Stan's report from seeing Bruce at the Stone Pony

[stang]

What can I say, just another magical night at the Jersey Shore.
It seemed like the late 1980s again, when Bruce was seen at the Stone Pony a lot. Just wandering through the bar, having a good time.
Here's the details as I was fortunate to be there.
Doors opened to the Pony around 4 p.m. Joe Durso came on first, big crowd but not really uncomfortable.
Graham Parker played a great solo set from about 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. Really good stuff.
About 7:15 p.m. a friend comes up to me and said those magic words "Bruce is here!" She said she just saw him in the back of the Pony.
I honestly didn't think he would show, I knew it was a possibility but it just doesn't happen as much these days with him having kids etc.
I was trying to find people to tell but I didn't want to lose my spot which was about 10 people back center from the stage.
The show was in the outdoor area behind the Pony, they had the inside open also. Not a bad place to see the show.
I could see others had gotten the word that Bruce was in the house as I saw some people saying "Oh, My God! He is!"
Southside came on around 7:30 p.m. and played a great set with the full horns section. Around 8:25 p.m. one of the roadies talks to Southside and so does Tony Paligrosi, the promoter of the show.
Southside comes on and says there are tornado warnings in the area and that he was near one a couple years ago (in Nashville, where he lives) and that we have to take this seriously and we don't want anyone to get hurt.
He says they'll play as long as they can.
They do a few more songs when at 8:40 p.m. Southside says, "I need some help on this one. I need some BIG help on this one," and who comes out from the right side of stage but Mr. Bruce Springsteen.
Southside then says: "If I going to die tonight, I'm going to take him with me" refering to Bruce.
The surge in the crowd was amazing, everyone became electrified, it was like everyone was told they had just won a million dollars in the lottery.
It's those magic moments that make a night like this just so special.
Bruce came out and the Jukes and Johnny went into The Fever. Bruce sang in a microphone to Southside's right but for awhile they didn't have the volume up that loud and you really couldn't hear what he was singing (although we knew the words).
Bruce was playing guitar also and he had some real kick-ass solos.
Following "The Fever" they went ito "I Don't Want To Go Home."
Bruce look really relaxed on stage. He was wearing a blue baseball cap (with an "M" on it) and a red bandana (sort of like his Born In The USA days).
They then played "Working To Hard" followed by "Trapped Again." Southside Johnny sang the majority of the vocals on these songs but Bruce joined in and again was playing some great guitar solos.
Graham Parker then joined them on stage where they played Aretha Franklin's "Chain, Chain Chain."
They then played a good part of "Born on the Bayou."
Again Southside and Graham Parker did most of the vocals with Bruce taking a solo here and there.
They then closed with a rousing "Having a Party." Bruce was onstage for a good 50 minutes.
There was a lot of great interplay between Bruce and Southside.
Not sure if the show was cut short because of the tornado warnings but it really was amazing.
However the story doesn't end there. Bruce hung around the Stone Pony for another hour-and-45-minutes.
After Southside's show was over, a lot of people went inside the Stone Pony and when I did, I noticed a lot of people mingling by the back bar.
I walk back there on the other side and lo-and-behold, there's Bruce standing at the back bar having a beer. Terry Magovern was near him as was a bouncer from the Stone Pony.
And who is sitting right next to Bruce, our very own Rosie! (Rosierocd) from Live Daily and Christie (CWGourmet). Bruce stayed at the bar for a good 10 minutes and Rosie was talking away with him.
I talked to her afterward and she says she was just hanging at the back bar when Bruce walked up right next to her! She said she spoke to him a bit about baseball and a few other things. Plus she sad something about there backs and butts touching at times when he turned around.
Dr. T was nearby also and while Bruce was next to her, I was right on the other side of the bar to Rosie and she kept asking me if I had a camera to take a picture of this once-in-a-lifetime Kodak moment. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera but I told her I would be her witness and post it right here on Live Daily.
It was funny, after awhile Rosie was just chatting away with Christie and others at the bar, so non-chalant that the biggest rock star in the world was standing right next to her.
Bruce then went in the back room of the Pony and went back to the outside area for awhile. He stood outside and talked (in a private backstage area which was visible to the crowd) to people for a good half hour or so.
He then went to the DJ booth to watch a bit of Lance Larson play and this 13-year-old guitar wizard whose name I think is Brian Harvey (please correct me if I'm wrong).
Bruce stayed in the DJ booth for about a half hour and the Stone Pony had a four bouncers stationed nearby to make sure no one bothered him. It was funny watching a lot of the crowd go wherever Bruce went.
Finally about 11:15 p.m., Bruce decided to leave and the bouncers escorted himout to the area behind the outdoor stage where he parked his car.
I happened to be right in the area he was walking toward, and got a handshake from his as he left.
He was really having a good time all night and it reminded me of the days in the 1980s when he used to be at the Stone Pony a lot.
If you stayed with my story this long, thank you and I hope I gave you a little bit of the feel of what it was like Sunday night in Asbury Park.
Stan

