Robert Bandiera
Bandiera performing with Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes, Lake Como, New Jersey, 2008
Bandiera performing with Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes, Lake Como, New Jersey, 2008
Background information
Birth nameRobert Bandiera
Born (1953-10-19) October 19, 1953
GenresRock, blues
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, mandolin, bass guitar, ganjo
Years active1969–present
Websitebobbandiera.com

Robert "Bobby" Bandiera (born October 19, 1953) is an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter from New Jersey. Bandiera played rhythm guitar for Bon Jovi in live performances from 2005 until 2015[1][2] and for nearly two decades was lead guitarist for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Bandiera and his band (The Bobby Bandiera Band) have backed Bruce Springsteen at benefit concerts.[2][3][4]

Biography

Bandiera began playing in clubs over 45 years ago at the age of 16.[2] Originally, he was in a band called Holme from Orange, New Jersey.[5] They debuted in 1970 and were the house band for years at Dodd's in Orange, New Jersey, as well as D'Jais in Belmar, New Jersey, where Bandiera still makes occasional appearances.[5]

Bobby Bandiera playing with Holme at Art Stock's Royal Manor South in Wall, NJ in 1978

A longtime presence on the Jersey Shore,[6] Bandiera was associated with major acts. He was considered for the guitarist position in the E Street Band for the Born in the U.S.A. Tour in 1984, when Steven Van Zandt left the band, but this position went to Nils Lofgren.[7][8] In 1985, Bandiera replaced Billy Rush as guitarist for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes but in 2010 left the band.[2][3]

In the mid-1990s, Bandiera and Southside Johnny made a number of shows as a duo. Bandiera has also played with Dave Edmunds[9] and has his own band, The Bobby Bandiera Band, which performs regularly in the New Jersey area when Bandiera is not on tour. Bandiera has had an active solo career, releasing three albums and often playing during Springsteen's Asbury Park holiday shows of the early 2000s.[6] His most famous song is "C'mon Caroline," which he co-wrote with Bob Burger, another talented Jersey shore musician. He also does studio musician work, and has appeared on albums by Cyndi Lauper, Patti Scialfa, and others.

In 2003, Bandiera toured with Bon Jovi during This Left Feels Right Live session. From 2005 until 2015, he played rhythm guitar in Bon Jovi's live performances.[7] According to Jon Bon Jovi, he is on "permanent loan" to the band from Southside Johnny (having not played with the Jukes since 2010).[1][2]

Bandiera performing in Amsterdam in 2006

Discography

Albums

  • Bandiera · (Released 1991)
  • Dog Loves You · (Released 1995)
  • Is My Father There · (Released 2005)

References

  1. 1 2 Pricci, Jennifer L. (August 30, 2005). "Bobby Bandiera: "Undeniably And Undoubtedly" The Last Man Standing". Chorus and Verse. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 DeMasters, Karen (July 15, 2001). "Playing Lead Guitar for Icons of New Jersey Rock 'n' Roll". New York Times. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  3. 1 2 Greene, Andy (May 1, 2007). "E-Street Band Reunion Looks Likely". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  4. ↑ Staff (October 23, 2011). "Bruce Springsteen Performs at Stone Pony 25-song set Saturday was a private benefit for Boston College". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  5. 1 2 Mikle, Jean (August 22, 2011). "Bobby Bandiera to Join Holme Tonight". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  6. 1 2 Gervino, Tony (December 10, 2001). "Holiday Greetings from Asbury Park. Springsteen gets initiate in New Jersey". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  7. 1 2 Mikle, Jean (August 5, 2011). "Bobby Bandiera, Back at The Columns". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  8. ↑ Fricke, David (January 21, 2009). "The Band on Bruce: Their Springsteen A candid look at the legend from his "greatest friends" - the E Street Band". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  9. ↑ Boehm, Mike (October 19, 1994). "A Do-It-Yourself Musician : Studio Wizard Dave Edmunds Prefers to Rock on His Own--at Home". LA Times. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
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