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In a business where success is defined as getting a second single; and
longevity measured in nano-seconds; just surviving for thirty years is a rare
accomplishment. But Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes have not just
survived…they have flourished. Seventeen albums; thousands of live performances
around the globe; a legion of dedicated and enthusiastic fans; dozens of classic
songs; a record-Hearts of Stone-that Billboard called one of the top 100 albums
of the 70's and 80's, and three new records in the making.
Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, Southside's fascination for the
club scene started early. Singing and playing in a number of blues and
R&B bands at what is now the legendary Upstage Club, often joined by pals Bruce
Springsteen, "Miami Steve" Van Zandt, and Garry Tallent,
Johnny worked at making his dream a reality. But not without a lot of
hard work. "We played for years on the shore, but it wasn't until Bruce
hit with "Born to Run" that these A&R guys would drive to Asbury Park
to see what was happening."
Southside and his band, eventually called the Asbury Jukes, worked on
their growing reputation as a dynamic live band through the late 60's and early
70's. Then, in 1975, they signed with CBS/Epic Records and released the
critically acclaimed 'I Don't Want To Go Home' -- and a legend was begun. What
followed was two decades of recording and touring and solidifying a place in
rock 'n roll history…a period of ups and downs, dozens of great songs, and
storied live performances.
With a new Jukes record to be released, the first in three years, 'Into the
Harbour,' Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are brassing their way into the
new millennium the same way they always rocked the old; no holds barred, good
time rock and roll. "We enjoy playing, and the
audience enjoys having a good time. Music is a shared emotion. We distill it
down to that."
When you distill Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, you come down
to great music and good times. It's been thus for thirty years and
counting...
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