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I Don't Want to Go Home: The Oral History of the Stone Pony
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, dreamt 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 continue to inspire and influence a hall-of-fame list of New Jersey and national rock stars? The story of the Stone Pony—thrillingly charted in this detailed oral history—is the chronicle of a proud and unique cultural mecca blooming in a down-but-not-yet-out tough town. As Nick Corasaniti reveals, the stories of Asbury Park and the Stone Pony are that of modern America itself—a place of battered hopes, big dreams, and dogged resilience.
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, dreamt 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 continue to inspire and influence a hall-of-fame list of New Jersey and national rock stars? The story of the Stone Pony—thrillingly charted in this detailed oral history—is the chronicle of a proud and unique cultural mecca blooming in a down-but-not-yet-out tough town. As Nick Corasaniti reveals, the stories of Asbury Park and the Stone Pony are that of modern America itself—a place of battered hopes, big dreams, and dogged resilience.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2024
101 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 7, 2024
As someone who grew up in NJ in the 90’s/2000’s I have very specific memories of Asbury Park. I also remember the first time my parents ever agreed to let me go to the Stone Pony … I was in middle school. It was a school night. Not sure how that happened. BUT I remember feeling the magic that so many describe in this book. There is something about the Pony that nobody will understand until they’ve experienced it themselves.
This book gave me so much more detail on things that I have heard bits and pieces of but spun it into easy to read interview responses while telling the entire history of the Pony and the city of Asbury Park.
The interviews are great and are a wide variety of people - performers, employees and government officials … those I never would’ve thought to include. Research was done. A lot of NJ musicians from various decades are included. I know Bruce is a basically New Jersey’s musical sweetheart (and I’m not knocking that at all) but seeing smaller artists who got to see a similar love for the venue was great.
I no longer live in NJ and often times miss Asbury / shows at the Pony dearly but reading this awoken something inside me and that desire is stronger than ever.
I’m buying this to keep in my living room the moment it releases for all my loved ones to peek at and enjoy.
This book gave me so much more detail on things that I have heard bits and pieces of but spun it into easy to read interview responses while telling the entire history of the Pony and the city of Asbury Park.
The interviews are great and are a wide variety of people - performers, employees and government officials … those I never would’ve thought to include. Research was done. A lot of NJ musicians from various decades are included. I know Bruce is a basically New Jersey’s musical sweetheart (and I’m not knocking that at all) but seeing smaller artists who got to see a similar love for the venue was great.
I no longer live in NJ and often times miss Asbury / shows at the Pony dearly but reading this awoken something inside me and that desire is stronger than ever.
I’m buying this to keep in my living room the moment it releases for all my loved ones to peek at and enjoy.
April 1, 2024
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper for giving me an advanced copy to read and review.
Having family who live near Asbury Park, along with my dad who grew up in the area, I was used to hearing stories of the Stony Pony and Asbury in General. Now, having read this, this book confirms to me what my family has told me about the place and the town. Seeing Asbury thrive and the entire Jersey Shore as well makes me happy to see this as well.
Regarding the actual book, I thought that this was a good Oral History which highlighted more the Pony than just Bruce. I was happy that Mr. Corasaniti highlighted him when he needed to and not make this all about Bruce and have the Pony as a background.
I think the biggest issues that I had were that some of the chapters made no sense into why they were included, and I feel that he could have had a description of who the people were when they were introduced in the book rather that at the front of it. I know I was reading this digitally, but even if I had a hard copy, I think that flipping back and forth to see who was who could get annoying.
Overall, a great read and will be ordering several copies when it comes out for my family for sure.
Having family who live near Asbury Park, along with my dad who grew up in the area, I was used to hearing stories of the Stony Pony and Asbury in General. Now, having read this, this book confirms to me what my family has told me about the place and the town. Seeing Asbury thrive and the entire Jersey Shore as well makes me happy to see this as well.
Regarding the actual book, I thought that this was a good Oral History which highlighted more the Pony than just Bruce. I was happy that Mr. Corasaniti highlighted him when he needed to and not make this all about Bruce and have the Pony as a background.
I think the biggest issues that I had were that some of the chapters made no sense into why they were included, and I feel that he could have had a description of who the people were when they were introduced in the book rather that at the front of it. I know I was reading this digitally, but even if I had a hard copy, I think that flipping back and forth to see who was who could get annoying.
Overall, a great read and will be ordering several copies when it comes out for my family for sure.
August 4, 2025
”It was a desolate, dangerous, dark, scary place, Asbury Park. It was the perfect place to throw a rave. It was the perfect place for kids to go see a punk rock show because none of them were scared."
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January 11, 2025“So it was a home for music that had no home elsewhere.”
I LOVE NEW JERSEY!!!!! No one could ever make me hate this state and the scene it created and the music it produced. Bruce Springsteen is my dad, Bon Jovi is my uncle. The Gaslight Anthem are my brothers. Southside Johnny is my cousin!!!!!!!
The Stone Pony is such a special venue and such an important part of every emo kid who grew up in New Jersey’s life why did I cry so much reading this. A book full of NJ Warriors I know that’s right!!!!
