I got two tickets for one of his (only) three UK shows. £220 for the pair. What Ticketmaster is doing in the US would not be allowed here.
Will Mickey Thomas EVER coming to the most Beautiful state of Maine!!!
I just feel he’d love it here!!!!
Dear Tris McCall,
Thank you so much for featuring a photo of my painting “Free Fall” in your review of the exhibition “Reemergence”, the 2022 NJArts Annual at the State Museum. I am thrilled that you commented in the review that my painting is “bold, inward, anxiety-ridden, elegantly realized but unrepentantly raw and above all, painfully human_ may be the show’s quintessential piece”. The painting came from my heart and soul, and it means so much to me that you were able to call out the story behind the art. Thank you again.
Best,
Pauline Chernichaw
“doesnt talk to anyone”
Federal investigation for tax fraud, constant lawsuits by unpaid overused illegal labor, racist, sexist and art deviants.
Ask someone about Gene Thompson, a story how they use and throw away lives.
I received my tickets my Mom will be in a wheelchair..Do we bring chairs or how does the seating work?
There is seating; you don’t bring your own chair. I assume they have a wheelchair section but you may want to make sure you have access in advance. I’d recommend calling the Garden State Arts Foundation, which is presenting the show, at (732) 442-9200. They can tell you how to proceed.
Is there a parking fee for the Cousin Brucie September concert?
No
Does each ticket have a reserved seat? Will lawn seating be required?
I don’t think there is reserved seating. And I would think the lawn would be used only if all seats are filled. But I’m not totally sure. Always best to call Garden State Arts Foundation at (732) 442-9200 for questions such as these.
Hello Jay, this one must be on the list: “Up on the Roof”written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and recorded in 1962 by The Drifters, with Rudy Lewis as the lead singer.
Bruce covered the song several times during the “Born To Run” Tour back in 1975. Here the version from the show at The Bottom Line on 1975-08-16: https://youtu.be/BQKT-okc3G8
I don’t really think of “Up on the Roof” as a soul song, but yes, that’s a good one.
How can I get tic s free for cousinsBrucie onsept jmurasso@verizon.net
As article says, call (732) 442-9200.
Didn’t Bruce cover Faye Adams’ anthem, “Shake A Hand,” in his early days? It’s a powerful song!
Not that I’m aware of, no.
This is an excerpt from a story written by Jack Newfield, originally printed in the New York Sun September 21 2004:
“The no. 2 record of 1953 was “Your Cheating Heart” by Hank Williams. The no. 3 record was “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton. The no. 4 record was “Shake a Hand” by Faye Adams, which Bruce Springsteen performed for years.”
URL for two free articles, but the text can be found elsewhere: https://www.nysun.com/article/arts-who-really-invented-rock-n-roll
Bonus: Faye Adams was from Newark NJ. There may not be much of a NJ connection to the ten songs you suggested.
Ok but I can’t find any mention of Springsteen doing it on these two sites (http://brucebase.wikidot.com, https://www.coveredbybrucespringsteen.com/) or YouTube or anywhere else. Maybe Newfield confused it with “Raise Your Hand”?
Great article and much deserved for Jannie.
You should do another article on the reopening of Field Colony (after the movie shoot there april – june) with their new exhibit and art classes. Just a tought.
Any idea if there is more from the Ramones show?
There’s audio here — https://youtu.be/kSNjlgBvwuE — but that’s the only video I could find.
Jannie this is awesome. I can’t wait to see the space and the art on display. Thanks for representing the artist community. You are appreciated.
Thank you, Tommy, for these lovely words and your support and friendship always! I’m humbled by the beautiful words in this article and so blessed by the beautiful Artists who share their beautiful blessings and inspiration in the gallery and in my life as you do. I look forward to your visit and to finding the perfect place and time to share your work there.
I just finished reading this, and it is well worth reading if just for John’s testimony. You also get a sense of what John was like as a person. Definitely recommended.
Can’t thank you guys & gals enough for presenting these shows. It’s great seeing the music you love by some rather talented old artists who can still do it well.
Please keep doing it and we’ll keep donating to help fund these shows.
Can we show up? Will they have tickets at show?
Sorry but I don’t know.
Hearty Har is a horrible band!! Can’t believe they are opening for Fogerty!!
Never paying for Fogerty again. Sorely disappointed and angry! So here it is almost 9pm and Fogerty hasn’t appeared yet! Put his son’s awful band on instead. Why would anyone think s “psyodelic band” appeal to Fogerty fans!!
This is a wonderfully written review — Courtney Smith, take a bow — and an analysis keenly informed on all points of interest. A quibble, though: When was the last time anybody thought it pertinent to comment upon the concert attire of a male classical soloist? I don’t mean to get all preachy and virtue-signaling here, but strapless gowns aren’t news on classical stages. It’s true that the pianist Yuja Wang has raised many eyebrows and provoked a gush of ink by some of the outfits she favors — which are more, well, revealing — and also by outfit changes during intermissions. That’s a different case. Judging by the photo above, Ms Meyers appeared before the Princeton audience wearing a gown that would be considered tasteful and appropriate for any formal occasion. Why make a point of it?
