Patrons of a Jersey Shore bar had a night to remember when Bruce Springsteen gave a surprise show that lasted for nearly two hours.

The Boss performed 15 songs on Saturday night at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, mixing in favourites that spanned his career. He concluded the show with Light Of Day, which he dedicated to the huge crowd of people watching from the sidewalk outside the venue because they couldn’t get into the packed bar.

Springsteen’s appearance came during a show by Joe Grushecky And The Houserockers, a band he has appeared with numerous times over the years.

(Carolyn Kaster/AP)
(Carolyn Kaster/AP)

The band had been playing for about 20 minutes before Born To Run star joined them for a set that kicked off with Never Be Enough Time.

Springsteen has long been known for his “drop in” performances at various establishments in Asbury Park and other Jersey Shore hotspots. But the 65-year-old rocker hasn’t done as many surprise appearances in recent years, making the event even more special for fans.

When he spoke-sang the introduction of his 1982 hit Atlantic City during Saturday night’s show, Springsteen paused after the line: “But maybe everything that dies someday comes back.”

“Maybe Asbury Park is back?” the rocker said, to cheers.