Status: Endangered
County: Monmouth
Additional Features:
UPDATES:
07/2010: The club continues to be recognized as significant, and previous threats of demolition seem to be gone. The building received a new roof and lighting, sound, and air conditioning upgrades in 2009. Also, the building’s ‘backyard’ has been enlarged and now features a summer stage. The Stone Pony continues to be a key attraction in Asbury Park.
09/2011: The Asbury Park Press reports that there is revived discussion of relocating the Stone Pony to the currently vacant Casino Building on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. PNJ will continue to work with local advocates to ensure that we’re aware of developments as they occur.
DESCRIPTION:
The Stone Pony is a rock and roll landmark, ranking among the leading popular music venues in the United States. It is most often identified with Bruce Springsteen, who rose to fame in the 1970s playing there with his E Street Band, but Jon Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and other important bands played the Stone Pony as well. The building has been an entertainment location since 1929, and, although there is little or no architectural significance to the building, its place in the history of American popular culture warrants its preservation. As one of the last rock and roll clubs in Asbury Park, it is an incomparable symbol of the musical tradition along the Jersey Shore.
The Stone Pony remains a Mecca for rock and roll fans from all over the world. Yet it faces a worrisome and uncertain future. Its Ocean Avenue neighborhood is currently zoned for medium to high density residential and commercial uses, and the Stone Pony endures only on the condition that it stay in continuous use as a night club. Were it to close for six months, permission to demolish would be in effect. The current owner, Asbury Partners, asserts it has no plans to demolish or move the club, but supporters are not convinced. Previous owners who announced similar commitments changed their minds, and one of the most important rock and roll clubs of all time deserves a secure future.
CONTACT:
Asbury Park Historical Society
PO Box 543
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
history@asburypark.net
732-869-4478