This wonderful company is a source of great pride for New Jersey. It’s founding missions and strengths of Carolyn Clark and Paul McRae have allowed it to survive through many challenges. Being a native of New Jersey and having had many happy years performing with the company it is a huge pleasure to see it taking on the next era of directorship. Looking forward to seeing what is ahead for this special company.
The DJ’s name for the George Clinton after party at NJPAC was DJ Storm Norm Da General
It was my first album from late brother Johnny when I was a teen, from there was Miles to John and all the way to Tapscott, with so many in between. Thanks to all Jazz players, God bless Pharoah.
Joe Long should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and it is terrible that he was not inducted with Valli, Gaudio, DeVito and Massi in 1990. How do you not induct Joe Long who was with one of the most creative bands of the 1960’s and 70’s for well over 10 years. Thank you New Jersey Hall of Fame for doing the right thing.
I still visit my local AMC Theater a few times a week and also frequent the Clairidge in Montclair and Film at Lincoln Center. There is nothing like being in a theater with other people, experiencing a movie on a screen that big! I miss going to Robert’s Chatham Cinema, which had one auditorium and often showed art house films that I had trouble finding elsewhere. It was so cozy, with serve yourself free coffee, inexpensive concession treats, and lovely people working there who would ask what you thought of the film as you were exiting. I once asked the owner what happens to the movie posters after the film completes its run, as there was one I was interested in. He asked for my cell number and two weeks later he called and said I could come over and pick it up anytime. He gave it to me! I will always remember the wonderful times I had there with friends, and the discussions we would have with other audience members on our way out. While there are times it is convenient to watch a movie at home, nothing compares to going to the movies!
As a car-less, teenage rock fan growing up in suburban NJ in the pre-MTV ’70s … when a big rock movie came out, I’d read about it in Rolling Stone or some other magazine, but usually there was no way to see it except to take the train into New York and see it at some small moviehouse. I specifically remember seeing The Who’s “The Kids Are Alright” and Neil Young’s “Rust Never Sleep” that way; the excitement was akin to going to an actual concert. – Jay Lustig
Charade was my first Radio City movie too- I was a little bit too young for such a grownup movie and place which means I adored every moment of it. All that gilt and red velvet and Audrey Hepburn in Paris! As far as at home vs in theatre- there’s nothing like seeing a film you love on a big screen. It changes everything, for the FAR better. I grew up going to the Bellevue, Claridge and the Wellmont in Montclair and have fond memories of seeing Woodstock, 2001 and Star Wars at the Claridge and matinees of Vincent Price horror movies at the Wellmont. The Bellevue was pretty much reserved for movies with my parents, probably because I couldn’t walk there.
Where to begin?
I remember 12-year old me watching “Jaws” from no larger than a 1″x 1″ glass window in the exit door of a Fair Lawn, NJ theater because seeing the guy in the rowboat get attacked ran me out of the theatre.
I remember taking my then-13 year old son in 2006 to a midnight screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” after we watched the DVD at home and he didn’t get what the fuss was all about.
I remember taking my then-15 year old daughter in what Wikipedia is telling me may have been 2011 to the Claridge in Montclair for the restoration of “Metropolis.”
I remember sitting in the Bellevue Theatre on a rainy Saturday afternoon in 1989 with a dozen other people watching “The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover” and feeling like we survived a shared prison camp experience together (and I mean this in the best way possible).
I remember this past February watching “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” at the West Orange Classic Film Festival (full disclosure: I’m with that group) and hearing the laughter of the audience watching an almost 60 year old movie on a big screen as God inended.
I’ll buy movies to share with family and vising friends, but nothing beats going to a theatre and sharing the experience.
As a child in Radio City, when the Rockettes came out and the lights came on, I thought they had opened up the roof and let the sunlight in. I still remember the uproarious, nearly insane, laughter in the theater when they played the cartoons. ( I don’t know why they stopped showing them. ) And I will never forget the day when, instead of teaching a class, I had my students watch the film 12 ANGRY MEN. It was like being in a movie theater again.
Great article, you’ve touched on a lot of the societal topics some of us old timers understand and reflect on. You’ve still got your mojo, Stephen Whitty. I have always loved your “whitty”, entertaining and informative writing style, and you don’t disappoint. So sorry that you now have (presumably) a smaller audience. Keep up the good work. Saw you in person for the first time when you interviewed Jane Fonda at MoPac. My wife and I burst out laughing with excitement when you were introduced because we didn’t know that you would be involved, and you were famous in our home at that point from your Star Ledger days. Regards, Joe M.
