Two-minute read
Southside Johnny and Asbury Jukes at the Basie Center ‘Drive-In Live’ concert
Southside Johnny and Asbury Jukes at the Basie Center ‘Drive-In Live’ concert July 11, 2020 at Monmouth Park, Oceanport.
Chris Jordan, @ChrisFHJordan
The legendary Southside Johnny Lyon is retiring from touring.
“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,” reads the statement from Southside Johnny’s management and the Count Basie Center of the Arts.
The New Year’s Eve show at the Basie Center is canceled. Tickets will be refunded at your point of purchase, according to the Basie.
“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,” the Basie said in a news release. “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!”
On Dec. 14, Southside Johnny left the stage midway through the Asbury Jukes’ show at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. The show was completed without Southside, who did not return.
The 76-year-old Neptune native who lives in Ocean Grove was “exhausted” when he left the stage, said a representative, who declined to share more information.
Southside’s representative James Sliman had no comment when asked about the specifics of the health issues, and whether this means just no more touring or no more shows at all.
In February, Lyon left the stage during the second of back-to-back concerts at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, celebrating the club’s 50th anniversary. He was taken to the hospital mid-show and subsequently postponed two shows at City Winery in New York City.
“It’s too bad that happened but I’m fine, everything’s fine,” said Lyon to the Asbury Park Press on April 22 regarding the Stone Pony show. “I had some tests and there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with me. It as a momentary glitch in the machine, that’s all.”
There is no statement on the official Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes website. He had a few concerts scheduled in 2025.
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes’ hits include “Talk to Me,” “All I Want Is Everything,” “Hearts of Stone,” “Trapped Again,” “I Don’t Want to Go Home,” “It’s Been a Long Time” and “Having a Party.”
This is a developing story.