ASBURY PARK, NJ, June 11, 2003 — Asbury Park, one of America’s best-known rock and roll music scenes, finally has its story told in the new book "Beyond The Palace" by Gary Wien. The struggling city along the Jersey Shore has long been known as the place where artists like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi got their start, but its legacy goes much further.
"Beyond The Palace" takes you on a ride through the city’s long and illustrious music history; from the Upstage Club where musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Billy Chinnock, David Sancious and Southside Johnny used to jam all night to early clubs like the Student Prince and Sunshine In; from the legendary Stone Pony and Fastlane to alternative clubs like the Green Parrot, T-Birds Cafe and the Saint. The book contains interviews with over 40 artists and features over 70 rare and never before seen photographs, many from the world-famous photographer Debra L. Rothenberg.
"This is really the first comprehensive look at the entire Asbury Park music scene," said the author. "There are a lot of books out there that focus solely on Bruce Springsteen or Bon Jovi, but "Beyond The Palace" also features the artists that had good careers but didn’t sell millions of records. It covers local rock and roll history from the 60s to today, including a look at artists like Matt Witte, Danny White and DeSol that prove the Asbury Park music scene is alive and well."
"Beyond The Palace" takes you inside the scene like never before. You’ll hear the stories right from the artists themselves. It’s a look at drugs, sex and booze; bands that made it big, artists on the rise, and those that just missed the mark. It brings you inside the music industry from how bands fight to get signed to how things can fall apart overnight. But most of all, it shows how artists do not have to sell millions of records to be remembered.
Asbury Park, currently in the early stages of a rebirth, truly deserves its place in music history. As the city changes, this book will become even more of a collector’s item. Asbury is banking on its past to build its future. For those who were there, "Beyond The Palace" will bring the memories flooding back and for those who missed out here’s a chance to learn about a small city with a musical past unlike any other.
The book is currently available worldwide from Trafford Publishing (www.trafford.com) or from the book’s official website at www.AsburyMusic.com. "Beyond The Palace" (ISBN: 1412003148) contains 400 pages and is available in paperback for a list price of $26. Gary Wien is a life-long resident of the Jersey Shore; this is his first published book. Interviews and print-quality images are available.
CONTACT:
Gary Wien
(732) 280-3305
gary@asburymusic.com
http://www.asburymusic.com