I LOVE NEW JERSEY!!!!! No one could ever make me hate this state and the scene it created and the music it produced. Bruce Springsteen is my dad, Bon Jovi is my uncle. The Gaslight Anthem are my brothers. Southside Johnny is my cousin!!!!!!!
The Stone Pony is such a special venue and such an important part of every emo kid who grew up in New Jersey’s life why did I cry so much reading this. A book full of NJ Warriors I know that’s right!!!!
December 18, 2024
This is a 3.5 rounded up.
I noticed this book at the Asbury Book Cooperative in Asbury Park. I didn't buy it then, but took note of it, and when I needed a new audio book, I found it on Libby. I highly recommend listening to it as it's an 'oral history' and made for a quick, informative and entertaining listen.
As a musician who spent my summers in nearby Avon-By-The-Sea, I found this incredibly interesting on many levels. It is a very in-depth collection of stories from people who worked at The Sone Pony, visited as patrons, and performed as musicians. I expected it to be mostly about Bruce Springsteen (and a lot of it is) but this book spans the entire history of The Sone Pony, from its inception through to today, and included excepts from interviews with all kinds of performers like Patti Smith, Tom Morello, Jack Antonoff and even The Jonas Brothers.
I liked that this was easy to consume, and easy to follow. The Stone Pony, and Asbury Park itself, went through a lot of ups and downs, all of which are really well documented and explained. I learned a lot more about the town than I thought I would. I also liked that the author collected so many first-hand stories from all types of people, not just the famous ones.
Three things I didn't love about the book:
1. It could've used a lot more editing. I understand not wanting to edit direct quotes from interviews, but they included so many small snippets of people talking about the same events and saying the exact same thing. Maybe it was for emphasis, but several times I found myself thinking, "Enough already, I get it!"
2. Before each person speaks, the narrator says their name, but if they weren't super famous (like anyone mentioned above) I didn't know if they were an employee, a patron or a performer. Some I could tell via context clues, but I would've liked to know what bands they were in, or what era they'd worked at the pony. It would've given me a lot more context.
3. The male narrator did his best to emulate the person speaking, (his Springsteen and Russell Crowe voices were particularly good), but I found the female narrator to be too animated. Additionally the inflection in her voice made every woman speaking sound exactly the same - there's just something about it that I didn't like.
I'd recommend (and already have) this to anyone who plays/has played music in New Jersey, or to anyone who has an affinity for Asbury Park. I've seen so much merch down there stating "Music Saved Asbury Park" and it's true - not just music, but the people who love music, and who love that town. This book is a great record of a place of real historical importance in our state. Of course, to Bruce fans, too.
I noticed this book at the Asbury Book Cooperative in Asbury Park. I didn't buy it then, but took note of it, and when I needed a new audio book, I found it on Libby. I highly recommend listening to it as it's an 'oral history' and made for a quick, informative and entertaining listen.
As a musician who spent my summers in nearby Avon-By-The-Sea, I found this incredibly interesting on many levels. It is a very in-depth collection of stories from people who worked at The Sone Pony, visited as patrons, and performed as musicians. I expected it to be mostly about Bruce Springsteen (and a lot of it is) but this book spans the entire history of The Sone Pony, from its inception through to today, and included excepts from interviews with all kinds of performers like Patti Smith, Tom Morello, Jack Antonoff and even The Jonas Brothers.
I liked that this was easy to consume, and easy to follow. The Stone Pony, and Asbury Park itself, went through a lot of ups and downs, all of which are really well documented and explained. I learned a lot more about the town than I thought I would. I also liked that the author collected so many first-hand stories from all types of people, not just the famous ones.
Three things I didn't love about the book:
1. It could've used a lot more editing. I understand not wanting to edit direct quotes from interviews, but they included so many small snippets of people talking about the same events and saying the exact same thing. Maybe it was for emphasis, but several times I found myself thinking, "Enough already, I get it!"
2. Before each person speaks, the narrator says their name, but if they weren't super famous (like anyone mentioned above) I didn't know if they were an employee, a patron or a performer. Some I could tell via context clues, but I would've liked to know what bands they were in, or what era they'd worked at the pony. It would've given me a lot more context.
3. The male narrator did his best to emulate the person speaking, (his Springsteen and Russell Crowe voices were particularly good), but I found the female narrator to be too animated. Additionally the inflection in her voice made every woman speaking sound exactly the same - there's just something about it that I didn't like.
I'd recommend (and already have) this to anyone who plays/has played music in New Jersey, or to anyone who has an affinity for Asbury Park. I've seen so much merch down there stating "Music Saved Asbury Park" and it's true - not just music, but the people who love music, and who love that town. This book is a great record of a place of real historical importance in our state. Of course, to Bruce fans, too.
May 23, 2024
Harper Collins provided an early galley for review.
Over the past few years, I've read several nonfiction books done in this oral history format (what I like to refer to as "the talking heads documentary style"). I find it works well for me; for other readers the mileage might vary. This time we're swinging down the Jersey shore to a famous watering hole that was the epicenter of a lot of great music.