[Edited by stang on May 27th, 2001 at 10:51 PM]

[Tooth Fairy]

Stan the Man,
THANK YOU!!As usual you captured the whole event with all your exciting details. CHAIN, CHAIN CHAIN!!!! How I would have loved to hear that one! If this doesn't bring back the boardwalk to its original glory, nothing will. Was our Bruce "mother" there??

[ForYou]

Thanks for another great report Stan. Was Gee there? If so I know we'll have pictures. I'm going to bed now and bury my head under the pillow. I may not come out this time. This was missed opportunity #3.

[Voyager]

Thanks for the great report, Stan! Just love all those details - "almost" as good as being there. Sounds like a really good evening - I so wish I lived closer...
Anne

[brucegroupie]

Thanks for the GREAT report Stan! :) I thought for sure you'd be posting one. Reading your report is just like being there, so I'm thankful for that.

[Marsha]

Was a bad hair day anyhow.
Stan you must start carrying a camera. No autographs?
That would really kill me.
I haven't had enough torture-who got an autograph?

Thanks for the great report Stan.
If it wasn't for that stupid no under 18 rule...
Next time.

Marsha

[stang]

No autographs this time, didn't see Bruce sign any and even when he was at the back bar I don't think anyone asked him for one.
Lots of people got handshakes though.
A lot of Live Daily folks at the Stone Pony, not sure of everyone's board names but did see quite a few familiar faces including Hazey Davey, Billy from New York and others who I met at Bruceathon.
I'll let you know if there's anything in the local papers.
Stan

[Marsha]

Thank God! No autographs!

Before I die, I want an autograph and a pic with Bruce.
To die in a tornado with Bruce and Southside...not so terrible. There are worse ways to go.

Marsha

[Phillyfan1]

WOW ! What a night ! I was lucky to be there also, Stan you described the night to a tee. I was also at the back bar when Bruce was sitting there having his beer, I was sitting at the Bar only 4 people away ! Thats about as close as I could get, it was very crowded.
Great to see some old LD and Greasy Lake friends, wish I had the chance to meet more of you last night, but it was so crowded and kind of hard to find people.
When are we doing it again ?? I think I'll be on cloud 9 for quite some time
Thanks Bruce !

BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[trappedhc]

Wow! What a great report!!! I always enjoy reading your posts, never post myself (not since the last tour) But this warranted a reply!!! Thank you so much for your report!!!! You gave those of us who couldn't be there a real thrill.
What did we do before the computer? Thank You, thank you, thank you!
Hope

[Marsha]

Bruce Springsteen takes the Stone Pony by storm


Published in the Asbury Park Press 5/28/01
By AMY BRIA
FREEHOLD BUREAU
ASBURY PARK -- Stone Pony owner Domenic Santana was monitoring a tornado that was in the area last night, seeing if the storm would hit the second that rocker Bruce Springsteen stepped onstage in a surprise performance.

"Every time he hits the stage, there's a storm," Santana said. "That's not Mother Nature; he just creates his own."

The long lines for the bathroom instantly disappeared as fans started screaming "Bruce" and realized the rumor traveling throughout the bar was true: Springsteen was in the building.

Wearing jeans, a blue T-shirt, a backward baseball cap and a bandanna, Springsteen grabbed a guitar and walked onstage.

John McLinden, who lives in Somerset County, said he's seen Springsteen perform between 25 and 30 times, but he was at the Stone Pony last night to see Southside Johnny. Springsteen was an extra treat.

