Southside Johnny, known as the grandfather of the New Jersey Sound, announced his retirement from touring after five decades due to “ongoing health issues.”
Last week, the 76-year-old beloved rock singer, leader and co-founder of the New Jersey-based band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, announced that he would no longer perform live.
The news was shared in a statement on his band’s website and social media accounts.
“After a hugely successful 50-year run with his band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, touring non-stop throughout the US and abroad, Southside Johnny Lyon has made the decision to retire from touring to manage ongoing health issues,” the statement said. singer. group told fans.
The abrupt retirement led to the cancellation of their upcoming shows, including the annual New Year’s Eve performance at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, New Jersey.
The Count Basie Center released its own statement, noting that all “tickets will be refunded through the original points of purchase.”
Southside Johnny, known as the Grandfather of the New Jersey Sound, announced his retirement from touring after five decades due to ‘ongoing health problems’ (seen in 1980)
“Johnny Lyon and the Asbury Jukes are an integral part of the history of the Basie Center and the history of music here on the Jersey Shore. While we’re sad that we won’t see them this New Year’s Eve, everyone at the Count Basie Center is forever grateful for the hundreds of moments he and his bandmates created on our stages. We love you, Johnny!’ the Count Basie Center wrote on Facebook.
Social media users were quick to react to the news, sharing their well wishes and fondest memories of the band under the post.
‘Thank you for all the great music and incredible live performances Southside! Health and happiness to you!’ one commented. ‘Raise a glass to the salt of the earth.’
A second wrote: ‘I’m devastated. My favorite band of all time! Best live shows I’ve ever attended. God bless you and the band!’
“I’ll keep you in my prayers!” another added. ‘You have given us so much fun and great music over the years! We’ve seen you play many times and every show has been fantastic!’
Southside Johnny’s step back from his career comes 10 months after he opened up on stage at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park about a health issue, which was later attributed to dehydration.
During the show, he left early, hit a microphone on the ground as he left the stage, and was taken to the hospital.
“I’m not feeling so good,” the music legend admitted to the crowd, telling them he was “trying his best.”
Last week, the 76-year-old beloved rock singer, who is the leader and co-founder of the New Jersey-based band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, revealed that he would no longer perform live (pictured with Bruce Springsteen in 1977)
The news was shared in a statement on his band’s website and social media accounts
“After a hugely successful 50-year run with his band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, touring non-stop throughout the US and abroad, Southside Johnny Lyon has made the decision to retire from touring to manage ongoing health issues,” the statement said. singer. group told fans pictured in 2015
He was released from the hospital within hours and his bandmates assured fans that Southside Johnny was doing well.
“He’s not feeling well,” Jeff Kazee said on stage at the time. “He didn’t want to leave.”
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes’ biggest hits include I Don’t Want to Go Home, Talk to Me and Hearts of Stone.
Jon Bon Jovi previously called Southside Johnny his ‘reason to sing’.