I was 13 years old, the year was 1979. I was young, open and impressionable. 
I was just discovering my musical tastes but little did I know that I had the best surprise lying just ahead of me. My sister was dating a guy that always seemed to have interesting musical taste. I was in his car one day and he played me a track called "Trapped Again" by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. I thought the song was great, loved the vocals and the horns. For whatever reason I didn't go out and purchase the album. Several months went by and my sister's boyfriend offered to take me to see Southside live at Great Adventure. I took him up on it.

That is when this story really changed. The lights go down and out comes this 
guy wearing the famed sunglasses a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt and black 
converse sneakers. From the very first note I was completely blown away. That 
voice....I had never heard anyone sound so good!! Johnny's passion was 
tremendous. Match that up with those unbelievable blaring horns and yes I had 
found my musical influence on that very evening...SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY AND THE ASBURY JUKES. 

To this day, no one musically has ever touched my heart and soul like Johnny 
and the Jukes. That probably explains why in early 2002 I decided to start my 
own Tribute band (Asbury Fever...band plug!) to pay homage to Jersey shore 
based musical influences particularly Southside. There is absolutely nothing 
better than to be able to sing Southside Johnny songs in front of a live  audience. 

Southside's music and voice really stands worlds apart from everything I have 
ever heard. Thank you for the great voice, music and the many inspiring  performances you have given me over the past 23 years. It's touched my life in a very positive way.

Brad Hobicorn