If you live in NJ and are a music fan, chances are you have listened to The Gaslight Anthem. Hailing from New Brunswick, they burst on the scene in 2006 and quickly became a favorite. On Friday night the History Books Tour came to the Stone Pony Summer Stage for a sold out show and the crowd showed up in a big, big way. History Books came out last October, first new record in 9 years, following a 7 year hiatus. Being at the show, you could feel the hunger in the air. Everyone was ready for the band’s return.
Opening the show as the sun was setting was Pinkshift. Hailing from Baltimore and female fronted, the band played a furious set that sounded like it was inspired by grunge and early 2000s pop punk. After a few minutes of them checking their instruments, the band blasted through 7 songs in 30 minutes and the front row was filled with people singing along. It was clear the at least part of this NJ crowd knew the band well. I had never heard of them before, but the band was really fun to watch. Singer Ashrita Kumar knows how to command the audience, at times coming off the stage to kneel on the speakers and sing directly to her fans.
Next up was the super popular pop/punk-ish California band, Joyce Manor. The band ripped through 20 songs in 45 minutes and audience ate up every one. It is clear that this NJ crowd know and love them — moshing and some light crowd surfing ensued. Singer Barry Johnson’s voice found it’s way on top of the mix, and the whole band sounded super tight. There were definitely people singing along to them as well and it was easy to see how happy this made Johnson. Smiling and bopping around the stage, the band left the fans wanting more.
After a short change over the always prompt, The Gaslight Anthem took the stage with “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” playing over the speakers. Singer Brian Fallon ambled over to the microphone with a huge smile on his face and the first song, “American Slang” started. If there was any fear that Asbury Park had forgotten about them during their time off, it was quelled instantly. 4000+ fans erupted and screamed along to every word. Honestly, I have only been able to see them once in the last 7 years and I was smiling along with everyone else. It felt so good. It felt like home.
Early on Fallon said they wouldn’t be talking much. He said the mission for the night was to cram as many songs as they could into their set before the 10:30 curfew. They absolutely delivered on this promise. Playing many favorites like “45”, “Get Hurt”, “Great Expectations”, “Miles Davis and The Cool” — every song sounded amazing live. The band had not missed a step in the years away. The band had to halt the show during “Miles Davis..” To make sure someone in the crowd was ok. After we found out they were ok, Fallon joked that just needed to go to the “chill-out tent, for some oranges and cigarettes.”, a nod to The Hold Steady. Fallon then told a story about how he and drummer Benny Horowitz used to work at the Rutgers Paper and how they brought in that record (The Hold Steady’s “Boys and Girls in America” and played it “like a thousand times…one of the best records of all time.”
In the midst of all the crowd favorites, the band also played songs from the new record “History Books.” “Positive Change” really sounded incredible live and the crowd danced and sang along to every word. Slower songs like “The Weatherman” and “Michigan 1975” gave the audience a chance to catch their breath. I was personally moved during these tunes, “Michigan 1975” especially. I just stood there, a little to the side, watching the mist move above everyone while Fallon crooned:
“And I’m saving up my soul for when I’m in love
So if you want me now, you should call me up
‘Cause I’m losing my desire for being alive
Tonight in Michigan, 1975”
It was really, really beautiful.
There is always electricity in the air when The Gaslight Anthem plays a show, especially when it’s feet from the Asbury Park shoreline. From early on, the band have had pretty constant comparisons to NJ’s favorite son: Bruce Springsteen. Brian Fallon and Springsteen have played together many times in the past, and Bruce appears on The Gaslight Anthem’s new record “History Books.” There were rumors Bruce was going to show up (he did not) like there usually are when The Gaslight Anthem takes the stage in NJ. There were even hats in the audience that said, “I heard Bruce might show up.” Over the years there have been moments that Fallon showed that the comparison weighed on him, even saying at shows “I am not Bruce.” Seeing them live especially, you can understand why this has followed the band for almost 20 years. As a songwriter, he pens these tunes that paint a picture of growing up in America, Growing up in NJ in the shadow of Asbury Park. And like Bruce, their songs invite you to sing along. To dance with the person next to you. To feel like, despite everything you might have going on in your life, you’re under the stars in New Jersey and there is no where else you’d want to be.
Seeing them play on Friday reminded me that I really love this band, and it got me listening to them pretty constantly since then. And the new record “History Books” — my goodness. It really is such a well written, incredible record. There are still about a month of shows left on this tour, ending on September 15, once again on the Asbury Park beach at “Sea, Hear, Now” festival. Bruce Springsteen is also playing the festival. Rumor is, he might show up during The Gaslight Anthem’s set. It’s just a rumor though. Either way, if you somehow forgot them a little during the last 9 years or so, this is your reminder. Put on your best dancing jeans and grab tickets to the tour. I promise you will not be disappointed.
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM – AUGUST 16 2024 – STONE PONY SUMMER STAGE (ASBURY PARK, NJ)
PINKSHIFT AND JOYCE MANOR – AUGUST 16 2024 – STONE PONY SUMMER STAGE (ASBURY PARK, NJ)