Love the article – I recall being very young and seeing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – It was not the first film I saw, but is my first memorable theatre experience. My grandmother took me for my 5th birthday, it opened the same week. I was so amazed at all of it and terribly scared during the tunnel scene. It was a “Scrumdiddlyumptious” experience that sticks with me. Next was when I was a week shy of my 12th Birthday I walked several miles to see Grease alone on opening day. I was in love with Olivia Newton-John like many others. I stayed from the first show to the last. I asked if I helped clean the theatres and if I could watch it again. and they allowed it. I was in a bit of hot water when I got home. a few years later in 1981 I walked into theatres and applied for a job. I have worked in the exhibition industry ever since. I loved seeing people exit a theatre, the joy on their faces, and hearing the conversations about the film – nothing beats it. Nothing ever will. I like watching films at home – but the theatre experience – The best man, the best.
I’m from California and old enough to remember dish-nights at the local theatre in small-town San Joaquin valley. Popcorn a nickle a bag, as was a BigHunk candy bar, big and chewy enough to last most of a Saturday afternoon of cartoons, serials, March of Time documentaries, westerns and dreadful dramas. Also ushers coming through the theatre with cans to collect contributions for the March of Dimes. What a hoot! Only entertainment in town, except for the local pool hall, which we weren’t allowed in, except to hawk newspapers.
I am from an earlier generation, so my earliest memories of going to see movies with an i termission in nyc as a group(from sunday school) were The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, and Exodus. I was totally blown away by all of them. I had a favorite movie as a youth that i thought was so funny, and i saw it a few times at theatres. It was called VISITOR FROM A SMALL PLANET and starred Jerry Lewis and was written by gore vidal. I saw a movie at Camp point O pines that they took us too on a field trip. I had bever heard of it before; it was Gone with the Wind. I was blown AWay by it. It had an intermission too! I grew up to be a film buff, and i know evverything about movies, and have seen almost all movies. Another movie i loved as a child -,i had forgotten about it – and then a year or teo ago i saw it on TCM andvi realized so That’s where all those songs i love came from – – it was Hans Christian Anderson starring Danny Kaye. Margie, millburn (ps, i could keep writing about this subject forever!)
I go to their concerts…from 2012 till 2022…I close my eyes and just listen. It’s the closest I’ll ever get to hear them for real. I had planned on going to the 1980-81 tour. I had been into them for about 4-5 yrs. Sadly, it never happened. JBLZE is so, so good.
jake is over the top with skills and personality
Growing up in Jersey City, New Jersey, through the ’70’s, we would go to the State, the Stanley and the Lowes on Journal Square, before and after they were split up into “multi-plexes”, the old palaces uglified as they shoehorned 2 or 3
theaters inside the previously ornate and expansive interiors.
But back earlier still, in the 60’s of my gradeschool days, there was the Central Theater on Central Avenue in the Jersey City Heights. I have a dim, possibly apocryphal recollection of actually seeing a movie there, but I have a vivid memory of its wrecking ball demolition. It was then considered a “neighborhood theater”, but it was big and beautiful even well past its prime.
Bowie Celebration was just fantastic any fan should see at Sony in. NYC
Great see you Jay last night Warmly. Jan the fan
loved it, so chill
This song touches my soul. My husband Rickie who transitioned 61 days ago, had many lovers and 3 wives before me. Yes, he loved them all. Sadly all of his marriages were very short lived. I love all of his wives and lovers as they brought him love and happiness, even for a miniscule time in his life. He was happy. We married late in life. He was my first LH Dan’s best friend for decades. Upon knowing Dan was dying from cancer when our 4 children were quite young. Dan’s mother who was visiting us when we received the tests he would be transitioning in 2 weeks asked her son, what can I do to help me and our 4 children. He told her not to worry Mom. I have a great friend who promised to help her and them. The man was Rickie and he shared 21 years together. I lost the two greatest husbands and I’m reparably broken. Thank you John for describing my loves and heartache.
Great interview. The Boss is even more handsome now in his later years. I love Bruce’s rendition of Nightshift. He croons this song just like it’s meant to be. Those leaders who left this world are powerful in the lyrics, but also expressed very powerful in the manner of Bruce’s voice. Perfecto!! And Bruce even dressed up. Just joking. But I admire the way he dressed for this performance.
I believe Bruce’s career will excel to greater heights in the years to come.
Howard, I’m happy to hear you back on the radio. Keep up the good work.
A fan.
What did Stern say previously about Patti/Bruce that she still hasn’t forgiven him ?
I don’t know. Stern has alluded to it a couple of times without going into detail. But it happened a long time ago and they’re not including it in replays for obvious reasons. I assume he was making fun of her voice but I don’t know that for sure.
Thank you !
Don’t see the videos of Paul or Ringo…
They’re there. The Weinberg segment starts at the 43:15 mark, and the Starr and McCartney videos are at the end of it.
