The Stone Pony has been the anchor of the Asbury Park music scene since opening its doors in 1974. Locals like Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny and Steve Van Zandt helped put us the Pony on the map, while today’s top artists and rising stars continue building a musical legacy.
Emo Night Brooklyn
21+ admitted
Tickets: $17 & up in advance plus applicable surcharges, $23 at the door
Doors at 9 pm, show time 10 pm
Welcome to Emo Night
Event Details
Emo Night Brooklyn
21+ admitted
Tickets: $17 & up in advance plus applicable surcharges, $23 at the door
Doors at 9 pm, show time 10 pm
Welcome to Emo Night Brooklyn, a late night DJ based dance party blasting the best emo and pop punk jams. We may even invite some of your favorite artists and bands to surprise you and join the party. Get ready to scream your lungs out, mosh, and dance to all your favorite songs with all of your favorite people and experience the awesomeness that is Emo Night Brooklyn.
Holdfast Records presents
THE ASBURY PARK RECORD SHOW
Vendors from all over the tri-state area
Thousands of records for sale: rock, punk, hip-hop, jazz, funk, soul, reggae, metal
LPs, 45s, CDs, cassettes
Admission: 11 am
Event Details
Holdfast Records presents THE ASBURY PARK RECORD SHOW
Vendors from all over the tri-state area
Thousands of records for sale: rock, punk, hip-hop, jazz, funk, soul, reggae, metal
LPs, 45s, CDs, cassettes
Admission: 11 am – $5
Early Bird Admission: 10 am – $10
Monkey Wrench
A Foo Fighters Tribute Band
Bringing some of the best songs from the legendary rock band, Monkey Wrench is a tribute band that aims at delivering a show that Foo
more
Event Details
Monkey Wrench
A Foo Fighters Tribute Band
Bringing some of the best songs from the legendary rock band, Monkey Wrench is a tribute band that aims at delivering a show that Foo fans would not cringe their toes at. It’s a tall order, we know! We are not the Foo Fighters! Nor do we aim to be. We love that band as much as any other Foo Fighters fan! That’s why we are focused and determined to pay proper tribute to them in our versions of their songs. Staying true to the energetic, no-nonsense, in-your-face, straight-up rock music that is loved worldwide. Monkey Wrench delivers a show that Foo Fighters fans will hopefully enjoy, Join us at the Pony for a night of Foos and fun!
Special Guests: Six Ways to Nowhere, Ripped, Punch Drunk, DJR, Blame Montana
Brian Kirk and the Jirks
Thanksgiving Eve Celebration
Brian Kirk returns to The Stone Pony for a full band show -- Brian Kirk & the Jirks Thanksgiving Feast! It's a Thanksgiving Eve
more
Event Details
Brian Kirk and the Jirks
Thanksgiving Eve Celebration
Brian Kirk returns to The Stone Pony for a full band show — Brian Kirk & the Jirks Thanksgiving Feast! It’s a Thanksgiving Eve party at the Pony and you’re invited! Experience a musical feast of party tunes cooked up live on stage. BKJs will keep you singing and dancing all night long. Brian Kirk is a renowned legendary Jersey Shore showman — part singer, musician, comedian and band leader who always delivers the good times. Join us Thanksgiving Eve for what’s always a special night at the Pony. This is an early show starting at 8 pm. Doors open at 7.
Status Green
20th Anniversary Show
Church and State TM (with Rick Barry, Andy Bova, Jon Stewart and friends)
Yawn Mower
The boys are back in town! Asbury Park hometown rockers Status Green return to
more
Event Details
Status Green
20th Anniversary Show
Church and State TM (with Rick Barry, Andy Bova, Jon Stewart and friends)
Yawn Mower
The boys are back in town! Asbury Park hometown rockers Status Green return to the Stone Pony for a much anticipated all original members reunion!
Status Green is Lou Montesano (lead vox), Chris Marino (guitar), Russell Tolas (bass guitar), and Mike Montalto (drums).
