Backstreets History:
The BSTREETBAND - A Tribute to the Boss

During that time, the Jersey Shore band scene was at its highest point. Clubs offered entertainment every night of the week, many even ran matinees every day. The drinking age was 18, but half of the crowd was often younger. At that time, you had a choice of 100 different Rock Clubs, between South Amboy and Seaside Heights, NJ.
 

In early 1978, the members of "Star" decided this was the area to play and become recognized. In the early stages, working at the Shore was not easy. It resulted in many hours of driving back and forth from PA to NJ in order to play in "small club one night stands", for little or no money. Fortunately, by early 1979, "Star" had gained enough popularity to create a rotation in the Shore's top nightclubs. They played in nightclubs such as: "Baby O's" Seaside Hts., "Club Spanky" Long Branch, "Royal Manor North" New Brunswick, "Colonels Garter" South Amboy, NJ.

After another year of New Jersey Club Circuit, some band members felt a new direction was needed. Original music was considered, but that meant starting all over again in a small club forum. Moving to a new area outside of New Jersey was also thought over but decided against.

After another year of New Jersey Club Circuit, some band members felt a new direction was needed. Original music was considered, but that meant starting all over again in a small club forum. Moving to a new area outside of New Jersey was also thought over but decided against. There was a 3rd option with a remote possibility. A handful of groups were gaining fast popularity by playing music written by performers who had past away such as, Jim Morrison.

Members of "Star" decided to take this idea a step further and really take a chance. "Star" then formed a band with a new name, and a new direction, in order to pay tribute to a live performer, "Bruce Springsteen". Thus, Backstreets, A Tribute to the Boss , was formed in March of 1980, by musicians Will Forte, and Bob Chipak. No other group anywhere had tried the idea of making music of a performer who was currently alive. Springsteen was known nationally and had a large cult following, but had not performed at this time in over 3 years.

The band had contacted local nightclub owners and told them of their decision to base their music solely on songs done by Springsteen. The owners did not particularly like this idea and had doubts about hiring the new band. However, the members of "Backstreets" were not discouraged and decided to condense their monies and energy into a one night performance, a show case for all to see. Thus, the "Tribute era" of the early 1980's was created.

Backstreets opening night performance was May 29th 1980. The band sold out and drew in over 2000 Springsteen fans to a nightclub called "Park place" on Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ. The night consisted of two 50 minute sets of music written by the powerful singer/songwriter Bruce Springsteen and the B-Street band.

The B-Street Band was formed in Asbury Park, New Jersey in May of 1980.  Since that time, the band has played in over 400 different nightclubs and 150 colleges located in 15 different states.  Over the last 18 years, the band has been estimated to have performed live for over 2 million different people.  In 1991,the addition of Springsteen look alike, Glenn Stuart, enabled the band to perform an additional two sets of powerful Springsteen favorites as well as dance music ranging from the legendary Roy Orbison and The Bee Gees to current favorites from Dave Matthews Band and Hootie and the Blowfish. 

Over the past year, The band performed in Denver during the Democratic Convention and will perform for NJ Inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama in Washington. They were the first cover band to be featured live on “Fox Business Channel”. Thurs Nights during the past 3 summers were voted best draw of the week in Atlantic City outside at Trump marina. CEO Chairman James Allen of the World Wide Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is seen many times on stage with his favorite Springsteen Band.

You can see the BSTREETBAND perform at many of their venues from Boston to Hollywood Florida. Hey, they even were mentioned in articles in Sports Illustrated and Women’s Home journal. The BSTREETBAND has just about done it ALL!