Actually it appears you’re right. They took McCartney and Starr videos out and put that Tom Morello tribute out. Bizarre.
“put that Tom Morello tribute in,” I meant to write.
Yes that’s why I was puzzled, because there were the Weeklings and Tom, but no Paul or Ringo. ☹️
Very Nice, To honor accomplished Folks from the State of New Jersey,
But Who ever thought it was a good idea to remove, Paul and Ringo, flat messed up, It’s awesome when the best honor the best.
Being a Drummer myself, I’ve always been a Fan of Weinberg, his skills are incredible, Congratulations 🎉
Where was Bruce?
Nice review.
Wasn’t William Bell the original artist for Any Other Way, though; rather than Jackie Shane?
Bobby Bland recorded this song in 1957
Similar title but different song: https://youtu.be/QTkJO_qq7hM
This was basically community theater with much better voices. Granted that the piece itself is mediocre to begin with, and good material is the foundation of anything. Starting with the good: the singing with a few exceptions was excellent. The woman playing Percy definitely has a set of pipes and the sheriff could sing the phonebook and make it sound amazing. I left after the first act but almost stayed just to hear him do his solo. He’s got a good career ahead of him. Beyond that, the actress playing Shelby was the standout. Solid all around as an actress and singer. You see her credits and it shows. Next would, once again, would be the sheriff. Charming, handled his scenes well. These two get the high marks. Now for the not so positive: While Percy can sing great, this part is well beyond her comprehension. the guy who played Caleb also doesn’t undertand the role, not to say that it would be much better even if he did. He’s dramatically flat. In fact, with few exceptions, this is one of the principal flaws. He has a few really nice notes in his higher register, and you can tell the guy has spent a lot of time in lessons and coaching, but you expect more from union people with some cool credits. However, the turkey award goes to Hannah. She was the weakest thing in this show. The irony is that her resume is the most distinctive. Forget that she is a terrible actress, she can’t sing either! How the heck did she get those B’way jobs????? Was it a character choice to “sound” older? It’s a musical, honey. SING!
With all of this said, I think some fault need go to the director. it’s obvious that this was a hurry up and learn your material kind of show. Actors were left to their own devices to figure out what to do beyond what’s on the page, so maybe the fault is not entirely theirs. The staging is unimaginative and, in some cases, lacking anything organic. The interludes where the group are outside in the cold were basically, come downstage, face front sing and leave. All form and no substance: sounded great, but what the hell is going on???? Make it make sense! Terrible. I know the space is small, but do something interesting and make it work.
I find it odd that a theater who does mostly musicals is in a space that is not set up for that. A small black box with no room for live musicians? thankfully the singers were strong and overcame the canned tracks and, in some cases, really nailed it. A case in point would be Shelby and Percy’s duet. That rocked.
Sorry. Call me tough but when I see a theater that is supposed to be professonial and boasts some of the performers with which they’re linked, I expect more. It’s called musical THEATER. If you can’t create that part, just do concerts or musical reviews. You’ve obviously got the singers.
Jay Lustig is being kind because he wants to help a small theater with valuable missions of diversity and inclusion and youth outreach. I get it. But he should stick to writing rock critiques.
I honestly don’t like it. What’s with the shitty drum machine?
Yeah this is NOT GOOD. Like we need a cover of this classic album, especially from a little creep like Adams. No thank you!
No thanks. This album is a classic and doesn’t need a track for track cover version. And besides Adams is a jerk.
Ryan Adams: “sorry I’m not gonna cover another album again.”
Also Ryan Adams: “here’s a half-assed cover version of one of the greatest albums of all time. Please give me attention again!”
I luv luv this man. His words just speak to me
What a beautiful review, the best kind, and a work of art in itself. True appreciation of the art, and even educates, with images and love. A privilege and joy to read. Thank you so much.
Wow the writer was so descriptive and engaging, like a hard to put down book. Great job Josie 👏🏽
Bob Dylan concert October 16, 1964 at Trenton State College, Ewing, NJ. I pulled the opening and closing curtain for him in Kendall Hall.
Thanks for this review. But it’s hard to tell: did you like it? Do you recommend it?
Sorry, I thought it was clear that I liked it, but yes, I definitely recommend it.
Love your lists – wish I had. made it to more of these – Carlos Villa in particular. Two others in NJ from this year that I appreciated…..I just went to hear Danielle Scott speak about her solo exhibit at Gallery Aferro – Ancestral Call. And at Hunterdon Museum of Art there was an amazing ceramic show Dish Oriented by Maxwell Mustardo, and also in the large gallery Rina Banerjee: Blemish, In Deep Pink Everyplace Begins. Keep up your good work, we appreciate it!
dish oriented and ancestral call were both fantastic. definitely contenders for this list and would’ve been honorable mentions had i done them.
i also loved the 2022 work by eileen t. ferara.
