The Headliner Oasis nightclub in Neptune, a staple of Jersey Shore nightlife for more than 50 years, is closing.
The Route 35 club’s final day of operation will be Monday, Oct. 20, announced owner Tom Sueta Sunday, Oct 10, on social media.
“We’ve been truly blessed over the years — to witness the Creation of thousands of lasting relationships and marriages began here, and to support hundreds of incredible charities along the way,” Sueta said. “We are deeply proud of the role we have played in the community, and beyond grateful for the memories we have shared with all of you.”
Fans and employees have been sharing remembrances on social media since the announcement.
New York’s Country 94.7-FM’s Kick-Off to Summer show takes place at the Headliner early in the day. Country music artist Matt Stell takes the stage. Neptune, NJFriday, May 24, 2019
“This is unbelievably heartbreaking. Spending my entire 20’s having a blast every weekend i became a regular with so many friends and meeting my ex there and so many many more amazing people that the memories we shared are forever in my heart,” commented a fan. “Then watching my children go there when they hit 21 was a joy to me.”
The Headliner was opened in 1974 by New Jersey nightclub impresario Art Stock out of the ashes of the former Captain’s Garter at 1401 Route 35 south.
The early days were jumping, with groups like the Greaseband packing them in on Thursdays and Jersey Shore Summer Basketball League games, featuring NBA and top college players like Scott Skiles, Mark Jackson, Walter Berry and Pearl Washington, drawing thousands to the parking lot.
Joe DePugh of Freehold played in the basketball league games at the club and one night he was walking out of the club and childhood friend Bruce Springsteen was walking in. The moment inspired one of Springsteen’s biggest hits, 1984’s “Glory Days.”
“Finally, I go to leave. But once I saw Bruce we went back in and closed the place.” said DePugh to the Palm Beach Post. “He had a little entourage with him. They all sat in a booth, but it was just me and him at the bar. All of a sudden, it’s 1:30 (a.m.) and they started blinking the lights.’
“Glory Days,” one of Springsteen’s biggest hits, went to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The venue later became a hot spot for dance music and the cast of the hit MTV show “Jersey Shore Family Vacation,” which filmed numerous episodes at the club.
DJ Pauly D and ‘Jersey Shore’ castmates rock the Headliner in Neptune for a F Cancer benefit
“Oh yeah, we’re making a movie here!” said Pauly D from the venue DJ booth in July of 2019. A benefit for the Los Angeles-based F Cancer group was filmed for the series that night.
Most of the cast and Teresa Giudice of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” attended.
“We have New Jersey royalty here!” Pauly D said.
The Headliner previously closed from 1992 to ’96. Sueta, the former manager, reopened the spot with Dave Kinsel and Carney Vetrano in the summer of ’96. The Waterways at Neptune, which is replacing the Headliner Oasis, will include a hotel, two residential buildings, restaurants and retail space.
Upcoming events in the final week include the Sisters For A Cure Rock Concert to benefit Susan G. Komen & Mary’s Place by the Sea, 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18.
Visit www.headlineroasis.com for more information.
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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Headliner, Jersey Shore nightlife staple for 50 years, is closing
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