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Photograph by John Cavanaugh
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Photograph by René van Diemen
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Photograph
by John Cavanaugh |
How long have
you been a Jukes fan?
Billy: Since I bought their first album upon its release in 1976. I was a big Bruce fan
prior to that, so I was made aware of them because of their association with Bruce &
Miami Steve. I first heard them perform live when the 5-30-76 Pony show was broadcast on
the Asbury Park radio station (WJLK). I first saw them at the Stone Pony later in 1976,
when I managed to get into the Pony at age 17 (they still played there regularly in '76
and '77). Never missed them at the Pony after that, and on many nights Bruce and/or Steven
would join them on stage. The Pony was THE place to be in those days.
What attracted you to their music?
Billy: I loved their sound, the blues/rock with the horns. The cover songs were great,
and Steven/Bruce's originals were classics. And Johnny is from my hometown!
Approximately how many times have you seen the band?
Billy: Literally hundreds. I rarely missed an east coast show from late 1976 until
1979. To me, the best years were those early ones. More blues, lots of style. Everyone in
three-piece suits & Popeye on drums. I was very fortunate to grow up on the Jersey
Shore, minutes from Asbury. But I've continued to see them whenever possible since then.
Is there one show that stands out from the others?
Billy: Probably New Years Eve 1977/78 at the Capitol Theatre. Max & Steven played
with the band all night, they sounded great with 2 drummers and 2 guitars. The band always
played better when Steven was on stage. And Bruce & the other E Streeters also played
at the end. The best New Years Eve ever!
What's your favorite Jukes song and why?
Billy: Can't really pick one. Anything from the first three brilliant albums brings
back great memories of those magical days.
What made you go to JUKESTOCK?
Billy: I wanted to see the current band at a small venue with fellow fans who really
appreciate the music. And I knew that I'd see a lot of friends from the days when I had
the "Rock & Roll Museum" in Asbury. It was a great experience, and it was
very well organized. Johnny and the guys in the band seemed to understand how much this
meant to the fans who attended, and I think they really appreciated the support.
How did it feel when you realized you had the winning raffle ticket and how did it
feel when you introduced the band?
Billy: I was thrilled to be the winner. I'd always wanted to introduce them and figured
this would be my only chance, so I bought a bunch of tickets. In '76 and '77 a DJ from New
York named Vin Scelsa often introduced them on stage, especially for the WNEW-FM
broadcasts. I always envied him, and his intros were certainly on my mind when I was up
there.
It really was an honor after being a fan for 25 years.
*The Right To Introduce The Band was created especially for JUKESTOCK thanks to Jane
McCreery’s ingenuity.
 I SANG WITH THE JUKES
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