Get back to your own sound
Don’t follow lead put it back together or it’s curtains the media has spoken brother get outside comfort zone make music dont copy make your own or stay at home
Beeswing covered by Christy Moore
Kate Rusby does a great version of We’ll Sing Hallelujah.
It’s too bad you don’t venture south of Monmouth County. If you had come to Ocean County you would have discovered Surflight Theatre, putting excellence onstage night after night, show after show. New Jersey has 21 counties, and you only visit about half of them. This is the top 15 productions in the northern half of New Jersey.
Awesome job Jay.
It was always a pleasure working at The Ledger and reading your work.
Thanks! Nice to hear from you.
When they said sit down, I stood up. Me too, Bruce. I graduated high school in NJ in 1972. We paid Bruce to play there shortly before this record was released. It was transformative.
The weeklings are a really great band in Beatles style. I’m a big fan I need more bumper stickers where can I get some.
Love every voice and they fit together perfectly!! Wish I could’ve been there. ♥️
Saw her last evening in Tonawanda (Riviera Theatre).
Excellent production, great band very talented group, Suzanne voice is very good and she plays the piano extremely well. Enjoyed the show with my wife and neighbour. Drove down from Welland. The Riviera is a grand old theatre that was perfect for the venue
First set was mostly Tapestry songs and the second set was even better. It was more energized and focussed on old hits she co-wrote with Gerry Goffin.
Sax player was a real virtuoso – great solos / guitarist was also really good as were the drummer and base player.
All in all we would go again, thrilled at the end to hear they are a Canadian band.
Look for Tom Jones and John Farnham sing Yiddisa Mamma on an Australian tv show Hey Hey it’s Saturday, amazing
Good song
I am so glad that Dion. didn’t take the $36 seat on the cesna that crashed 2/3/1959 outside of Mason City, Ia.
The shows I’ve been to, it said 7:30 and he started on the dot. I’d be there a good 30 minutes ahead.
It can be fun watching an actor chew up the scenery and spit out the bits while the rest of the cast just stands around and gawks, but that can feel more of an impersonation (whether the character is fictional or based on real life) more than some embodiment of soul. Aronofsky, in particular, seems to get so taken with a performance, or by one of his own ideas, that the drop-off in attention paid to other elements is palpable, and there’s something of a stunt or showing off in his films.
It’s not as if a strong surrounding cast and a compelling script and direction distracts or detracts from a truly great performance. Colin Farrell’s turn in “The Banshees of Inisherin” is grounded in his playing with and off Brendan Gleeson and Kerry Condon, in particular, and by the quality of McDonagh’s writing. Another example is Cate Blanchett, in the earlier, “Blue Jasmine”. Her performance would be great in isolation, or even in poor company, but it’s more memorable because of what surrounds her.
Thanks for commenting, Mark. Excellent point, re Aronofsky, whose films often feature extraordinary performances — Ellen Burstyn in “Requiem for a Dream,” Natalie Portman in “Black Swan” — but also run the risk of going off the rails completely (“The Fountain,” “Noah,” “Mother!”).
Was this post inspired by Steve Albini’s dumb rant?
Yeah, pretty much. My feelings about SD are basically the polar opposite of his. I started thinking about the different albums and thought, since I’ve done this kind thing for other artists and know SD’s albums well, it would be really easy for me to put together.
It’s Valentine Day and I have played “In My Life” over and over. You see I am a three-time widow and it was while living with my third husband that I finally understood the second verse.
Fantastic!!! Thank you for the request Matthew and thank YOU Jay
I was there last night. It was an amazing show. “If I Was The Priest” was definitely a highlight.
I just stumbled on this info about the Myddle Class. I could just cry 😢. I’m so happy that garage music is still alive and well. I had a 20 page list of 60s bands that I loved 😍. May all of us rock on 🤘 forever.
Excellent article. Thank you for the insights.
Great article! I love Fran and I was also born and raised in Morristown. Fran you are brilliant!!! Keep speaking and touring for as long as you can…and when you get tired…QUIT!
I find it appalling that this reviewer gives the director of this production credit for the progressive artistic choices of Da Ponte and Mozart. Don Giovanni has always been dragged down to hell at the end of this opera for his sins. He was never pardoned by anyone. Since it’s premiere in the late 1700’s it’s been a cautionary tale against Giovanni’s womanizing ways.
I was there. My parents also at didn’t let me go. I took my big guy friend. General admission and the cops on horseback let us run in groups of 50 to the entrance. Everyone was afraid because of Cincinnati. They were brave, we all were.
“The Blood and the Animals”. I like the Mirror. German. Polished it every two weeks for my German Nana.
Great article about David and NJFO!
Terrific article about our wonderful orchestra! Thank you for promoting our reaching out to our community in different ways.
Are recordings going to be made available?