Status Green returns to their home stage at The Stone Pony to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The band cut their teeth prior to the resurgence of the city by the sea, when Asbury Park was a faded dream and live music was the only thing keeping it alive. Status Green immediately carved a name for themselves as the premier live act in Asbury Park, as they made an indelible mark on the scene with guaranteed sold-out shows and an unwavering cult following of thousands. After nine years of going dark, the pop-rock quartet was invited back last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Pony and they delivered a performance to a sold-out crowd that earned them recognition as one of the most iconic hometown bands in Asbury Park’s storied music history.
The Super '70s Rock Show returns to the Pony to rock Thanksgiving Saturday, Nov. 29. Get ready to rock with air guitar anthems, classic singalongs, one hit wonders and yacht
more
Event Details
The Super ’70s Rock Show returns to the Pony to rock Thanksgiving Saturday, Nov. 29. Get ready to rock with air guitar anthems, classic singalongs, one hit wonders and yacht rock favorites of the ’70s with a super audio/visual experience that will transport you back to the greatest decade in music! From the commercials, the toys, pop culture, the clothes and the music, Super Trans Am will drive you down
memory lane when Evel Knievel and the Fonz defined cool. Super ’70s Rock Show has quickly become NJ’s hottest new show band. It’s retro rock at its best with everything from Boston to Queen, Frampton to Journey, Thin Lizzy, Doobie Brothers, Kiss — get ready for a rocking ride thru the ’70s at The Stone Pony! Special Guest: Stretch and the Armstrongs
Door 7:00, Show 7:30 – 11:30
MARKY RAMONE’S HOLIDAY BLITZKRIEG – PLAYING THE RAMONES CLASSICS
Marky Ramone is best known for the 15 years he spent drumming for the legendary Ramones. Prior to joining the Ramones, Marky
more
Event Details
MARKY RAMONE’S HOLIDAY BLITZKRIEG – PLAYING THE RAMONES CLASSICS
Marky Ramone is best known for the 15 years he spent drumming for the legendary Ramones. Prior to joining the Ramones, Marky played with an array of influential musicians dating back to his high school years when he was a member of the Brooklyn based hard rock band, Dust.
In 1976, Marky was introduced to Richard Hell. Along with Bob Quine and Ivan Julian, they formed Richard Hell & the Voidoids. The Voidoids released their groundbreaking debut album in 1977 on Sire Records, entitled “Blank Generation”. Shortly after the Voidoids historic U.K. tour with The Clash, Marky found himself at the bar at CBGB with Dee Dee Ramone. Dee Dee asked him if he would be interested in joining The Ramones.
The spring of 1978, Marky joined the Ramones. In a matter of weeks he was in the studio recording his first album with The Ramones entitled, “Road to Ruin”, which features one of the biggest Ramones songs “I Wanna Be Sedated”. The following year the Ramones filmed the cult classic “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School”. Later that year, they joined forces with producer legend, Phil Spector to record “End Of The Century.”
In February 2010 The Ramones received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. It was the first Grammy for the punk rock pioneers.
In early 2010 Marky Ramones Blitzkrieg with Michale Graves released their first single “When We Were Angels” with former member of Sheer Terror, Mark Neuman, playing bass and guitar.
With no signs of slowing down, Marky Ramone continues to tour the world with his band, Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, featuring various lead vocalists including Andrew W.K. and Michale Graves.
Marky is currently in his eighth year as a DJ on SiriusXM hosing “Marky Ramone’s Punk Rock Blitzkrieg”. Marky has also appeared on numerous TV shows including The Simpsons, Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations and ZRock.
AFTERMATH
CLASSIC ROCK TRIBUTE
with special guests
Phil Robinson Band
Fire in the Annex
Back to June
Aftermath returns to the Pony with their explosive classic rock show playing music that
more
Event Details
AFTERMATH
CLASSIC ROCK TRIBUTE
with special guests
Phil Robinson Band
Fire in the Annex
Back to June
Aftermath returns to the Pony with their explosive classic rock show playing music that ruled the rocked the world in the ’70s and ’80s. The band can reach into almost any genre of rock always making for unique and interesting set lists — not your usual top hits only. They focus mainly on upbeat songs to keep you rocking all night!
