The Bouncing Souls made fans “Sing Along Forever” in Asbury Park on 9/5/2021 w/ The Menzingers, Sick of It All, etc.

Photo By Melinda Oswandel

The Bouncing Souls hold an annual hometown show at the Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, New Jersey. For the most part, this year was no different as the event kicked off on September 5th, 2021. Metal Insider contributing photographer Melinda Oswandel was there to capture the experience. With nearly eighteen months have gone by without concerts, this event was a must-see as we are starting to experience some sense of normality during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the Souls return yearly, just like every other band, last year’s was a no-go. Therefore, the group made this year’s festivities extra special, including an exceptional line of special guests including, Scranton, PA’s The Menzingers, NYC’s Sick of It All, Detroit’s, The Suicide Machines, and Philadelphia’s Soul Glo.

While the weather wasn’t in everyone’s favor, raining most of the time, the heaviest rainfall landed during The Suicide Machines set. The weather didn’t stop the band nor the crowd. It only added to the overall energy as the pit erupted while other concertgoers kept singing along to the set. As the fans continued to go wild, Jay Navarro, at one point, jumped into the pit during the second song fueling the crowd with even more enthusiasm.

As the night progressed, the venue continued to pack, proving a near-soldout spectacular filled with punk rock excitement. Jumping into the crowd continued as Lou Koller of Sick of It All jumped off the stage to join the crowd behind the barricade during the group’s final song of the night.

With an already enthused and ignited energy, the audience had enough steam for the final act of the night: The Bouncing Souls. The Surfrider Foundation in Asbury Park was also in attendance as they raffled off a surfboard or two before the Souls’ hit the stage. There were sing-alongs galore throughout the day, especially during The Menzingers and Souls’ sets, where it looked as though devoted fans were singing along to every single word. It was an overall incredible experience with lots of skanking, too, during the Souls set. It was a fun night, and you can see the adventure in the photo galleries below.

Soul Glo: