The Stone Pony Turns 50

On Thursday night it was a party. A reunion of those who worked, played or came to the Stone Pony, as far back as its inception in the 70’s. Outside, classic cars lined the parking spaces adjacent to the club. Home movies of Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny performing at the Pony were projected onto the wall of the storied venue. Inside, the City of Asbury Park proclaimed February 8, “Stone Pony Day.”

The Stone Pony opened 50 years ago on February 8, 1974. The proclamation reads: The Stone Pony “nestled in the heart of Asbury Park, has been a beacon of musical history for half a century. With unwavering support from artists and fans, it has become the cradle of rock ‘n’ roll legends, producing countless unforgettable moments, and drawing diverse talent and a loyal fanbase to its intimate beachside setting.”

During the day on Saturday, it was a symposium. Opened by Eileen Chapman, the Director of the The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University, she kicked off the event “Spotlighting 50 Legendary Years of Music Memories.” She said, “I believe part of its success is that the club has always continued to present an extremely wide variety of music and musicians through the years, from intimate emerging artist showcases to established international touring acts that attract thousands of fans. But most importantly, from the nightclub’s opening day, everyone involved in the establishment has had a deep love and respect for the music, the musicians, and the audience.” Chapman currently works at Monmouth University, but she also formerly managed the Stone Pony during its rebirth when Dominick Santana reopened the club in 2000. And, prior to that, was a witness to its history when she worked next door at Mrs. Jay’s.

When Eileen mentioned “everyone involved” she meant it. Everyone. The staff, including the bartenders, bouncers, coat check, merch sales, the entire “door.” Promoters, the sound crew and lighting technicians, photographers and videographers. The patrons, the groupies, the press. Throughout the night, panelists referred to themselves and each other as a family, or their experience of being a member of a tribe.

“Coming here was an escape. This was a world unto itself, that we could find ourselves and we could create our own identities in. We could leave the rest behind, show up at the Stone Pony where our music family was and our dear friends and we could have common bonds, share the stories of the day, pop culture and form our own bands, which we all did. And luckily for me, I found my little tribe and Johnny and his gang,” remarked Harry Filkin from Cats on a Smooth Surface.

Tony Pallagrossi shared his perspective about growing up being a part of the music scene and learning from Bobby Bandiera and South Side Johnny Lyons. “You know, late 80s, rock’n’roll set and Bobby and his friends came on the stage. That was going to school for us. I mean, we were just blown away and realized the depth and breadth of this music scene at that time. You would get up on stage and he said he would do Roy Orbison. And, so beautifully…. And singing and playing the guitar parts perfectly. There were a bunch of guys behind him. They were these amazing musicians. And you realize that you’re, you know…these are guys who played seven days a week their whole lives. They were hustling to get gigs. So, you saw some of the best musicianship.” Tony and other musicians talked about being in several different bands through the years. The house bands, like Cats on a Smooth Surface, the Jukes, the Blackberry Boozeband all changed membership during their runs.

Each of the four panel discussions made those present feel they were listening to friends talking about the old days. The stories the panelists told underscored that all were a part of a significant time in American music history, even if they did not know it at the time. It was significant that the location of panelists at the symposium was the stage. A common thread in their recollections was the opportunity the club provided to be creative, to learn from the best, to witness the sounds of Asbury Park become heard around the world.

“The moment that the Pony closed the first time… you guys know this place open and closed a few times through the years? Well, actually when it closed the first time, we played that closing party, right? And I think the stage was over there. They moved the stage. It was like really wacky. That night I sat on, (there’s a little sidewalk I think is still over there), and I watched Mr. Bob Santelli, who we love dearly, carry the stained glass out of the Stone home. And it was going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He probably saw this little kid looking at him going, “holy shit, this thing’s really happening.” And I realized, wow, our little neighborhood is worldwide and there are people that are gonna make sure that the rest of the world knows about your neighborhood. It was quite a moment,” reflected Lee Mrowicki, the Stone Pony DJ.

Saturday night was the show, Decades of Rock: The Stone Pony 50th Anniversary Celebration with the 1970s, performed by Karmic Juggernaut, 1980s performed by Des and the Swagmatics, 1990s performed by Lost in Society, and the 2000s performed by Foes of Fern.

Chapman stated that the The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University will continue to coordinate events about the Stone Pony throughout this anniversary year. Executive Director Bob Santelli invited everyone who has a story to tell about the Stone Pony to contact the Center and volunteer for their oral history project. To get involved contact Jeri Houseworth, Programs, at [email protected].