Hey Chuck! Harvey has a recording of “Seven Decisions” on his Soundcloud, although it’s his violin solos against a digital midi orchestra: https://soundcloud.com/williamharveycomposer
He seems to responds to his Facebook and Instagram accounts, so you could ask him directly.
https://www.instagram.com/williamrharvey/
https://www.facebook.com/william.harvey.7
Very informative and well written article about a fabulous orchestra! Thank you!
Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt and other band members weren’t “clowning around like silly kids,” they were paying homage to The Three Stooges and it was awesome!
nice article!!
I saw this , and this critic is completely wrong. He misses the point. The story is not a bio of Mary Shelley. It is a fantasy about what inspired her to write her masterpiece, Frankenstein. About the creative process and how that might come to be. Not some regurgitation of her life. This critic, as usual, wants a play to conform to his idea about what he thinks a play should be rather then what he’s watching and what the author is attempting to do. Also, as a side note, his tendency to describe actors physically, is very John Simon like and should not be tolerated. BTW, the acting and direction are terrific.
I am the playwright who wrote “Shelley.” I never represented that I was telling the actual story of how Mary came to write Frankenstein. I took facts about her life and Percy’s life and imagined what might have been the genesis of her nightmare at Villa Diodati. That I don’t adhere to the “facts” of her life is a given. I researched their lives for seven years. It sounds like you pulled your facts from Wikipedia rather than doing any deep research. But aside from that, you have repeatedly faulted our plays because of the physical appearance of our actors and I simply can not tolerate that kind of criticism. You did it in Machinal, you did it in Bunnies. Sorry, Mr. Testa, but criticizing our Percy for being too burly is beyond the pale and should never, ever be a part of a critique. The same goes for your outrage that we cast a redhead as Mary. What on earth are you there to critique? The physical appearance of the characters? The “facts” that you threw together about their lives? This was a work of the imagination, a work of art that asks the audience not to follow the actual paths of these amazing peoples’ lives (there are at least 5 versions of almost every event in Mary’s life) but to look at the play as a “What if?” To dive into the creative process (which you completely missed) and to offer a possible way that she realized she was capable of writing a nightmare.
I saw the play on Friday and I loved it. I don’t understand why Shelley needed to be portrayed in one way. In Gothic he is homosexual and in Haunted Summer he and Mary have an almost perfect relationship and she sleeps with Byron. It’s such a beautiful play and I loved the story within the story. All the regrets and all the memories, It was beautiful b/c I’m old now too and live on memories. Your review is so unforgiving. Hudson Theatre Works doesn’t have enough money to have rotating stages and quick changes. Why don’t you understand their financial limits? It’s like you’re blaming them for working within their limits.Mean.
One of my favorite theatre companies in the New York area is Hudson Theatre Works. Coming from Connecticut, I don’t always “like” their work but they always manage to challenge the audience and ask them to make up their own minds.
I am happy to report that (they are actually in an old school building in Weehawken, NJ) that their latest is provocative and challenging.
“Shelley”, by Joanne Hoersch, is a radiant take on how the creation of a work of art is a torture, a bliss, a collaboration of memory, experience and courage, that takes us by the hand with its framing character, 78 year old Claire Clairmont, who, in her youth, was part of a ménage à trois with the Romantic poet Percy Shelley and more importantly for this story, his wife and Claire’s stepsister, Mary Shelley. She invites us to “come, share these memories with me.”
We follow them from their high spirited escape from Mary’s overbearing father to what they envision is a liberated France where women have the right, as Percy says, “to choose whom they will marry or even if they will marry.”
What they discover is a far cry from what they expected; France is a desolate land pillaged by years of revolution, The Terror and now the Napoleonic Wars. They meet one man, scarred, mutilated by the wars, one eye bulging from a smashed bone, his arms telling the history of attacks by both the Jacobins and Napoleon’s army. Claire is repulsed by the man’s appearance while Mary is haunted by him.
And so begins Mary’s journey towards creating what will become one of the most influential novels ever written; Frankenstein.
The play cleverly and poignantly inserts the group’s experiences with hallucinatory drugs, an experiment with reanimation (it was believed at this time that applying electrical current to a dead person could bring the person back to life), open marriage, radical politics, as well as a beautifully rendered story of a young duchess who was sent to the guillotine.
Mary’s rich imagination runs in parallel to the harsh realities of her life. Rather than witnessing the electrical spark of life, we witness the spark of creativity, the struggle to find the artist’s voice, as well as the fear but also the excitement of jumping into the void to write something that has never been written before. Claire, the least talented but most life affirming character in the play, tells us in her final monologue that “I read some of my poetry to Percy, and briefly looked up at him. I could tell how ordinary he thought I was and it delighted him “ She freely admits that Percy and Mary’s names will never be lost to history, but hers will. Yet, she stands as the lone survivor, the only one left who knows what the true, not the mythic content of their lives actually was.
