Beautiful and damned Asbury Park, New Jersey is at it again. Asbury Lanes, the birthday party stomping grounds of my youth, is now a punk rock venue. The syrupy soda water I used to love is now PBR. The alley bumper balloons have been cleared away so bands can play where I used to bowl.
In high school, the famous Stone Pony was similarly co-opted so that hardcore shows would displace the obligatory Southside Johnny concerts (I hope Bruce shows up tonight!). I loved the idea that the kids had recreated the Jersey Shore to make it relevant to my generation. It’s happening all over again, except this time it’s my memories that are being remodeled.
History repeats itself, Asbury takes on its 10th life, and I have a legitimate reason to return home.