This slice of history is presented by the likes of Southside Johnny, Little Steven, Bruce Springsteen (and many in his circle), John Cafferty (of the "...and the Beaver Brown Band" fame), and so so many more. The cast of characters alone has over 100 names and runs five pages. Corasaniti has done his research and conducted many original interviews to put this story together.
The remembrances and anecdotes cover a lot of ground, featuring both local acts that got their start in Asbury Park as well as many national acts that passed through town. The reader gets an overall sense of what that music scene was like, especially from the people who worked there night after night, year after year.
For music fans, this is definitely an enlightening read. But, more than that, it paints the picture of the rise and fall and rise again of not just a famous music spot but also a community.
Over the past few years, I've read several nonfiction books done in this oral history format (what I like to refer to as "the talking heads documentary style"). I find it works well for me; for other readers the mileage might vary. This time we're swinging down the Jersey shore to a famous watering hole that was the epicenter of a lot of great music.
This slice of history is presented by the likes of Southside Johnny, Little Steven, Bruce Springsteen (and many in his circle), John Cafferty (of the "...and the Beaver Brown Band" fame), and so so many more. The cast of characters alone has over 100 names and runs five pages. Corasaniti has done his research and conducted many original interviews to put this story together.
The remembrances and anecdotes cover a lot of ground, featuring both local acts that got their start in Asbury Park as well as many national acts that passed through town. The reader gets an overall sense of what that music scene was like, especially from the people who worked there night after night, year after year.
For music fans, this is definitely an enlightening read. But, more than that, it paints the picture of the rise and fall and rise again of not just a famous music spot but also a community.
June 1, 2024
Thanks netgalley and harper for letting me review this ARC! I am sneaking this review in right before publish date.
If new jersey has one fan, its me, if its got no fans im dead, etc, so reading the story of one of few pieces of my home state that is looked on fondly by both locals and the rest of the world was a treat. This oral history starts with the asbury riots and ends with the SeaHearNow festival, hitting all the important music, political, and emotion points on the way. It watches the pony fly and fail from a local bar with a great house band to a power house music venue and the fertile ground for njs music scene. Yes, bruce springsteen and south side johnny stories make up like a good 3/4 of the book but selfishly i love the punk and hardcore chapters, and thank god the souls get their due for really holding asbury and the pony together from the 90s til now. So many stories in this book are priceless- can you imagine pulling up to the sand lot and seeing the e street band pitching softball to a seven foot tall pony bouncer? I love to think about it. I think some of the anecdotes maybe got repeated from a few too many points of view, and sometimes i felt like i was slogging through a bunch of whiteboy whining to get to a good story, but overall, i really enjoyed reading this and i am definitely going to be giving this book to a lot of people for christmas.
If new jersey has one fan, its me, if its got no fans im dead, etc, so reading the story of one of few pieces of my home state that is looked on fondly by both locals and the rest of the world was a treat. This oral history starts with the asbury riots and ends with the SeaHearNow festival, hitting all the important music, political, and emotion points on the way. It watches the pony fly and fail from a local bar with a great house band to a power house music venue and the fertile ground for njs music scene. Yes, bruce springsteen and south side johnny stories make up like a good 3/4 of the book but selfishly i love the punk and hardcore chapters, and thank god the souls get their due for really holding asbury and the pony together from the 90s til now. So many stories in this book are priceless- can you imagine pulling up to the sand lot and seeing the e street band pitching softball to a seven foot tall pony bouncer? I love to think about it. I think some of the anecdotes maybe got repeated from a few too many points of view, and sometimes i felt like i was slogging through a bunch of whiteboy whining to get to a good story, but overall, i really enjoyed reading this and i am definitely going to be giving this book to a lot of people for christmas.
July 2, 2025
Having just went to a concert at the Stone Pony a few days ago, it seemed like the right time to pick up this one. I loved the way it was structured, where it was made up of different prominent figures within the NJ (and some national) music scene, especially The Boss.
The Pony is a legendary part of NJ and such a great concert venue, so it was really fun to read about its beginnings and how it became the world famous venue it is today. It’ll make me appreciate it even more next time I see a show there.
The Pony is a legendary part of NJ and such a great concert venue, so it was really fun to read about its beginnings and how it became the world famous venue it is today. It’ll make me appreciate it even more next time I see a show there.
December 12, 2025
I had a lot of fun with this book! It is truly an oral history (NAME: “quote”) throughout the book, which was a different reading style for me. It took a bit for me to get used to. I also spent some time googling the names of the people being interviewed. Some of them you obviously know, but I don’t have good name recognition for musicians. So, it took some time absorbing the information, but I really enjoyed the journey it took me on. It went from Bruce to today in terms of artists playing at the pony. But it wasn’t just musicians, it was the people working at the bar and security. It was just the whole ecosystem of music and the numerous attempts at redevelopment in Asbury Park.
It’s almost a deep dive I maybe should have done sooner, as a New Jerseyan that listened to this kind of music growing up. But, here we are now!
It’s almost a deep dive I maybe should have done sooner, as a New Jerseyan that listened to this kind of music growing up. But, here we are now!
September 9, 2024
An excellent oral history of one of the country’s most significant concert venues.
This is very much in the tradition of Meet Me in the Bathroom, a sort of hyperspecific paean to one very special performance space and both the people who made it and the people it made.