Aftermath SI is: Mary Rock, Mike & Peter Spatola Anthony Surace, Jeff Derenzo, and Rob Colavito.
The 12th Annual SINDERELLA'S BALL
To Support Joan Dancy & PALS (People With ALS)
Music by Moroccan Sheepherders, The Tones, The Strumberry Pie Trio
Tickets: $30 in advance (plus applicable surcharges), $40 at
Event Details
The 12th Annual SINDERELLA’S BALL
To Support Joan Dancy & PALS (People With ALS)
Music by Moroccan Sheepherders, The Tones, The Strumberry Pie Trio
Tickets: $30 in advance (plus applicable surcharges), $40 at the door
Sinderella’s Ball
Saturday, December 6th
Doors open at 7PM
Tickets:
$30 online
$40 at the door
JESSE MALIN
and special guest
A message from Jesse: "I'm really looking forward to going back to The Stone Pony in December. It's always been one of my favorite places and my
Event Details
JESSE MALIN
and special guest
A message from Jesse: “I’m really looking forward to going back to The Stone Pony in December. It’s always been one of my favorite places and my favorite gigs that we do, especially for the holidays. It’s been so long since we’ve played there and so much has happened. I can’t wait to see you there. Please bring a toy for Brookdale Public Radio, 90.5 The NIGHT and Community Karma’s holiday toy drive.”
JESSE MALIN
and special guest
A message from Jesse: "I'm really looking forward to going back to The Stone Pony on December 13. It's always been one of my favorite places and
Event Details
JESSE MALIN
and special guest
A message from Jesse: “I’m really looking forward to going back to The Stone Pony on December 13. It’s always been one of my favorite places and my favorite gigs that we do, especially for the holidays. It’s been so long since we’ve played there and so much has happened. I can’t wait to see you there. Please bring a toy for Brookdale Public Radio, 90.5 The NIGHT and Community Karma’s holiday toy drive.”
Hungerthon Benefit Concert
Celebrating WhyHunger's 50th Anniversary
Marc Ribler with members of Little Steven's Disciples of Soul & the E Street Band
Young the Giant | Amy Helm | Yola | Garry Tallent
Marc Ribler with members of Little Steven’s Disciples of Soul & the E Street Band
Young the Giant | Amy Helm | Yola | Garry Tallent | The Smithereens
Steve Chapin & the Original Harry Chapin Band featuring Tom Chapin & Jen Chapin
The Dixie Dregs | Jimmy Vivino with Mark Barden | Danny Clinch | Randy C. Moore
LOW CUT CONNIE
with special guests NOT YER BABY
Piano rock is cool again, thanks to Adam Weiner and company, bringing a nostalgic cool to their very now modern rock 'n' roll.
more
Event Details
LOW CUT CONNIE
with special guests NOT YER BABY
Piano rock is cool again, thanks to Adam Weiner and company, bringing a nostalgic cool to their very now modern rock ‘n’ roll. “I think rock ‘n’ roll exists to be a red-blooded, countercultural medium,” says Weiner, who has performed under the Low Cut Connie moniker for more than a decade. “You’re supposed to get your hair messed up,” he says.
Beginning as an impromptu recording session in 2010, Low Cut Connie gradually evolved into a vehicle for Weiner’s songwriting and onstage persona. The band has earned praise for its high-energy live performances, which Los Angeles Weekly described in 2013 as “unmatched in all of rock right now.” NPR Music described Weiner as “masterfully fluent in the foundational languages of Western pop.” Elton John dedicated a song to Low Cut Connie at a concert in Philadelphia last year and Barack Obama put a Low Cut Connie song on a Spotify playlist 10 years ago.
For years now, Low Cut Connie has built its grassroots coalition of oddballs, underdogs and fun-loving weirdos with songs that celebrate life on the fringes of polite society. The band’s infamously wild, passionate live shows provide a total release of stress, inhibition and shame, working up a primordial rock ‘n’ roll sweat for fans to get blissfully soaked in. Come get the full Connie treatment at the Pony for what’s going to be an unforgettable night in Asbury Park.
