Rumors Swirl Around A Possible Return Of The Legendary Saint To Asbury Park
In the Jersey Shore’s rich rock history, there have been many a venue that has captured the true essence of the area’s original music sound. From the Stone Pony to the Tradewinds, the Birch Hill to the Wonder Bar, and dozens more. These were places where a kid could get his or her start on stage. Maybe as part of a battle of the bands. Perhaps a local band radio showcase. Or of course, the ultimate, being lucky enough to get an opening spot for one night, with a national touring act. If local musicians are the blood of the Jersey Shore music scene, then these beloved venues are the veins through which they flow. Sadly, not enough of these venues remain, and it seems new music venue openings are few and far between.
#SeaHearNow / September 17-18, 2022
The local rumor mill is churning.
However, I recently was told some interesting news. More of a rumor really, and man what a rumor it is. What a reality it could be, if true! The rumor swirling around Asbury Park is that the legendary Saint is planning to reopen!
I have a reputable, although hairy source.
My fellow Rat Rocker, Erik “The Gorilla” Swift first texted me the info. Erik is quite possibly the largest consumer of live music (and cheesesteaks), I’ve ever seen. So I know he’s got his ear to the grindstone when it comes to local music scuttlebutt. Swifty told me he heard the Saint could be taking over the space most recently inhabited by the House Of Independents. HOI closed permanently late last year after flooding from a Fall storm caused near irreparable damage to the venue at 572 Cookman Avenue. The cost for repairs was said to be over 1 million dollars.
Erik directed me to the Saint’s social media pages. They have been left mostly dormant since the original venue at 601 Main Street finally shut its doors a couple of years back. The Saint as you may recall closed in due to financial losses post-pandemic. On co-owner Meg Kelly’s Facebook page, I found bits and pieces of info that do seem to indicate something is in the works on Cookman Avenue.
About the original Saint music venue.
According to the venue website, and in case you have never been, the Saint was one of the top small live music venues in the world and the heart of the Asbury music scene. The Saint’s mission was to present and preserve live original music at the Jersey Shore
Since opening its doors on November 18, 1994, The Saint presented the finest regional, national, and international touring acts. Our local scene is one of the best in the country and the Saint often presents 2-3 local acts each night in support of the touring road shows. This intimate venue hosted over 300 shows a year since its inception.
National acts who have performed on stage include Creed, Jewel, Joey Ramone, Cake, Incubus, Deftones, Everlast, Moe, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Furthermore, bands like Cannibal Corpse, Hoobastank, String Cheese Incident, Matthew Good Band, Cowboy Mouth, Stereophonics, have performed there.
It would be an absolute joy to see the Saint reopen in Asbury Park. Whether it be at the House Of Independents old haunt, or some other spot on Cookman Ave. Or, perhaps the new Boardwalk redevelopment, or just right back at good old tiny, band sticker-laden 601 Main. Meanwhile, The world needs rumors, and the world needs the Saint. Fingers crossed.
ALSO READ: Raising Cane’s Is Opening New Restaurants In New Jersey
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce81Xg6OoNC/
