Bruce Springsteen Surprises Fans by Bartending at The Stone Pony
In a surprising turn of events, music legend Bruce Springsteen was spotted behind the bar at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ, serving drinks to delighted customers. The iconic rocker, known as The Boss, never asked for payment and kept the party going with beer and shots, much to the delight of fans.
According to Jack Roig, the former owner of The Stone Pony from 1974 to 1992, Springsteen’s impromptu bartending led to a decline in cash sales as he stuck to serving beer and shots. Despite his lack of cocktail-making skills, fans were thrilled to be served by the rock-n-roll icon.
Springsteen, who has a long history with The Stone Pony, often frequented the venue with his E Street Band. His presence would attract large crowds, with Roig recalling a time when Springsteen played at the venue 11 out of 13 Sundays in one summer.
Patrons and employees of The Stone Pony have fond memories of Springsteen’s visits, with bartender Pete Llewellyn recounting a time when the singer previewed songs from his album “Born in the USA” during an early morning session. The album’s success in 1984 helped elevate both Springsteen and The Stone Pony to international fame.
Despite his superstar status, Springsteen remained humble and laid back during his visits to The Stone Pony, often arriving in a beat-up pickup truck and wearing a red baseball hat to avoid drawing too much attention. Fans from around the world would send letters addressed simply to “Bruce Springsteen, USA,” adding to the venue’s mystique.
Springsteen’s connection to The Stone Pony goes beyond performing, as he met his future wife, Patti Scialfa, at the venue. Their love story began at The Stone Pony, adding a romantic touch to the iconic music venue’s history.