The Nerds Annual Holiday Show
It's the most nerdy time of the year as the legendary Nerds return to The Stone Pony for their annual holiday show
more
Event Details
The Nerds Annual Holiday Show
It’s the most nerdy time of the year as the legendary Nerds return to The Stone Pony for their annual holiday show with special guests Illegally Blind.
The Nerds have been rocking their home base of the Jersey Shore for over 30 years! From Carnegie Hall, MTV, Network TV to plaid places far and wide, they’ve rocked them all. Join us for what is always a wild holiday party!
An Evening with
RAILROAD EARTH
25th Anniversary Tour
For more than two decades, Railroad Earth has captivated audiences with gleefully unpredictable live shows and eloquent and elevated studio output. The group introduced its
more
Event Details
An Evening with RAILROAD EARTH
25th Anniversary Tour
For more than two decades, Railroad Earth has captivated audiences with gleefully unpredictable live shows and eloquent and elevated studio output. The group introduced its signature sound on 2001’s The Black Bear Sessions. Between selling out hallowed venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre, they’ve launched the longstanding annual Hangtown Music Festival in California and Hillberry: The Harvest Moon Festival in Arkansas — both running for more than a decade. Sought after by legends, the John Denver estate tapped them to put lyrics penned by the late John Denver to music on the 2019 vinyl EP, Railroad Earth: The John Denver Letters. Beyond tallying tens of millions of streams, the collective have earned widespread critical acclaim from David Fricke of Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, Glide Magazine, and NPR who assured, “Well-versed in rambling around, as you might expect from a band named after a Jack Kerouac poem, the New Jersey-built jam-grass engine Railroad Earth has let no moss grow under its rustic wheels.”
Damn the Torpedoes
"The Live Tom Petty Concert Experience"
Damn The Torpedoes is the definitive spot-on Petty Tribute.
Every show is a celebration of everything Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Join us at
Event Details
Damn the Torpedoes
“The Live Tom Petty Concert Experience”
Damn The Torpedoes is the definitive spot-on Petty Tribute.
Every show is a celebration of everything Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Join us at the Pony for a two set show loaded with
Petty hits and fan favorites… a must see show for any Petty fan!
DDT is a great live retrospective of the Petty music catalogue.
THE MOVEMENT - VISIONS TOUR 2026
with special guests Tropidelic
Doors: 6:30 PM
Show: 7:30 PM
The Movement has been winning the hearts and minds of alternative-reggae fans since their inception in Columbia, SC
more
Event Details
THE MOVEMENT – VISIONS TOUR 2026
with special guests Tropidelic
Doors: 6:30 PM
Show: 7:30 PM
The Movement has been winning the hearts and minds of alternative-reggae fans since their inception in Columbia, SC in 2003. Drawing inspiration from Sublime, 311, Slightly Stoopid and John Brown’s Body, they’ve made a name for themselves as reggae shapeshifters with a foundation of heavy drum and bass. Today the band consists of founding member, lead vocalist and guitarist Joshua Swain, bassist Jason Schmidt , drummer Gary Jackson, keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist Matt Goodwin, and saxophonist/percussionist Kyle Jerome. Their seventh studio album, Ways Of The World (2019) debuted at #1 in the Billboard Reggae Chart, and remained in the Billboard Reggae Top 10 for more than 40 consecutive weeks. The band’s eighth studio album Always With Me – out July 29, 2022 on the band’s R4RE Records imprint – explores new musical territory while staying true to their champion sound. Featuring collaborations from their influences-turned-peers, Slightly Stoopid, Iration, and Clinton Fearon, and contemporaries HIRIE and Soom T, for The Movement, the only path is forward; pushing the boundaries and the future of reggae.
