Homegrown artists and personalities, including Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, came together to raise funds for New Jersey in the "Jersey 4 Jersey" benefit concert, April 22.
The star-studded one-night-only concert was organized by the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund to help muster much-needed resources in the state's fight against the socio-economic setbacks from the global coronavirus pandemic.
The event was streamed on Apple Music and AppleTV apps worldwide and broadcast across SiriusXM's E Street Radio and channels WABC Channel 7, News12, NJTV, and more. Below are some highlights of the fundraiser:
Land of Hope and Dreams
Bruce Springsteen and his Patti Scialfa opened the evening of New Jersey's community spirit and resilience with a performance of the "Land of Hope and Dreams." The couple's visibly somber "at-home" performance bravely calls on everyone to "get on" the train that carries "saints and sinners," "losers and winners," and "lost souls."
The Boss first said that everyone is gathered in the event dedicated "dedicated to our healthcare workers and all of those who have lost loved ones who are suffering and dying with this terrible disease right here, right now in our beloved state."
Uplifting the Jersey Spirit
Comedians and TV personalities Jon Stewart and Whoopi Goldberg made an appearance on the event, praising the Jersey Spirit and calling on people for more support.
The host of "The Daily Show" joked that the quarantine made him "look like Doc Brown from Back to the Future." On a more serious note, he said that he is always proud of his home state, but that he's "never more proud of this state than when we have our backs up against the wall."
Stewart also called on everyone to be thankful for the "quiet heroes" helping in the fight against the pandemic. He emotionally concluded by saying that "These are the kinds of people that are going to get us through this" and that he has "never been prouder to live in this state."
"Sister Act" star Whoopi Goldberg also called upon the famed Jersey resilience, noting that New Jersey is "not just a state, it's a family." The EGOT laureate then asked the audience for help, reminding them to "not waste a single second and make sure you tell the people in your family and your friends that you love them."
A Tribute to Adam Schlesinger
Rock band Fountains of Wayne's surviving members performed together for the first time since 2013, joined by Jersey musician Sharon Van Ettenon bass and backing vocals. The performance was meant as a tribute to Adam Schlesinger, the band's original bassist, backup vocalist, and songwriter. Schlesinger passed away on April 1 due to complications from coronavirus.
Fountains frontman Chris Collingwood dedicated their performance "for Adam, his parents, his children, and New Jersey."
Livin' On a Prayer
Rock icon Jon Bon Jovi performed from his studio, delivering an acoustic version of the 1986 Arena rock hit "Livin' On A Prayer." Born John Francis Bongiovi Jr., the 58-year-old artist was accompanied only by an acoustic guitar, further emphasizing his timeless vocals, reaching a climax with a sustained adlib at the end of the song's bridge.
He also performed his new song, written for the quarantine, "When You Can't Do What You Do, Do What You Can." Bon Jovi first said that "Tonight we're here to entertain you, we're here looking for that virtual hug" before expressing thanks to the medical professionals at work against the pandemic.
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