The Story Behind New Jersey's ''Pony''

The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, is a cherished rock club which didn't begin that way. In 1974, attractions included a hypnotist, ping-pong tables, and disco music. And there were quite a few problems: Half of the roof blew away in a windstorm, and the blighted area was a crime magnet.

At least the Pony itself was safe. That's according to Bruce Springsteen's foreword in I Don't Want to Go Home: The Oral History of the Stone Pony. The rock veteran, whose name bcame synonymous with the establishment, first frequented the nearby Student Prince. He was drawn to the Stone Pony when Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes became the house band. 

Stone Pony's cofounder, Jack Roig, wasn't seeking national acts, but an agent sent them. One barely got to perform: Cheap Trick had to leave because they refused to turn down their sound. Jack thinks this was just three weeks before their record hit number 1. 

People didn't initially 'get' the Ramones. Yet they soon got a following. Band members were glad since it was an easy trip from New York, where they spent most of their time.

Other well-known acts who appeared at the Pony--and in the book's photography section--include Patti Smith; Warren Zevon; Levon Helm (singing with Patti Scialfa); Cyndi Lauper; and Courtney Love. 

Great White played here, too, and didn't bother to let anyone know they planned to set off pyrotechnics. That was just three days before the group did it again, at The Station in Rhode Island. The ensuing fire killed 100 people. 

Actor/musician Russell Crowe believes that if it weren't for choosing to play the Stone Pony, he could have been a victim in another tragedy. In 2001, around the 11th of September, his group had considered spending the night near the World Trade Center. But they decided to perform in New Jersey rather than a bigger Manhattan venue. 

Given that Springsteen kicks off Nick Corasaniti's book, he has the final word as well. While the septuagenarian doesn't frequent the Stone Pony like he used to, he hopes its run will continue. And he doesn't think any other Asbury Park club could have provided such a comfortable environment for locals to gather and create.