Springsteen makes surprise appearance at Stone Pony

Bruce Springsteen gave a surprise performance to an audience of about 800 people on Friday night (11/3) at New Jersey's Stone Pony club in Asbury Park. The Jersey native took the stage with Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers at the Light of Day benefit to aid Parkinson's Disease research.

Grushecky and his band--following performances by other roots-rock artists that included the Gypsy Cabdrivers, Willie Nile, Samhill and Marah--hit the stage at about 1:30 a.m. After performing two songs, Grushecky introduced "New Jersey's favorite son, Bruce Springsteen." Springsteen then proceeded to play guitar and sing with Grushecky and company for a set that lasted until about 3:15 a.m.

The Springsteen-Grushecky set included Grushecky originals such as "Never Be Enough Time," and "Talking to the King," as well as Springsteen's "Murder Inc.," "Ramrod" and the event's namesake, "Light of Day." The duo also performed "Homestead," a song co-written by the pair. A cover of Little Richard's "I Hear You Knockin'" was also performed.

An encore that included "Twist & Shout" and "I Don't Want to Go Home" featured all of the musicians on the event's bill, plus other guests that included Springsteen's wife Patti Scialfa, Grushecky's wife Leann and Grushecky's manager Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1996. Springsteen shared the mic with Benjamin during the final chorus of "Twist & Shout."

The surprise set by Springsteen followed performances by the Danny White Band, Joe Bonanno & the Godsons of Soul, Boccigalupe & the Bad Boys, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan.

Two weeks prior, Springsteen joined Jon Bon Jovi and E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg on stage for several songs at a benefit show in Middletown, N.J. for Special People United to Ride of Monmouth County.

Proceeds from The Light of Day concert will benefit the Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF). Founded in 1957, the PDF is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting research into the cause, cure and treatment of PD, according to an event press release.