Obviously a huge portion of the material is dedicated to Springsteen and to Southside Johnny, though other famous acts to come through the pony get their due as well. This history focuses more on the Pony’s earlier history, so you’ll find a lot less of, say, Gaslight Anthem than of the performers who made the space famous. I wish it had been a touch more evenly distributed, but I can’t quibble with the idea that the biggest acts to come out of this space deserve the most attention.
I highly recommend reading this on audiobook if you’re able, as it’s essentially a compilation of snippets of interviews. I find that tough to digest on-page but fantastic on audio, though this is just personal preference.
I consider myself a pretty big fan of most of the artists featured in this book, and I still felt like I got a lot of new information from it. And huge credit to the author, as sorting through and ordering bits and pieces of interviews into a complete and cohesive story that is both accurate and readable is really, really tough to do.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is very much in the tradition of Meet Me in the Bathroom, a sort of hyperspecific paean to one very special performance space and both the people who made it and the people it made.
Obviously a huge portion of the material is dedicated to Springsteen and to Southside Johnny, though other famous acts to come through the pony get their due as well. This history focuses more on the Pony’s earlier history, so you’ll find a lot less of, say, Gaslight Anthem than of the performers who made the space famous. I wish it had been a touch more evenly distributed, but I can’t quibble with the idea that the biggest acts to come out of this space deserve the most attention.
I highly recommend reading this on audiobook if you’re able, as it’s essentially a compilation of snippets of interviews. I find that tough to digest on-page but fantastic on audio, though this is just personal preference.
I consider myself a pretty big fan of most of the artists featured in this book, and I still felt like I got a lot of new information from it. And huge credit to the author, as sorting through and ordering bits and pieces of interviews into a complete and cohesive story that is both accurate and readable is really, really tough to do.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
June 7, 2024
I am a sucker for a musical venue's history so this one really hit the spot. It's a memoir of a place, not a person. Ashbury Park, the Stony Pony and all the characters that got to be a part of it's history. The format of the storytelling was unique and different from anything I've ever read. As the story is told and different chapters unravel, it builds on different people's takes and opinions over the years. Very cool.
It sort of resembles a bunch of people from all walks of life, sitting together in a room that either knew each other or lived in the same neighborhood. Everyone is reminiscing and sharing old stories but they're telling it as time goes on. I love it! The reader is a fly on the wall. You're part of something with this book.
I haven't been to the Stone Pony but I know what they are referring to with that feeling and that history that a venue brings. I've been to Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa and Toad's in New Haven and you can just feel it in the air. Unbelievable.
This book is great for anyone that is a fan of music, venues, both or even just a fan of a feeling that's unique,unwavering and once in a lifetime.
It sort of resembles a bunch of people from all walks of life, sitting together in a room that either knew each other or lived in the same neighborhood. Everyone is reminiscing and sharing old stories but they're telling it as time goes on. I love it! The reader is a fly on the wall. You're part of something with this book.
I haven't been to the Stone Pony but I know what they are referring to with that feeling and that history that a venue brings. I've been to Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa and Toad's in New Haven and you can just feel it in the air. Unbelievable.
This book is great for anyone that is a fan of music, venues, both or even just a fan of a feeling that's unique,unwavering and once in a lifetime.
July 22, 2024
Would recommend for fans of…
🥁 Music history
🥁 New Jersey
🥁 Bruce Springsteen
If you’re a music fan, you need to pick this book up!
I Don’t Want To Go Home is the oral history of the Stone Pony, the iconic music venue in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The book features interviews from musicians ranging from Bruce Springsteen and Steve Van Zandt, to the Jonas Brothers and Jack Antonoff.
The book spans from the creation of the venue in the 1970s to present day and it offers a look at how the business impacted the social and economic climate of Asbury Park. I’m always fascinated by how arts and culture impact all aspects of life, and I Don’t Want To Go Home really delivered on that front. It also has a ton of interesting stories and tidbits about many famous musicians and bands, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to learn something new about one of your favorite artists. It’s a great listen on audio as well.
I Don’t Want To Go Home is available now. Thanks to Harper and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
🥁 Music history
🥁 New Jersey
🥁 Bruce Springsteen
If you’re a music fan, you need to pick this book up!
I Don’t Want To Go Home is the oral history of the Stone Pony, the iconic music venue in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The book features interviews from musicians ranging from Bruce Springsteen and Steve Van Zandt, to the Jonas Brothers and Jack Antonoff.
The book spans from the creation of the venue in the 1970s to present day and it offers a look at how the business impacted the social and economic climate of Asbury Park. I’m always fascinated by how arts and culture impact all aspects of life, and I Don’t Want To Go Home really delivered on that front. It also has a ton of interesting stories and tidbits about many famous musicians and bands, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to learn something new about one of your favorite artists. It’s a great listen on audio as well.
I Don’t Want To Go Home is available now. Thanks to Harper and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2024
Overall there was a lot of neat information and stories about the Stony Pony. But for me this book felt disjointed and not introduced well.
It was interesting to read through all of the genres and changes that the Stone Pony went through over the years. So many interviews are quoted throughout the book.
