originally published: 11/04/2019



The critically-acclaimed film documentary Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption, Rock n’ Roll is now available to purchase on digital platforms including the Apple TV App and Amazon.  The documentary brings Jersey legends like Steven Van Zandt, Southside Johnny Lyon, David Sancious, and Bruce Springsteen back to the Upstage Club - the legendary psychedelic after hours club where they honed their talents. 

The film, directed by Tom Jones, features never before seen interviews and performances and tells the story of the long troubled town of Asbury Park, and how the power of music can unite a divided community.  A once storied seaside resort, Asbury Park erupted in flames during a summer of civil unrest, crippling the town for the next 45 years and reducing it to a state of urban blight.  A town literally divided by a set of railroad tracks, the riot destroyed the fabled Westside jazz and blues scene, but from the flames of the burning city emerged the iconic Jersey sound. 

Shuttered for four and a half decades, the Upstage remains a perfect time capsule of the Club, which united both sides of the tracks in Asbury and acted as a crucible for young talent.  Now, as Asbury Park enjoys its long awaited renaissance, it is music, which has brought it back from the dead. 

“This film has been a labor of love for so many to create and bring to life,” said director, Tom Jones. “ The passion we all share for the city of Asbury Park and the power of music it has delivered is groundbreaking.  This is a story rooted from a Jersey Shore town that will transcend globally.” 

Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption, Rock n Roll premiered at The Asbury Park Music & Film Festival in April 2019 and was screened in cinemas around the world a month later. 

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The film is produced in association with Jersey Mike’s, which allows all profits worldwide to be dedicated to supporting and creating music education programs for wide distribution. 

You can rent or purchase the film on iTunes and Amazon.