Ryan Natalino brings a passionate commitment to the role of Mary, pushing her life forward towards something she knows is there, yet still unreachable. BC Miller as Claire is a delight, sexually brave, light hearted with an impeccable sense of comic timing and an important counterpoint to Mary’s intellectualism. Daniel Melchiorre’s Percy is, despite his radical views, an aristocrat, and Mr. Melchiorre expertly navigates the tightrope between what Percy believes and what Percy is. Todd Hilsee as Mary’s father, William Godwin, lets us feel the weight he carries of having once been famous and relevant and now reduced to poverty and dependency. His disgust with Percy is a thinly veiled jealousy of Percy’s standing in the world, which enhances the enmity between them. And Joanne Guarnnacia, as the older version of Claire, reliably keeps a strong hold on the narrative until her final monologue, which brought me to tears. Frank Licato’s direction, as always, is precise and spare. And, as usual, he always gets wonderful performances from the actors. The set and lighting by Gregory Erbach is evocative, as are the costumes by Ann Lowe and the sound/music by Donald Stark.
Hi
My name is Ayanna Slacum from the New Brunswick Cultural Center and the Arts Institute of Middlesex County. I would like to know how can I get my events on your site?
Info can be emailed to njartsdaily@gmail.com. Thanks.
Your prices are greedy you are already rich.
I’d like 2 free tickets for Hermans Hermits
There is info here on requesting tickets: https://www.gsafoundation.org/events.html
Excellent album with a lot of thought into the arrangement, production and it is a lyrical home run!
I could not agree more, Kathryn. Hearty Har is horrible horrible horrible. No way in hell they could have gotten anywhere near the prestigeous iconic Radio City stage if they were’nt riding on the coattails of their famous father. What a waste of my time and money. I did not appreciate John Fogerty forcing his no-talent sons on his loyal fans.
please sign me up for newsletter
Do you mean Woodbridge newsletter or NJArts.net newsletter?
Eliza Neals is awesome in everyway.
I know it’s easy to judge but I am perplexed by both the tix price situation Jon & Bruce’s comments about the prices & how much he is now worth, I can’t help but sense money has changed things & it’s hard to accept. I see Bruce in a very different light.
Still has got nothing on the 105,000 that attended the MCG in Melbourne Australia
I saw them in ’00 in L.A., and definitely have to say you won’t be disappointed at the show.
That’s awesome. thank you for the comprehensive review..
it’s worth pointing out for the superfans that *going grey* and *in sickness and in flames* are very different albums. *going grey* is the one that’s smoothed out and full of synth textures. *in sickness* has a poppy side, too, but it’s much more stormy — when i think of that album, i think of guitar driven emo-pop tracks like leaf pile and new song d. *you are who you hang out with* is somewhere between those two albums, but honestly, it’s closer to *sickness*. the drumming is super.
this band has always reminded me of frightened rabbit, and the new one *really* reminds me of frightened rabbit. especially paris and batman. those two would have made scott hutchinson smile. and i don’t think that the occasional use of vocal processing is a stab at mainstream acceptance. mainstream records don’t sound like that anymore. and acceptance isn’t really what the front bottoms are about. it’s just a change in the emotional weather.
anyway, i love this band.
Such an interesting profile on the theater! I’ve been a couple times and you can feel the solid workmanship put into it. Scott Hart is a great MC and host, always front-and-center. I had no idea about Ms. Sieminski, I’ll make sure to look for her on my next visit!
Thank you!
This song is actually about my mother JoAnn. My dad was the president of the Dion fan Club and was friends with Dion. So, Dion wrote this song for my mom and bobby is my little brother in the song. There is no jenny but it fit the verse.
A very nice tribute. RIP Maestro.
Is High and Mighty Brass performing at this event?
They’re on schedule for both Nov. 10 and Nov. 11: https://www.exitzerojazzfestival.com/lineup
Would rather a video of Josh Groban. Never was a Springsteen fan.
Hi my name is Anthony Givens member of the singing group The Givens Family. We had the great pleasure of working with Tony Camelo he produced and wrote a few songs for us in the early 80s. The can be found on youtube. This was a great peace.
Great writing Jay, of course.
Looking forward to seeing all the talented singer/songwriter. Very groovin music scene
Go Stevie!!
It’s heartwarming to see the undeniable connection between Joan Baez and Bob Dylan continue to shine brightly during their Wellmont Theater show.
Wow, Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of Jersey Bounce is absolutely fantastic and captures the vibrant energy of New Jersey perfectly!
Tired of hearing about this hack
I recently had the opportunity to
visit the Ballentine Mansion after its closure for renovations, and I
am compelled to share my deep disappointment regarding the recent
changes made to the exhibition.
As a passionate enthusiast of historical architecture and
period-specific displays, I must express my dismay at the inclusion of
modern art pieces within the mansion. The juxtaposition of
contemporary works alongside the carefully preserved historical
ambiance of the mansion has, unfortunately, diminished the immersive
experience I had come to expect.