It would have been nice to have a bit better/longer summary at the beginning of each chapter. The small paragraph just did not help enough for each section. The list at the beginning of all of the people interviewed was good to see but flipping back to it all the time got a little tedious. The sections were just rough overall, the interviews were broken up and merged together. More often than not I could not follow the voice of the story or who was talking.
I won this in one of the giveaways.
It was interesting to read through all of the genres and changes that the Stone Pony went through over the years. So many interviews are quoted throughout the book.
It would have been nice to have a bit better/longer summary at the beginning of each chapter. The small paragraph just did not help enough for each section. The list at the beginning of all of the people interviewed was good to see but flipping back to it all the time got a little tedious. The sections were just rough overall, the interviews were broken up and merged together. More often than not I could not follow the voice of the story or who was talking.
I won this in one of the giveaways.
October 17, 2024
This oral history of the legendary Stone Pony is a must read for anyone who's ever been to the Stone Pony, or Asbury Park, or the Jersey shore! A fascinating look at the origins of the Asbury Park sound, with commentary by almost every artist and band who played there. From the early days of Bruce Springsteen's rise, (You'll understand the T-shirts that say "I heard Bruce might show up" now!) to the fall of the Pony, and it's rebirth, as coupled with the rise and fall of Asbury Park, whose resurgence is due in no small part to the artists, and musicians who called it, and Asbury, home!
December 1, 2024
Well, I learned something about my feelings towards oral histories. I would have much preferred a documentary, maybe even a docuseries, where I got to see these folks recount their stories. (Maybe get the pace tightened up a bit/a lot.) The two audiobook narrators were fighting for their lives trying to do enough different voices for all of those people. I'm from NJ, and I love Asbury. If you'd asked me last week, I might have even said I enjoyed listening to older folks reminisce about The Good Old Days... Apparently I have my limits.
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April 18, 2024I Don't Want to Go Home is a captivating history that delves into the iconic music venue, the Stone Pony, and explores the rise, fall, and rebirth of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Filled with charming anecdotes about Springsteen and lively chatter, this book is especially enjoyable for Springsteen fans and rock enthusiasts. Thank you to the publisher and author for allowing me to share my thoughts on an ARC copy of this book.
September 8, 2024
This was such a fascinating listen. I had heard of the Stone Pony but didn’t know anything about it other than Bruce Springsteen played there. What a rich history. I love books like this that include excerpts from interviews with key people. This book had all of the key people including Bruce himself. If you are a music fan and into music history this is a must read. Well worth it.
June 21, 2024
This was a fantastic read about a legendary club!
August 16, 2024
Just an awesome, magical tour!
August 26, 2024
great read
October 15, 2024
Lots of fun! And so much history about the Asbury Park music scene.
November 15, 2024
I’m so proud to be from Jersey.
April 6, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Harper for an advance copy of this musical history about a world renown music venue, its scrappy rise to the top, and the many people who played, worked, or listened to the rock n roll played there.
Everyone wants a place that welcomes them, knows what the want, makes the pain of the day go away, where the beer is cold, the music hot, with a chance to shake rattle and roll. A place that has a great story. And a lot of stories about being there. The Stone Pony in Asbury Park is one of these places, probably the last of the great rock and roll venues left standing. A testing ground for certain players, a proving ground for legends, the biggest being Bruce Springsteen. But don't forget Southside Johnny, and the others who still make the scene. The Stone Pony has been packing them in since the middle of the seventies, weathering changes in music, the business of music, politics, economics and more. All while never lowering the volume. I Don't Want to Go Home: The Oral History of the Stone Pony by reporter Nick Corasaniti is a story of New Jersey, making it, getting left behind, and of course music, told in the tales of those who were there.
Asbury Park was one a popular place, with a happening music scene, a popular beach business, and a place that was fun and exciting. The 60's though were a time of strife with riots over race burning or forcing out many of the venues, or businesses in the area. There had been attempts to make a club, one which had brought many musicians together, some of which would become legendary. Nothing lasted. Until 1974 when a guy decided he wanted a bar. Jack Roig bought the first place he saw, a place not even listed yet, and brought in Butch Pielka to help him run it. Times grew lean, as disco was being played, and disco dancers weren't spending money. Local acts asked for times, even paying to rent the Stone Pony to give shows. Show which eventually caught on. And soon a local guitar slinger Bruce Springsteen, would make the place his home, and things began to look up, even as music, the economy and everything around started to change.
I am a huge fan of music books, and love oral histories because in music, as in all things, success has many parents, and there a lots of different stories of why things worked, and why they didn't. Somehow the truth rises to the surface. This is a very good book, with a lot of different voices, from musicians, to employees, neighborhood people, finance people and more. One can see the reporting background that Corasaniti has in tracking down people, and asking the right questions to get to the truth, and to get some great stories. Like a musician being fired from his own band, after hiring the guy who was telling him to go. The mutual respect that many musicians had for each other. That disco people didn't spend much money in the bar, but drank a lot of ice water. The musicians run the gamut from legendary, to local bands, but all have a lot to add. Also Corasaniti spends a lot of time on what was happening outside the bar, race riots, the rise of punk, local politics, urban blight, and gives a very good sense of what was going on, and what was affecting the Stone Pony, and how in many ways it's continuing success is so impressive.
