Tune In, Turn On
Legendary rocker Mitch Ryder returns to the Jersey Shore next week for two free concerts presented by Tony Mart Concerts: Wednesday, July 29, at Kennedy Plaza in Atlantic City and Friday, July 31, at William Morrow Beach in Somers Point. Both performances begin at 7 p.m.
“The Jersey Shore in the summer is such a magical place,” Ryder said. “Carmen (Marotta) keeps that special experience alive year after year for me and so many others. I love my Jersey fans.”
The 81-year-old Detroit native has enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades. With his backing band, The Detroit Wheels, Ryder scored a string of Top 30 hits in the 1960s, including “Devil With a Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Jenny Take a Ride,” “Sock It to Me, Baby!,” “Little Latin Lupe Lu” and “Too Many Fish in the Sea/Three Little Fishes.”
Ryder’s energetic stage presence and blue-eyed soul vocals have influenced generations of performers. Bruce Springsteen has long incorporated Ryder’s music into his live shows, while Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, Ted Nugent, The Stooges and MC5 have all cited him as an influence. Mellencamp also produced Ryder’s 1983 comeback album, Never Kick a Sleeping Dog.
Unlike many artists of his generation, Ryder continues to record and tour regularly. His recent releases include Songs From the Road, a live CD/DVD released earlier this year on Ruf Records, With Love (2025) and The Roof Is on Fire (2024). Ryder said his next studio album, Everyone’s Servant No One’s Slave, is scheduled for release early next year.
In a recent interview with Tune In Turn On, Ryder discussed his enduring career.
DD: What’s new since your last Jersey Shore appearance?
MR: “I recorded a new studio CD early this year. The title is Everyone’s Servant No One’s Slave, and it will be out early next year.”
DD: How did Songs From the Road come together?
MR: “Connecting with my audience during live performances is a feeling like no other. This recording grew organically from my 2024 European tour.”
DD: The Jersey Shore has always embraced you.
MR: “When I was first having success, New Jersey was very important because many fans traveled into Manhattan to see me perform. I love my Jersey fans.”
DD: What’s the biggest challenge of touring today?
MR: “I’m not 20 anymore, and traveling gets harder with age. But once I step on stage, the energy is addictive.”
DD: How much longer do you plan to keep performing?
MR: “As far as I know, I don’t have an expiration date. I’ll keep going as long as my body allows.”
Tune-Ups
Goosemas 2026 heads to Boardwalk Hall
Jam band Goose will bring its annual “Goosemas 2026” celebration to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Dec. 11-12. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 24. For more information, visit Boardwalk Hall’s website.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
