SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY RETIRES FROM TOURING, CANCELS ANNUAL RED BANK NYE SHOW

Southside Johnny at the Count Basie theater New Year’s Eve in 2014. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)

By BRIAN DONOHUE

It’s the end of a massive Red Bank tradition, and possibly, an icon’s live musical career.

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes have cancelled their annual New Year’s Eve Concert at the Count Basie Center for the Arts as band leader Jonny Lyon announced he was retiring from touring.

From an email sent out by the Basie Center Friday afternoon:

“After a hugely successful 50-year run with his band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, touring non-stop throughout the U.S and overseas,

‘Southside Johnny’ Lyon has made the decision to retire from touring in order to manage ongoing health issues.

Our show on New Year’s Eve at the Count Basie Center will unfortunately be canceled. Tickets will be refunded via your point of purchase.

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes played what is now the Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theater 19 times on New Year’s Eve, according to a spokesman. Those shows were not consecutive. He played annual Dec. 31 shows at the Stone Pony, The Paramount in Asbury Park and Ocean Place in Long Branch.

More from the statement sent out by the band and the Basie Center:

Johnny Lyon and the Asbury Jukes are an integral part of the Basie Center’s history and the history of music here at the Jersey Shore. While we’re sad we won’t be seeing them this New Year’s Eve, everyone at the Count Basie Center is forever grateful for the hundreds of moments that he and his bandmates have created on our stages.

We love you, Johnny!

redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.