The Stone Pony is one of the most iconic music clubs in the entire world. It’s where the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes got their start. The Stone Pony became so iconic that they built the Stone Pony Summer Stage right next door. All summer some of the best acts go down the Jersey Shore to play at this historic venue. The outside venue, mixed with the salty air from the beach creates ever-lasting memories for all.
The British rock and roll band, The Struts made their triumphant return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, Aug. 3. The Struts are no strangers to this venue. They have repeatedly come back each year to play to some of the most passionate fans in the world. Just hours before the show started, lead singer Luke Spiller set the tone for the night. He posted on social media that this show was the “biggest of the tour.” Despite the dark storm clouds that brewed above, the crowd showed up early and waited outside for the show.
As time crept closer for the doors to open, the sky turned a dark ugly color. The heavens opened up and tsunami levels of rain poured on the fans. Some fans took out wearing ponchos and garbage bags. Others ran for shelter as the lightning struck and thunder boomed. The rain and weather conditions did not deter most. Many fans waited in the weather in hopes that the doors would eventually open. Lucky for them, they did.
Right before doors opened, it was announced that just The Struts were going to perform. Unfortunately for fans hoping to see Courtney Barns, there was not enough time for him to play. Instead, he did a private show inside the club for the VIP guests who were waiting the storm out. As the doors opened, a loud cheer could be heard for blocks as fans were let inside.
In rather quick fashion, fans piled in and wiggled their way to the front of the stage, Queen’s “We Will Rock You” blasted over the speakers and the stage lights dimmed. Sooner than anyone thought, the British natives rushed out on stage and blasted into the first song of the evening, “Roll Up” off of their debut record, Everybody Wants.
The high energy of the opening song carried through to the group’s second and third songs. “Fallin’ With Me” and “Body Talks” were full of energetic life. For “Fallin’ With Me,” the band was covered in red lighting that added to the live show. “Body Talks,” completed the trifecta of the high-energy tunes as, by this point, Spiller was already drenched in sweat. Spiller made sure that fans got their money’s worth no matter how long they played.
Throughout the short set, guitarist Adam Slack was experiencing technical difficulties. Despite having the hiccup with the equipment, he handled it like a pro. He never once left the stage, interacting with the crowd and soloing at the front. But, by the end of “Primadonna Like Me,” the band announced that they only had three songs left. The three songs ended up becoming five. The venue cut the show extremely short as dangerous weather approached again.
The fans were upset but still stuck it out till the very end. Throughout the remaining five songs, they screamed and sang along to every single word from the band. The band played fan favorites like “Dirty Sexy Money” and “Put Your Money on Me.” They even played a newer tune, “Too Good at Raising Hell” which round out the last songs.
During the last few songs fans were met with rain again. As the band said goodbye, a visibly upset Slack flipped off the sky in protest of the weather. To see an artist who’s displeased at the weather and wants to please his fans so badly just shows his dedication to his craft.
Even though the band only played nine songs, they were thrilling. With the weather spoiling the night, The Struts were able to help the New Jersey fans create some memories through their short set. The band promised to return to play for the fans and give them a full show soon. Even though their set was cut short, it was powerful and full of energy. If the band comes to your town, do not hesitate to see them. If you do, maybe bring an umbrella with you, just in case.
The Struts are:
Luke Spiller – Lead Vocals
Adam Slack – Guitars/Background Vocals
Jed Elliot – Bass/Background Vocals
Gethin Davies – Drums/Background Vocals
Setlist:
1. Roll Up
2. Fallin’ With Me
3. Body Talks
4. Primadonna Like Me
5. Too Good at Raising Hell
6. Dirty Sexy Money
7. Pretty Vicious
8. Put Your Money on Me
9. Could Have Been Me
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My love for live music started with my first concert ever, Guns N’ Roses back in 2016. Since then, I’ve been able to capture photos of some amazing artists like Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, Ace Frehley, and Post Malone. I am based in the Boston, Massachusetts area. I am always looking for the next concert to attend.