A musical lighthouse, shining a resilient light for everyone that has had to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, Tropidelic has arrived on the national stage. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, a city rich in character and music history, this six-piece performance powerhouse carves their own path with an independent mentality. Front man Roads, explores feelings more than sounds, seeing where the emotional travel can take him, while valuing being comfortable and honest. The past year has included a first pitch at a Cleveland Guardians game followed by a live performance for the entire stadium; an adopted highway in their hometown; producing two of their own festivals (Sunny Days and Everwild Music Festival); tens of millions of streams of Tropidelic’s music; appearances at major US festivals such as Beach Life and Tortuga; tours with The Dirty Heads, Lupe Fiasco, 311, and Michael Franti; and their first performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
SPLINTERED SUNLIGHT
Grateful Date Night Valentines Show
Splintered Sunlight's Grateful Dead Tribute returns for Grateful Date Night, a special Valentines show. Grab your partner and your dancing shoes for what's going to
Event Details
SPLINTERED SUNLIGHT
Grateful Date Night Valentines Show
Splintered Sunlight’s Grateful Dead Tribute returns for Grateful Date Night, a special Valentines show. Grab your partner and your dancing shoes for what’s going to be a memorable night at the Pony. Come see why Splintered has been rocking the Pony for 30 years. Always a great time at the Pony with two sets of Dead tunes you know and love. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Door 7:00, Show 7:30 to 11:30.
The Asbury Park Music Awards make a triumphant return!
Beloved celebration of heralded music scene returns after a seven-year hiatus
The highly revered Asbury Park Music Awards are back, reigniting a long-standing
more
Event Details
The Asbury Park Music Awards make a triumphant return!
Beloved celebration of heralded music scene returns after a seven-year hiatus
The highly revered Asbury Park Music Awards are back, reigniting a long-standing tradition of celebrating the original artists who keep Asbury Park’s legendary music scene alive. The 2025 Awards will take place Fri., Feb. 20 at The Stone Pony.
Now presented by the Asbury Park Music Foundation (APMF), the awards were originally founded in 1993 by Scott Stamper of the iconic venue The Saint and Peter Mantas, entertainment director of the former Langosta Lounge, and ran annually through 2018. Known as “the Heart of the Asbury Music Scene,” The Saint closed in 2022, and Stamper has now passed the torch to APMF with his full support.
The 2025 Asbury Park Music Awards will feature 31 categories, including New Music of the Year, Artist of the Year, Musician of the Year, and several Genre-Based Performer of the Year categories. In addition, four special awards will recognize standout music released during the event’s “gap years” from 2019 through 2024.
Nominations are open through Nov. 16, with finalists selected by a committee of local music community members. In January, a series of showcase events will highlight nominated artists across Asbury Park venues. Final voting will combine input from the judging committee, fans, and fellow musicians, culminating in the announcement of winners at the Feb. 20 awards show.
Produced by the Asbury Park Music Foundation, proceeds from the event will support APMF’s mission to provide life-changing music education to under-resourced youth.
Tickets: $25 in advance plus applicable surcharges, $30 at the door
SUIT & MAI TAI
The Ultimate Yacht Rock Experience
Suit & Mai Tai makes their Stone Pony debut! Join us for a yacht rock party like no other. Ahoy! NJ's premiere yacht
more
Event Details
SUIT & MAI TAI
The Ultimate Yacht Rock Experience
Suit & Mai Tai makes their Stone Pony debut! Join us for a yacht rock party like no other. Ahoy! NJ’s premiere yacht rock show sails into The Stone Pony on Sat., Feb. 21. Suit & Mai Tai brings the smooth sounds of yacht rock to life, then cranks it up with a fresh, unexpected edge. With a large following across New Jersey, this seven-piece band has become a staple at top clubs, outdoor festivals, and exclusive private events. They deliver a high-energy, sonically rich show that turns soft rock nostalgia into a full-on experience. Come aboard landlubbers — it’s time to party in yacht rock style!