Recommended for music historian, Bruce Springsteen enthusiasts, fans of New Jersey, there must be one or two, and people who love stories about rock an roll.
Everyone wants a place that welcomes them, knows what the want, makes the pain of the day go away, where the beer is cold, the music hot, with a chance to shake rattle and roll. A place that has a great story. And a lot of stories about being there. The Stone Pony in Asbury Park is one of these places, probably the last of the great rock and roll venues left standing. A testing ground for certain players, a proving ground for legends, the biggest being Bruce Springsteen. But don't forget Southside Johnny, and the others who still make the scene. The Stone Pony has been packing them in since the middle of the seventies, weathering changes in music, the business of music, politics, economics and more. All while never lowering the volume. I Don't Want to Go Home: The Oral History of the Stone Pony by reporter Nick Corasaniti is a story of New Jersey, making it, getting left behind, and of course music, told in the tales of those who were there.
Asbury Park was one a popular place, with a happening music scene, a popular beach business, and a place that was fun and exciting. The 60's though were a time of strife with riots over race burning or forcing out many of the venues, or businesses in the area. There had been attempts to make a club, one which had brought many musicians together, some of which would become legendary. Nothing lasted. Until 1974 when a guy decided he wanted a bar. Jack Roig bought the first place he saw, a place not even listed yet, and brought in Butch Pielka to help him run it. Times grew lean, as disco was being played, and disco dancers weren't spending money. Local acts asked for times, even paying to rent the Stone Pony to give shows. Show which eventually caught on. And soon a local guitar slinger Bruce Springsteen, would make the place his home, and things began to look up, even as music, the economy and everything around started to change.
I am a huge fan of music books, and love oral histories because in music, as in all things, success has many parents, and there a lots of different stories of why things worked, and why they didn't. Somehow the truth rises to the surface. This is a very good book, with a lot of different voices, from musicians, to employees, neighborhood people, finance people and more. One can see the reporting background that Corasaniti has in tracking down people, and asking the right questions to get to the truth, and to get some great stories. Like a musician being fired from his own band, after hiring the guy who was telling him to go. The mutual respect that many musicians had for each other. That disco people didn't spend much money in the bar, but drank a lot of ice water. The musicians run the gamut from legendary, to local bands, but all have a lot to add. Also Corasaniti spends a lot of time on what was happening outside the bar, race riots, the rise of punk, local politics, urban blight, and gives a very good sense of what was going on, and what was affecting the Stone Pony, and how in many ways it's continuing success is so impressive.
Recommended for music historian, Bruce Springsteen enthusiasts, fans of New Jersey, there must be one or two, and people who love stories about rock an roll.
July 13, 2024
This is not a book for everyone, as the title surely indicates. Anyone who is not a fan of modern rock and roll would probably have no interest in this book, and even music fans whose tastes do not extend into the "Jersey" realm of Springsteen, Southside Johnny, etc., might not be too interested. I gave this book four stars because I am a huge Springsteen fan (every time a friend or relative visits Asbury Park, N.J., they buy me a t-shirt from the Stone Pony), but for the "general" music fan it might only rate a "3." The book traces the history of the most famous music bar in New Jersey through dozens of oral histories of the people who made the Stone Pony into the legendary music venue that is was, and still is. Obviously Springsteen, the members of his band, and Southside Johnny and his Asbury Jukes are featured prominently, but so are Stone Pony owners, staff, music writers, DJ's, and musicians from the 60's (Jorma Kaukonen) to the 21st century (the Jonas Brothers!?!). Readers will learn about the evolution of the Pony, from the center of what became thought of as the "Asbury sound" (Springsteen, Southside) to a 90's revival as a punk venue, to a 21st century rebirth as a destination venue for all kinds of bands, most notably on the Pony's Summer Stage (the big lot behind the bar). In terms of the content, I wasn't too interested in the 90's version of the bar, where punk rock fans were not showing up to catch a view of Springsteen but to see if there was a fight. The one issue that I had with the book was that it did not provide a lot of context or background- there is a list of contributors at the beginning of the book that I was constantly referring to towards the end so that I could figure out who the people were whose memories I was reading about. But, all in all, I enjoyed the book, as it brought back memories of an earlier stage in my life (I saw Springsteen at my college in 1974 and had never heard of him), and as long as he's still out there playing his stuff (my most recent Boss concert was in Syracuse in April), I have not grown any older.
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August 31, 2024This book was such a slow read.
When I saw it I thought "oh hells yes" because I used to be a Springsteen girlie (I mean, he will always be in my heart even if I mainly listen to other stuff nowadays) and of course I know of the Stone Pony. And even more so, my favourite book of last year was Where Are Your Boys Tonight, which was the first time I've read an oral history like this. I was so blown away by that book and how well the format worked, so I had to read this.