"I like them both," McLinden said.

Springsteen, who grew up in Freehold and lives in Rumson and Colts Neck, joined Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes an hour into the band's performance.

"You just don't expect it to happen," said Kelli Covert, a fan. "We had no idea he was going to come out."

Chicago resident Will Gage, 28, visited New Jersey this weekend for the first time specifically to see all the "Springsteen stuff" along the Shore. Gage, his brother and friend went to the Stone Pony two nights in a row, hoping that something like last night's appearance might occur.

"We just figured we'd give it a shot," Gage said. "We're here on vacation for exactly this."

Gage, who said his tastes in music while growing up were influenced by his uncles Ralph and Tom, cheered and whistled when Springsteen took the stage with Southside Johnny at 8:40 p.m. to sing "The Fever," which was written by Springsteen. Onstage for about an hour, Springsteen also joined in on other Southside staples, "Having A Party," "I Don't Want To Go Home" and "Trapped Again."

"This is the highlight of my life right now," Gage said.

For Santana, the night was a milestone - the one-year anniversary of the legendary club's reopening.

He released 27 balloons when Springsteen took the stage, representing the 27 years of the Stone Pony's history.

"It might be cold and chilly, but we have plenty of warm bodies here," Santana said. "When he hit the stage, the tornadoes ran the other way."



Published on May 28, 2001

[dari]

i want the tape...well okay cd.

dari
p.s. stan how did the tour go or didn't it?

[Marsha]

I want the album.

[dari]

marsha

me too!!!!!! all 12 inches of it...


dari

[AMIW]

As Stan mentioned Rosie and Christie have many tales to tell of their trip to the Pony with Doc. I have just finished listening to Christie telling me by phone of how she was sitting in the back bar when Bruce first appeared (ie before he went to stage) and how she had a Tequilla with him and shook his hand and well i'll let her tell the
other stuff...

Then after Bruce had finished playing both Rosie and Christie went up on the roof with several other people and I think that there was where Rosie's butt touched Bruce's! but at this point christie despite being the shy and retiring lady we all know (:==:) was getting too excited and talking way too fast for me.

I'm sure more details of the WWA emcounter with Bruce will
emerge as the days go on just as soon as christie comes
down off cloud 9.

Regards

Andrew.D.Wicks

[gyspyangel]

as always, Stan, you captured a magical night with your expressive words!! I am so envious this time...as I couldn't make it to the shows..I am so glad that everyone there had a great time...there is always next time..I miss my buds here at live daily..only 15 days left of school!!

my best to you all!!

Love
gypsy
Rosie

[Douger]

Stan, this is a total fabrication! Bruce was in L.A. watching the Lakers beat the hell out of San Antonio. And those scrubs from Philadelpia are next.! Great story Stan, keep in touch and I know Bruce misses California with all the blackouts and gas prices. Again, take care, douger.

[Toots]

Last night when I read that Bruce was at the Pony last night I sunk into a deep blue funk. It didn't help matters that it was the one year anniversary of seeing him in Vegas. So I tried listening to Back in Your Arms, it didn't help. I watched the HBO special again, it didn't help. I tried wild, hot, sweaty.......Okay that helped some, but only until the earth stopped shaking. (At least I didn't say "OhhhhhhhhBruuuuuuuucccccce) ;)

Glad everyone had a good time. I can't wait for all of the stories.

Toots

[NCBruce Fan]

Just a typical Sunday evening at the Jersey shore, right? How I would just love to have a beer with Bruce. Rosie and Christie, the next time I take you guys to the airport, you have to tell me all the details, ok?

Sounds like everyone had a great time at the Pony last night! I actually gave it a little thought to driving up for the weekend, but then I would have had to give up a date Friday night. Bruce or the girl....it's tough, but this girl would win ;).

I'm glad everyone enjoyed themselves. Bruce, come on down to Myrtle Beach on Saturday!

Ken

[trappedhc]

Wow! What a great report!!! I always enjoy reading your posts, never post myself (not since the last tour) But this warranted a reply!!! Thank you so much for your report!!!! You gave those of us who couldn't be there a real thrill.
What did we do before the computer? Thank You, thank you, thank you!
Hope

[Visiting from RMAS]

The best part of the news from the Stone Pony was hearing that you two were in the middle of it all.

