Southside Johnny, known as the Grandfather of the New Jersey Sound, announced he is retiring from touring after five decades due to ‘ongoing health issues.’
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 be performing live.
The news was shared in a statement released 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 U.S and overseas, Southside Johnny Lyon has made the decision to retire from touring in order to manage ongoing health issues,’ the group told fans.
The abrupt retirement prompted the cancellations 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 their own statement, in which they noted that all ‘tickets will be refunded via original points of purchase.’
Southside Johnny, known as the Grandfather of the New Jersey Sound, announced he is retiring from touring after five decades due to ‘ongoing health issues’ (seen in 1980)
‘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. 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!’ the the Count Basie Center wrote on Facebook.
Social media users were quick to react to the news as they shared their well wishes and best memories of the band underneath the post.
‘Thank you for all the great music and incredible live performances Southside! Health and happiness to ya!’ one commented. ‘Raising a glass to the salt of the earth.’
A second wrote: ‘am devastated. My favorite band of all time! Best live shows I’ve ever attended. God Bless you and the band!’
‘Keeping you in my prayers!’ another added. ‘You have given us so much fun and great music throughout the years! We’ve seen you play many times and each show was fantastic!’
Southside Johnny’s step back from his career comes ten months after he opened up about a health scare on stage at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, which was later attributed to dehydration.
During the show, he left early, knocking a microphone to the ground on his way off the stage, and was taken to the hospital.
‘I’m not feeling so good,’ the music legend admitted to the crowd as he told them he was ‘doing the best’ he could.
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 be performing live (pictured with Bruce Springsteen in 1977)
The news was shared in a statement released 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 U.S and overseas, Southside Johnny Lyon has made the decision to retire from touring in order to manage ongoing health issues,’ the group told fans’ pictured in 2015
He was released within hours from the hospital and his band members assured fans that Southside Johnny was okay.
‘He’s feeling under the weather,’ Jeff Kazee said on stage, at the time. ‘He didn’t want to leave.’
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes’s greatest hits include I Don’t Want to Go Home, Talk to Me and Hearts of Stone.
Jon Bon Jovi previously credited Southside Johnny as his ‘reason for singing.’