Well, it did not blow me away. Rather it became a struggle. And yes I will compare the two books because they are built the same way. But I don't know what it is about this one that doesn't work for me nearly as well. I guess it must be the editing, but maybe also simply the people interviews? Although I feel like with such a big cast of characters, it wouldn't matter that much? But it just felt way more disjointed. I remember getting the feeling when reading Boys, that it was as if they were in the same room having a conversation, even if the interviews were done in wildly different places and times. Not so with this, and a lot of the time the "quotes" (if we call them that, feels wrong) feel a bit too rambly or something. Hard to put my finger on it exactly. Maybe it's a sense of someone transcribing without editing to make it flow without losing someone's voice? Or is it because said voice is just too scattered to begin with? I don't know.
It is an interesting history and I'm glad I've read it. I just wish it flowed better.
When I saw it I thought "oh hells yes" because I used to be a Springsteen girlie (I mean, he will always be in my heart even if I mainly listen to other stuff nowadays) and of course I know of the Stone Pony. And even more so, my favourite book of last year was Where Are Your Boys Tonight, which was the first time I've read an oral history like this. I was so blown away by that book and how well the format worked, so I had to read this.
Well, it did not blow me away. Rather it became a struggle. And yes I will compare the two books because they are built the same way. But I don't know what it is about this one that doesn't work for me nearly as well. I guess it must be the editing, but maybe also simply the people interviews? Although I feel like with such a big cast of characters, it wouldn't matter that much? But it just felt way more disjointed. I remember getting the feeling when reading Boys, that it was as if they were in the same room having a conversation, even if the interviews were done in wildly different places and times. Not so with this, and a lot of the time the "quotes" (if we call them that, feels wrong) feel a bit too rambly or something. Hard to put my finger on it exactly. Maybe it's a sense of someone transcribing without editing to make it flow without losing someone's voice? Or is it because said voice is just too scattered to begin with? I don't know.
It is an interesting history and I'm glad I've read it. I just wish it flowed better.
January 16, 2025
A tremendous work. The Stone Pony is a legendary music venue across the street from the boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It may be best known for its long association with Bruce Springsteen. However, "the Pony" has an even deeper history. Nick manages to capture the rise, fall, and resurrection of this historical music venue, and the city in which it sits.
Using the "oral history" approach, Nick opens each chapter with a few short sentences of his own to set the stage, then masterfully weaves together snippets of interviews he conducted with countless people who influenced the Stone Pony and the Jersey Shore rock scene - we hear from musicians (including Bruce Springsteen, South Side Johnny, Little Steven, Jon Bon Jovi and many others), former owners, managers, bartenders, bouncers, promoters, publicists, politicians and many more. They all speak to us in their own words sharing their memories in a captivating way that reveals not just the history of this great venue, but its enduring importance to American music and the community it serves.
The Stone Pony certainly is welcome in any discussion of America's most notable music venues. To my knowledge, this may be the first (and only) book dedicated to telling its story. It is a story Nick should be commended for preserving. It is a fast and entertaining read which I recommend without hesitation.
Using the "oral history" approach, Nick opens each chapter with a few short sentences of his own to set the stage, then masterfully weaves together snippets of interviews he conducted with countless people who influenced the Stone Pony and the Jersey Shore rock scene - we hear from musicians (including Bruce Springsteen, South Side Johnny, Little Steven, Jon Bon Jovi and many others), former owners, managers, bartenders, bouncers, promoters, publicists, politicians and many more. They all speak to us in their own words sharing their memories in a captivating way that reveals not just the history of this great venue, but its enduring importance to American music and the community it serves.
The Stone Pony certainly is welcome in any discussion of America's most notable music venues. To my knowledge, this may be the first (and only) book dedicated to telling its story. It is a story Nick should be commended for preserving. It is a fast and entertaining read which I recommend without hesitation.
June 21, 2025
Finally, an oral history of The Stone Pony. Anal histories are so messy. If you don't know, The Stone Pony is New Jersey's most famous rock club (Yes, more famous than Obsessions in Randolph) and this book tells you everything you ever wanted to know about it. The first half is the story of Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes, the Pony's first house band, the truly terrifying Asbury boardwalk and frequent unannounced guest, Bruce Springsteen who contributes a lot to this book personally, which you really need to tell the Pony's story. Not to mention the rest of the E Street Band, Patti Smith, The Ramones, the Jonas Brothers, Gaslight Anthem, Davie Davies and a shit ton more all contribute. Granted it It was a story I already knew, but really cool to hear about it from the people who were there.
The second half I wasn't familiar with at all - Under new ownership, the Pony started booking more nationwide acts and accidentally becomes on of the punk rock hotbeds of the east coast and jam bad disease - hasn't Asbury Park suffered enough without Blues Traveler? Plus, John Popper bragged about how many girls he banged at The Pony, and now I can't un-picture it!! Anyway, I wished I had taken part in the punk scene down there but I didn't have a car. I didn't even know it was a thing. My only trip to the Pony was in 2008. Don't tell anyone! But read this book if you like good rock n' roll stories with guidos.
The second half I wasn't familiar with at all - Under new ownership, the Pony started booking more nationwide acts and accidentally becomes on of the punk rock hotbeds of the east coast and jam bad disease - hasn't Asbury Park suffered enough without Blues Traveler? Plus, John Popper bragged about how many girls he banged at The Pony, and now I can't un-picture it!! Anyway, I wished I had taken part in the punk scene down there but I didn't have a car. I didn't even know it was a thing. My only trip to the Pony was in 2008. Don't tell anyone! But read this book if you like good rock n' roll stories with guidos.