Fueled by three powerhouse lead vocalists, flawless harmonies, searing guitar work, blazing horns, and a rhythm section that kicks like thunder, Suit & Mai Tai takes audiences on a journey through the best of the ’70s and ’80s- from Christopher Cross, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Toto, Linda Ronstadt and Steely Dan to Styx, The Eagles, Billy Joel, and many more. Think yacht rock classics with grit, mixing in rock anthems with polish. It’s the perfect blend of velvet with voltage.
Their slogan says it all: “Yacht That Rocks.” This isn’t background music. It’s a full-production, crowd-igniting event designed to keep audiences singing, dancing and coming back for more. If you’re looking for a show that needs to deliver both musical excellence and undeniable entertainment, Suit & Mai Tai is the act that brings smooth to the stage — and rocks the boat while they’re at it. Showtime 8 pm.
Last Dinosaurs
Wellness 10 Year Anniversary Tour
plus elmjack
A decade after their beloved sophomore album Wellness lit up dance floors around the world, Last Dinosaurs are bringing it back to
Event Details
Last Dinosaurs
Wellness 10 Year Anniversary Tour
plus elmjack
A decade after their beloved sophomore album Wellness lit up dance floors around the world, Last Dinosaurs are bringing it back to life – performing the record in full across the U.S. this February and March. Expect wall-to-wall energy, nostalgia, and every shimmering groove that made Wellness a fan favorite. From “Apollo” to “Wurl,” this is your chance to celebrate ten years of pure indie euphoria.
SILVERSUN PICKUPS
Tenterhooks Tour
Silversun Pickups’ sixth album Physical Thrills came together as a serendipitous accident during a dark time. The LA band began 2020 by touring in support of their record released
more
Event Details
SILVERSUN PICKUPS
Tenterhooks Tour
Silversun Pickups’ sixth album Physical Thrills came together as a serendipitous accident during a dark time. The LA band began 2020 by touring in support of their record released the previous year, Widow’s Weeds. But the pandemic halted those plans, with the members including guitarist and singer Brian Aubert, bassist Nikki Monninger, drummer Christopher Guanlao, and keyboardist Joe Lester, finding themselves stuck at home. In that resting period, Aubert wasn’t focused on Silversun Pickups; instead, he channeled his energy into taking care of his son, Nico, while his wife Tracy worked.
But as much as his focus initially shifted from the band, he couldn’t escape the new melodies germinating in his head. “I would sneak off and start writing these songs, and I didn’t know what they’re for because I didn’t really think about Silversun on any level. I was just doing it to keep myself calm and keep myself company,” says Aubert. The songs were so different from what he’d previously written for Silversun Pickups that he initially thought he was writing a musical. There were “dream shanties,” gentler vocals, horror-inspired sounds, and other exciting new elements coming to mind.
The band finally was able to gather in person for a live-streamed acoustic performance on Halloween for The Dark Zone Network’s virtual music festival Queen Mary, and it was there that Aubert revealed the new material to his bandmates. They readily embraced the new direction—and so did producer Butch Vig. The band reunited with Vig, who first worked with Silversun Pickups on Widow’s Weeds, recording the record at the famed producer and Garbage member’s home.
When Aubert first reached out to Vig, he wasn’t sure if the band was making an EP or a full record; Widow’s Weeds was still fresh for Silversun Pickups. But once Aubert made plans to visit Vig and play him what he had, the music began pouring out. He immediately began recording with Vig, later having the rest of the band join.
Once the band began working on Physical Thrills together, they made some of Silversun Pickups’ most stunning songs yet. The record doesn’t depart drastically from the sound the band’s fans know and love, but rather enhances it with previously-unexplored fixtures at play.
Physical Thrills was colored by the pandemic, but isn’t meant to be solemn; instead, Aubert explores his own comfort in the temporary, newfound isolation. There’s a juxtaposition of playfulness with angst from having so much time to process untapped emotions. That’s something that comes through in the album’s instrumentation, too, with wide-ranging sounds that transform according to the weight of the lyrics.
There are tracks with shoegaze-infused distorted synths and guitar, like opener “Stillness (Way Beyond)”; bouncy, pop-tinged danceable tunes (“Empty Nest,” “Hereafter (Way After)”); pared-down ballads (“Alone On A Hill”); and a collection of “dream shanties,” as Aubert refers to them.