My specific concern lies in the inappropriate placement of non-period
pieces, particularly in the bedroom and dining room areas. These
spaces, once meticulously curated to transport visitors back to the
Gilded Age, now seem disrupted by the insertion of pieces that neither
complement nor reflect the historical context.
If the intention was to make a statement or showcase the
African-American experience during the Gilded Age in Newark, I would
suggest a more deliberate approach. Perhaps dedicating an entire room
to this theme would not only do justice to the historical narrative
but also provide visitors with a more enriching and enjoyable
experience.
The addition of non-historical pieces in critical rooms, notably the
bedroom and dining room, is particularly distressing. These spaces,
traditionally reserved for showcasing the lifestyle and culture of the
era, have lost their authenticity and historical accuracy.
I urge you to reconsider the current arrangement and return to a more
historically faithful curation, allowing visitors to fully appreciate
the opulence and nuances of the Gilded Age without distraction. I
believe this adjustment would not only preserve the integrity of the
Ballentine Mansion but also enhance the overall visitor experience.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that, as a
curator dedicated to the preservation of history and cultural
heritage, you will carefully consider the impact of these changes on
the museum’s mission
My cousin Kathy and I attended the September 13th 1975 Allman Brothers show. My car wouldn’t start after the show so we spent the midnight hours at a diner across rt. 440 sipping coffee until the following morning when we were able to start it.
My car, a 1979 Triumph TR6 was very temperamental and wouldn’t start below a certain temperature. Of course that night was quite cold for September.
Wow, this article brought back a great memory.
I was there too, awesome show. I remember 2 guitarist with the allmans, but looked it up and there was only Dickey Betts…..
I’ve always interpreted the song as a man reassuring his, at least in the moment, insecure lover that she is his priority and he loves her. At the same time he is being real with her and standing up for those that came before her. Each serious relationship had and has meaning that does not detract from the current relationship, and in fact likely allows it to be what it is because of how these past relationships make us who we are today.
June 30, 1974: Seals & Crofts….I recollect that Seals & Croft were billed for that date but we’re unable to be there.
Not sure you’re write about that. Setlist.fm has an entry for them (though it’s just one song). And I found this photo online that’s labeled as drummer Jeff Porcaro performing with Seals & Croft at Roosevelt Stadium in 1974. https://x.com/barneyhurley1/status/1642605248177905666?s=20
I love you Bruce and your mother. Been to many of your concerts and met grouchy Stevie.
I would like your newsletter subscription please
Ok, great
You might notice that the CSNY show on August 8, 1974 coincided with the speech where Richard Nixon resigned from the presidency. We all knew that Nixon had scheduled a speech that night, and David Crosby kept disappearing off-stage between songs so that he would be ready to announce the resignation as soon as it became official.
Hi
My hubby & I are seniors. How can we get the free concert tickets?
It’s explained in story. You can write in or fill out a form online.
Would like to receive free concert tickets
As article says: Visit gsafoundation.org/news-events/upcoming-events and click on the event you are interested in.
When I sat at the Vault last night to see Wingspan, I could close my eyes and actually hear Paul McCartney singing right in front of me. Graham and the band were absolutely FAB. I’ve only been going to shows at the Vault (Beatles mostly and a couple of others) for a couple of years and I am never let down. I am so very happy to find out about this place, where I can sit back and adore my Beatles just like back in the day. Kudos to Graham and the band and everyone else involved with this. I will definitly be back for many shows to come. Very groovy, baby !!!!
Martin Chambers is drumming with them on this tour?
Could I get listed among the artists since Tris McCall reviewed my recent show, Way Finding, at the New Jersey State Museum?
Sure, no problem.
Are the seats assigned?
No
Hi I have ordered tickets for a concert. Are the seats first come first serve? What about for my 90 yr old mom? Can I get her a seat before hand?
The seats are first come, first served. In the case of your mom, I don’t know if it would be possible to get a reserved seat for her beforehand. I recommend you call the Garden State Arts Foundation at (732) 442-9200 or email them at Communications@gsafoundation.org. Good luck!
I like oldies shows
Would be interested in the shows at PNC
I’ve signed up via email to this website on several occasions to no avail. Why am I not receiving notification re upcoming events?
I don’t know — I work for NJArts.net, not the Garden State Arts Foundation — but I would guess because they don’t have any upcoming events scheduled at the moment.
Hi, Went to the concert on May 30th. Was wonderful. Can I receive a schedule for more events?
Go to https://gsafoundation.org and click on red button at top of page that says “Join Mailing List.”
I was at the art center ,I had lawn seats .They didn’t open the gates to venue until 4.40 0m concert had a 5 pm start,because they waited for a weather update. I always love outdoor concerts .the sound was horrible. Some where load,some where way low.