NEWS | FEATURES | PREVIEWS | EVENTS
By Bob Makin

originally published: 08/26/2022 

Sean Tobin’s local hit “Ghost of the Arcade” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO BY DIANE DEMEMMO

After some national touring this summer, Asbury Park singer-songwriter Sean Tobin and his band, the Boardwalk Fire, will rock the Asbury boards on Aug. 31 to end the the Asbury Park Live series to benefit Asbury Park Music Foundation.

With three albums under his belt, Sean has plenty of material, but the tune most folks will want to hear is the title track of the latest LP, “Ghost of the Arcade.” The haunting, rootsy local hit is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Ghost of the Arcade,” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Aug. 26 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you also can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin or MixCloud. 

The centerpiece of a country-tinged, folk-rock novel, “Ghost of the Arcade” will be particularly stirring performed just a few feet from what once was one of the best-known arcades inside the Casino. 

 

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Like Bruce Springsteen, the songwriter who made that arcade famous, Sean’s story-like songs are strongly influenced by the great American novelist John Steinbeck. Bruce’s shadow also looms over his imaginative brand of Americana. 

“The best and worst advice I ever received was to stop ‘writing cool,’” Sean said. “I took that and ran with it, and I think I’ve found the perfect middle ground. Somewhere between romance and reality.”

Sharing the boardwalk bill at the 1st Avenue Green will be the great Asbury-originated roots-rock outfit Jackson Pines. Sean and the Boardwalk Fire then will play Sept. 14 at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in Madison, TN. 

For more info, visit seantobinmusic.com. 

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at makinwaves64@yahoo.com.