I Don't Want to Go Home: The Oral History of the Stone Pony

The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, is the subject of Nick Corasaniti's book, which tells the story of the club's rise, fall, and rebirth. It features exclusive, never-before-seen photos from Danny Clinch and interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, Southside Johnny, members of the E Street Band and Asbury Jukes, the Ramones, the Jonas Brothers, Jack Antonoff, and other legendary musicians. The book chronicles the story of a proud and unique cultural mecca blooming in a down-but-not-yet-out tough town, and how it became an international rock pilgrimage site for fans of Springsteen, punk rockers, jam bands, pop, indie, alternative, and many other musicians.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

“Reading Nick Corasanitis’ delightful book about the storied Asbury Park, New Jersey, club is like sitting at your favorite bar listening to the old regulars tell magnificent stories.” — Rolling Stone, Best Music Books of the Year A captivating oral history of the iconic music venue the Stone Pony and of the rise, fall, and rebirth of Asbury Park, New Jersey—featuring interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, Southside Johnny, members of the E Street Band and Asbury Jukes, the Ramones, the Jonas Brothers, Jack Antonoff, and other legendary musicians. Featuring exclusive, never-before-seen photos from Danny Clinch In 1970, Asbury Park, New Jersey, was ripped apart by race riots that left the once-proud beach town an hour away from Manhattan smoldering, suffering, and left for dead. Four years later, a few miles down the coast in Seaside Heights, two bouncers, Jack Roig and Butch Pielka, tired of the daily grind, dreamed of owning their own place. Under-prepared and minimally funded, the two bought the first bar they considered, in a city where no one wanted to be, without setting one foot in the place. They named it the Stone Pony, and turned it into a rock club that Bruce Springsteen would soon call home and a dying town would call its beating heart. But the bar had to fight to survive. Despite its success in launching and attracting rockers like Stevie Van Zandt, "Southside" Johnny Lyon, and Springsteen, the Stone Pony—like everything in Asbury Park for the past half century—could only weather the drags of a depressed city for so long. How did the Stone Pony beat the odds to survive? How did it become an international rock pilgrimage site, not just for fans of Springsteen, but for punk rockers, jam bands, pop, indie, alternative, and many other musicians as well? And how did it become a symbol of hope and resilience for a city that had been written off as dead? These are the questions that Nick Corasanitis sets out to answer in his new book, "The Stone Pony: The Legendary Story of the Asbury Park Rock Club." Corasanitis, a lifelong Asbury Park resident and music lover, has been documenting the city's music scene for over 20 years. His book is a labor of love, a tribute to the people and places that have made Asbury Park a musical mecca. The book begins with the Stone Pony's humble beginnings, tracing the club's history from its opening in 1974 to its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s. Corasanitis interviews a wide range of musicians, including Springsteen, Van Zandt, Lyon, and members of the E Street Band and Asbury Jukes, as well as other notable figures in the music industry. He also includes exclusive, never-before-seen photos from Danny Clinch, a renowned music photographer who has captured countless iconic moments in rock history. One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is Corasanitis' ability to capture the essence of the Stone Pony's atmosphere. He describes the club as a place where "the music never stopped, the drinks never stopped flowing, and the party never stopped." He recounts stories of legendary performances by Springsteen, Van Zandt, and other artists, as well as the club's role in the development of punk rock and the rise of the New Jersey music scene. The book also explores the challenges that the Stone Pony faced during its early years, including the competition from other clubs in the area and the changing tastes of music fans. Despite these challenges, the Stone Pony remained a vital part of the Asbury Park community, hosting charity events, fundraisers, and community gatherings. It also became a hub for the local music scene, with many local bands and artists getting their start at the club. In the 1990s, the Stone Pony faced another challenge when the city of Asbury Park was hit hard by the economic downturn. Many businesses in the area closed, and the city's population declined. The Stone Pony was no exception, and it was forced to close its doors for a period of time. However, in 2005, the club was reopened by a new owner, and it has since become a thriving business once again. The book also explores the impact that the Stone Pony has had on the music industry as a whole. Corasanitis notes that the club has been a breeding ground for many successful musicians, and that its influence can be heard in the music of countless artists. He also discusses the club's role in the development of the music festival industry, and how it has helped to bring music to a wider audience. In conclusion, "The Stone Pony: The Legendary Story of the Asbury Park Rock Club" is a must-read for anyone who loves music. Corasanitis' book is a captivating oral history of the iconic music venue and of the rise, fall, and rebirth of Asbury Park, New Jersey. It features exclusive, never-before-seen photos from Danny Clinch, and interviews with a wide range of musicians, including Springsteen, Van Zandt, Lyon, and members of the E Street Band and Asbury Jukes. The book explores the challenges that the Stone Pony faced during its early years, as well as its role in the development of punk rock and the rise of the New Jersey music scene. It also explores the impact that the Stone Pony has had on the music industry as a whole, and how it has helped to bring music to a wider audience. Whether you are a fan of Springsteen, punk rock, or any other genre of music, this book is sure to inspire you and make you appreciate the power of music.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062950789