Bruce Springsteen headlines Stone Pony in private benefit show

Chris Jordan | Asbury Park Press

Show Caption Hide Caption Bruce Springsteen loves his Westerns Bruce Springsteen talks his love of Western movies during a recent interview with the USA Today Network about his new film "Western Stars."

It was a Boss bash for an exclusive few.

Bruce Springsteen headlined a benefit for Boston College Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park.

Less than 500 were in attendance.

Max Weinberg from the E Street Band, and Bobby Bandiera were in the band as Springsteen played two hours of his hits and rock ‘n’ roll classics.

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The band included Jim Celestino, guitar; Ron Haney, bass; Tom Seguso, drums; John Pittas, keyboards, Layonne Holmes, vocals; Tommy LaBella, sax; Tony Perruso, trumpet; and Tom Meares, trombone.

“Sounded great. Energetic. Bruce was into it,” said Asbury Park musician Zack Sandler, who listened from outside the Pony. “It was HIS show. He wasn’t walking on stage to sit in with somebody else. This was the first Bruce Springsteen rock ‘n’ roll concert in years.”

Springsteen’s last show with the E Street Band was in February of 2017. He subsequently starred in “Springsteen on Broadway” and made the performance film “Western Stars.”

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“Bruce sounded great, like he’s ready for some good old rock ‘n’ roll again,” said Stan Goldstein, who also listened from outside. “To hear that set list with so many classics was very nice. Especially ‘4th of July Asbury Park (Sandy)’ was special to hear in Asbury Park. After that song he encouraged the crowd to visit (Asbury Park).”

Springsteen’s son, Evan Springsteen, attended Boston College. The Boss previously played a benefit for Boston College at the Pony in 2011.

Fans were bused to the Pony show on Saturday.

Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. His multiple awards include recognition for stories on Bruce Springsteen and Snooki. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com. Stay with app.com or consider a subscription today.