The titles of those shanties call back to “Dream At Tempo 119” off the band’s 2006 debut record, Carnavas, tying the band’s beginnings with the current, evolved iteration of Silversun Pickups. But, this time, the instrumentation matches the lyrics. Aubert forgoes the heavy guitars to instead create magical lullabies: “Dream At Tempo 050,” “Dream At Tempo 310,” and “Dream At Tempo 150.” Each carries a secret code in the title with numbers personal to Aubert.
With such an exploratory record, the band members felt free to traverse new ground. Guanlao, who usually shies away from fills on drums, took inspiration from The Beatles documentary Get Back, throwing some into Physical Thrills, influenced by Ringo Starr’s work on Let It Be. Whereas for Monninger, this record allowed her to showcase her vocals at the forefront more than in previous work. Joe also took a larger role in composition on this record, writing the piano part for “We Won’t Come Out,” which became the backbone for the song.
The making of Physical Thrills also allowed for whimsical moments, including Aubert creating a distinct tapping noise by incorporating the sound of drumsticks hitting Vig’s Grammy in “Hidden Moon,” and playfully pelting balloons at Monninger while she played “Hereafter (Way After)” on bass to create less tension.
While this record features such an eclectic mix of melodies, each song is interconnected with each other, meant to be experienced as a whole body of work. “All of our records are designed for people who want to listen to them all the way through and hopefully stick around with it,” says Aubert. “After a while, maybe you’ll catch on to the little things—not just the [pattern of] the dream songs, but maybe you’ll hear that, and you’ll hear a melody from the first song in the last song. There are crossover things happening.”
Lester says, “Physical Thrills is exactly the record that we wanted to make, which I’m really stoked about because sometimes you look back and think, ‘Well, that’s maybe not exactly how we would have done it’ when you go back and listen to it years later.’ But I feel really proud of this one. I think the songs that Nikki sings on are like the best ones we’ve done for her to sing on. The lyrics are better than they’ve ever been.”
Monninger adds, “We’ve been together for twenty-two years; it’s really interesting that we still love doing this. We know that we’re fortunate to still be together after all these years, seeking out the silver lining. I feel like we still have many more things to say, and we’re so happy with how this album turned out.”
The band have reunited with producer Butch Vig and are currently working on the follow-up to Physical Thrills, which is out now via their label, New Machine Recordings. Physical Thrills is available for purchase on all formats.
TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS
Wild America Tour 2026
with special guest Lucero
on The Stone Pony Summer Stage
The Turnpike Troubadours have never followed any script. Breakthrough albums have been followed by breakups. Triumphant reunions have
more
Event Details
TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS
Wild America Tour 2026
with special guest Lucero
on The Stone Pony Summer Stage
The Turnpike Troubadours have never followed any script. Breakthrough albums have been followed by breakups. Triumphant reunions have overcome insurmountable odds. And live shows have been thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Now, just two years since their comeback album, A Cat in the Rain, the Tahlequah, Oklahoma, band delivers yet another helping of the unexpected: the surprise release of The Price of Admission, the group’s most vibrant, piercing album since 2010’s career-defining Diamonds & Gasoline.
Reteaming with Grammy-winning producer Shooter Jennings, who oversaw A Cat in the Rain, the Turnpike Troubadours crafted and recorded 11 new songs for The Price of Admission, reminding fans and peers alike just how it’s done. how it’s done. Songwriter and front man Evan Felker rises to the occasion, cementing his status as country-rock’s version of Bruce Springsteen. He writes and sings openly and poetically about his sobriety, about loss, and about lighting out in search of something, anything, to fill the void.
For Felker, it’s his band of brothers in Turnpike Troubadours: fiddler Kyle Nix, multi-instrumentalist Hank Early, guitarist Ryan Engleman, bassist RC Edwards, and drummer Gabe Pearson. All of them are at the top of their games on The Price of Admission, refusing to hold on too tightly and letting the music guide them.