THE NEW YORK TIMES – BY E.KYLE MINOR – JUNE 18, 2000
NEW JERSEY’S most famous R & B band, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, has been conspicuously missing from the concert stage for over two years. In typical blue-collar fashion, Southside Johnny Lyon had no euphemistic excuse for his band’s absence.
“It wasn’t fun anymore,” said Mr. Lyon, 51, from his home not in New Jersey but in Nashville. “I’m not a schmoozer, I didn’t feel up to the business part of it. Besides, I don’t think I was any good the last couple of years.” While he was at it, he dispelled rumors of throat problems, which may have arisen because he failed to complete a performance during his last tour.
That was then. Today Mr. Lyon and his Jukes are touring full force, making three appearances in Connecticut, starting with a 6:30 p.m. concert Thursday on the Fleet Stage in Stamford. The show is part of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas. The band next performs on July 7 at City Center Danbury, then the following day at Taste of Enfield.