:D

Hoping our paths cross again before too long,

Mike (aka Bluetele)

[Edited by Visiting from RMAS on May 28th, 2001 at 10:25 AM]

[piwi]

Stan - what a great report. Thanks for sharing your memories with us.

After reading this Voyager and I decided this morning to be the next time with you all. No matter when - we will catch a flight over the big pond to see you all again.

CWGourmet: then I'll bring some Jever for you - if you introduce me to Bruce now that you're (and your butt) are so familiar to him :D

[dhenise]

Another friggin' awesome night(s) at the PONY!! Drank enough this weekend to tide me over for weeks. It was great seeing everyone Saturday (Dirty Annie, don't forget to email if you want to see the list), and I have to take a second to give a thumbs up to Gary US Bonds. I thought he was great! Really had the crowd going. Met him after the show, and must say Billy was right. The guy is a class act. He spent time talking to everyone.

Sunday's show was .............. well I guess Stan captured it pretty damn well. I counted 8 songs (one was a James Brown tune - "I've got the Feelin'"??????), but it really doesn't matter. All I can say is BRuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuCE!

I had figured I was in for a long day because the wife wanted to be there at 3:00. I said no way, so we got there at 3:30 and ..yikes... a line. I was then treated to some very colorful comments, but she soon cooled down when she realized we were only 20 - 30 people back. Doors opened and when we got inside folks were drifting around - to tables, bars etc... We went straight to the stage. Second row dead center (REALLY HOPE THE PICTURES COME OUT)! I looked at Christine and said "Are you sure you can do this?" She is a big D'Urso fan, so I was praying she would say yes. She gave the thumbs up, so I knew I was gonna be rockin'. I got to see a few of the Live Daily folks, and really feel bad about not spending more time talking. However, I'd heard "the rumor" some time ago, so I decided to go for show. I didn't see Bruce's amp or Kevin, so I was bumming. I was ready to move back towards the LD folks, when the guy who told me about all this walked up. He told me to stay where I was. Still didn't feel real good till we spotted Terry. Then an amp shows up on stage, and a few minutes later Bruce walks out with Bobby B's guitar. I'm not 100% sure on that, but it looked just like the guitar Bobby played the night before.

Apologies to those I didn't really get time to talk to. Hope you understand - it's that "Bruce thing." I WAS lucky enough to say hello to Live Daily's first family, and did give strong consideration to 69 Chevy's alternate viewing point - THE BAR!! Thought Doc was gonna stay up front, but I think the "bar god" was callin'.

I need to plug Joe D'Urso while I'm here. Third time I've seen him, and this was by far his best performance. Graham Parker is a VERY talented musician, but an acoustic set shoulda been first. Joe D. should have followed him. If you haven't heard any of Joe's stuff, I would suggest giving it a listen.

While I'm here:

JanieGirl - you made the RIGHT choice!

Stan, were you wearing a Yanks hat and jean jacket? I know Dari introduced us at the holiday show, but I wasn't sure.

69 Chevy - How was that view from the bar?

Tougher Than - You are still the LD good luck charm!!!

Joe and Michelle - All I can say is "THANKS".

Hazey - I was singin' the whole way home. Thanks bro!!!

Greasy Lakers - A GREAT group of folks. I only met a few because I'm not too great in crowds. Did get to say congrats to the newlyweds, and also thanked Karstan for supplying another great Bruce forum. As always, I thanked (for about the 100th time) GL's Jukebox Grad for getting me to the holiday show.

To everyone I got to spend time with - Thanks for taking part in making this an AWESOME weekend for me. "Hi, my name is Dave and I'm a Bruce-aholic."

D




[Edited by dhenise on May 28th, 2001 at 02:50 PM]

[MEW]

O.k., this is it. It's time to give my husband the boot. I told him weeks ago that we had to go to the Pony this weekend to see Bruce, but he refused to believe me. He keeps dredging up this Christmas show I dragged him to several years ago...
What judge could deny me a divorce on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment in refusing to let me see Bruce???
Next time, I'm there, after all. what's a little tornado? HE can stay at home with the kiddies.