November 3, 2024
Sure, I'm partial to this sort of story. Growing up going to the Jersey Shore, not living far from it, and still frequenting it as an adult. And sure, Asbury Park has changed a whole lot all these decades on. But the Stone Pony stands firm, and so it was quite shocking to learn just how many times it has nearly closed down, and that even some think its still a miracle it is still standing!
I also went to a concert at the Pony, ironically, while I was reading this, so it felt a bit serendipitous? Like it gave me even more of an appreciation? There were people my age, a little older too, and then a lot older, which made me think perhaps these are the figures talked about in this book who are old timers that frequent this old haunt, living out their "Glory Days" you could say. But the history is still there, I could feel it, just as you could tell from the interviews of this book the absolute passion and nostalgia people have for this place, this town, and just the moment they were a part of it.
By the way, this is told in interviews. So, at times, it read well, and then at others I felt like I was going in circles a bit. But all in all, still a great bit of history to learn about, to give me a new perspective. And also make me feel like I need to go here more for concerts, which I'm going to try to do. Now, if only we could somehow get an actual documentary on this...
I also went to a concert at the Pony, ironically, while I was reading this, so it felt a bit serendipitous? Like it gave me even more of an appreciation? There were people my age, a little older too, and then a lot older, which made me think perhaps these are the figures talked about in this book who are old timers that frequent this old haunt, living out their "Glory Days" you could say. But the history is still there, I could feel it, just as you could tell from the interviews of this book the absolute passion and nostalgia people have for this place, this town, and just the moment they were a part of it.
By the way, this is told in interviews. So, at times, it read well, and then at others I felt like I was going in circles a bit. But all in all, still a great bit of history to learn about, to give me a new perspective. And also make me feel like I need to go here more for concerts, which I'm going to try to do. Now, if only we could somehow get an actual documentary on this...
June 9, 2024
I was born and raised in Monmouth county New Jersey and, being really into music and spending the majority of weekends at different concerts and shows, I couldn’t begin to fathom how many shows I went to between 1993 - 1996/97 - many of them at the Pony.
In October 2023, my teens and I traveled to NJ specifically to go to the Stone Pony to see one of our all-time favorite bands (The Damned). Going brought back a lot of memories and I was really thankful to be able to share going to see a really, really great show at the venue I spent much of my own time at with my kids.
Getting an early copy of this was such a gift (thank you Harper Books 😘) because while I did spend a lot of time there, outside of the Bruce Springsteen connection, I knew nothing about the history of the Pony, and reading this taught me a lot. The author definitely did his due diligence with research and with the featured voices (many of those brought back memories as well), stories, and history this book shines brightly as the end result of what had to have been a labor of love.
This is one that I’ll certainly be getting for our bookshelves and it’s a definite recommendation from me.
Thank you to Harper and NetGalley for the DRC
In October 2023, my teens and I traveled to NJ specifically to go to the Stone Pony to see one of our all-time favorite bands (The Damned). Going brought back a lot of memories and I was really thankful to be able to share going to see a really, really great show at the venue I spent much of my own time at with my kids.
Getting an early copy of this was such a gift (thank you Harper Books 😘) because while I did spend a lot of time there, outside of the Bruce Springsteen connection, I knew nothing about the history of the Pony, and reading this taught me a lot. The author definitely did his due diligence with research and with the featured voices (many of those brought back memories as well), stories, and history this book shines brightly as the end result of what had to have been a labor of love.
This is one that I’ll certainly be getting for our bookshelves and it’s a definite recommendation from me.
Thank you to Harper and NetGalley for the DRC
December 5, 2024
Unfortunately, becomes repetitive recounting musicians' experiences along the New Jersey shore as they got drunk and had fights. Interesting to see the nascent Springsteen in his natural environment, Asbury Park, and how he rose from the dregs there. The most valuable information I got was the explanation of why Stevie Van Zandt always wore the bandana or a terrible toupee. Motorcycle accident that carved up his head and scalp and had hair that chose to grow back in interesting patterns. The book is basically personal recollections by those above and others: Dave Davies (Kinks), the Ramones, Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum of MPLS), Graham Parker, Nils Lofgren, Max Weinberg (Conan Obrien show and E Street Band drummer), Patti Scialfa (Springsteen's wife and musician in her own right, apparently), Ronnie Spector, the Jonas Brothers (!), Clarence Clemmons, et. al.
Pretty incredible, really, that such a group of musicians originated from the same down and dirty streets of Jersey but, there they are. If you would like to get some background on their journeys to either oblivion or international fame, you might enjoy this book. Got too repetitive for me: we did blow, got drunk, and had a fist fight. Ho, hum, OK, good on ya'...
Pretty incredible, really, that such a group of musicians originated from the same down and dirty streets of Jersey but, there they are. If you would like to get some background on their journeys to either oblivion or international fame, you might enjoy this book. Got too repetitive for me: we did blow, got drunk, and had a fist fight. Ho, hum, OK, good on ya'...
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