World’s greatest bar band comes to Pittsburgh

The blue-collar, rock-and-blues music scene for which the Jersey shore is known owes some of… The blue-collar, rock-and-blues music scene for which the Jersey shore is known owes some of its status to the phenomenon that is Bruce Springsteen. However, a sleepier — yet still influential — band, South Side Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, deserves credit, as well.

The group was formed in 1974 by John Lyon and Steven Van Zandt. Van Zandt later left to join the E Street Band, but continues as the band’s manager, writer and producer.

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes have a big sound and an even bigger band. The members include John Lyon on vocals, Billy Rush on guitar, Kevin Kavanaugh on keyboards, Al Berger on bass, Kenny Pentifallo on drums, Carlo Novi on tenor sax, Eddie Manion on baritone sax, Tony Palligrosi and Ricky Gazda on trumpet, and Richie Rosenberg on trombone. The combination of horns, guitars and drums creates a classic rock ‘n’ roll sound with a distinctive blues feel.

The band signed on with Epic Records in 1976, which was a big breakthrough, although they found little commercial success. Epic dropped them and they quickly got on board with Mercury Records. Since then, their discography of 25 records has bounced from label to label, finally finding a home at the Atlantic Records subsidiary, Mirage.

Next year marks Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes’ 30th year of making music. Although they never really took off, in Jersey, their blues-influenced rock ‘n’ roll is right up there sharing the throne with Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and the E Street Band.

Throughout these 30 years, there have been lineup changes, big successes and disappointments for the band. Southside Johnny has always been known to give outstanding live performances. They get rave reviews wherever they play, even earning the title “The World’s Greatest Bar Band.” Although they haven’t quite achieved the same success as the other Jersey kings, their soulful sound and amazing live performances will keep them rocking for another 30 years.

Check out Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes in a soul-filled performance at Rex Theater on the Southside this Thursday, Dec. 16, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28.00.