[doctort]

just got home, had the awesome previlege of taking Christie to the airport but I think she could probably have floated home, I told her she has to post all the details as its her story to tell and I got goosebumps every time she told it today - I also told Rosie and Christie that they better not let me out of their sight next time - it was such a special night, I mean there were so many folks there from this board and Greasy Lake and the buzz that just tore through the crowd when we saw Bruce walk backstage was incredible - I asked Thunderds and Ace what they were gonna do for their 2nd week of marriage - gotta agree with Dave, Tougher Than is the official Live Daily good luck charm and Joe Durso totally rocks, Gary US Bonds was fabulous, and you have to check out Bocci Galupe and the Bad Boys, these guys rock

well, I said I was gonna come home and try to get some sleep but after reading all this, guess I will be on the phone the rest of the night

as Andrew used to post after every show last year, these truly are Better Days

now , does anyone believe lighting can strike 3 times ??

oh and one more thing, I'm so glad I'm part of this crazy wonderful family, you guys are the best

Doc

[69 Chevy]

Hey, it was fun seeing everyone, at least everyone who's face I remembered; it's a funny thing that alcohol and old age does to ya!

DH:
View from the bar sucked. But after 5 hours of standing, we just had to sit! We really enjoyed hearing what we heard, and being there to share with everyone.

AND ABOUT JOE D'URSO:
We're gonna be everywhere the Caravan plays, 'cause this guy is really special! If the thunderstorms came in after Joe D' was done, it would have been worth the 25 bucks!
They'll be:
Next Sat, June 2nd 9pm "sharp" at Desmond's - 29th Street and Park Ave, NYC. We'll be there.

[dari]

these stories are great!!!

please, if you were there POST your experience. the rest of us have to live vicariously through this stuff...


dari

[ohcarol]

Well, since Dari asked. . .

I was there. I'm a huge Jukes fan, so I was on line good & early and up front by the stage. Southside did a fabuluous show. There was a real sense of urgency in the set, since they were trying to get it all in before the tornado warnings forced them to cancel the show (luckily, they got almost a full show in). So I'm dancing as much as I can after the Bruce-crush hit, minding my own business, and then Southside reaches down and pulls me up on stage. Somehow, with a lot of pushing from my friends, I got up there and held Southside's mike stand over the crowd so they can sing "Having a Party." Southside sort of danced me over to Bruce's side of the stage, Bruce starts this really, really cute sort of twist thing, and I tried really hard to dance while holding a great big mike stand. The rest of it is kind of fuzzy, but somehow I got back to my spot in front of the stage and remembered how to breathe again.

It was a complete and total thrill, and if anyone got pictures or video, I would so love to talk to you about getting copies. Please PM me here, or e-mail me at carolgrbr@yahoo.com

[dhenise]

This is too much!! Every time I think LD can't do any better, you guys pull off more amazing feats: Rosie and CW inside, and now we have Carol who decides to join the band!! WOW!!

By the way folks, Carol did a GREAT job! Led a great sing-along and did a mini twist. I couldn't read SSJ's lips, but it looked to me like he wanted you to go over and sing with Bruce. Regardless, congrats are certainly in order. WAY TO GO!!

D

[dari]

ohcarol


all i can say is........ OH CAROL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you lucky girl and the envy of all of us sitting here reading.


dari

[ohcarol]

Dhenise,

As much as I wish that Southside was asking me to sing with Bruce, he wasn't. He asked me if he'd hurt my leg and I had no idea what he was talking about. Until the next morning.

All I can say is that Bruce-fueled adrenaline is a great anaesthetic. ;-)

-- Carol

[CathC]

StanG - what a GREAT post! Thank you SO MUCH - you gave me goosebumps! I logged onto the board Sun. night about 11pm and got so depressed I couldn't come back till this morning. I was thisclose to coming down on Sunday, I'm only half an hour away. Still kicking myself.

Ohcarol - OH MY GOD! :)

[Candy's Boy]

http://home.hetnet.nl/~betrue/ssjpony02.jpg
Way to go CWG;)

[Stevens]

Trying to find out who the girl is that was hanging out with Bruce and Boccigalupe at the back bar the night of the show. I saw her there all week-end. She has short blond hair. Does she work for one of them.

[dari]

well here's another picture of bruce from the pony. it was last night....


http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1423977&a=10660278&p=50133333&Sequence=0&res=high

...in 1989.


dari