Robert Bandiera | |
|---|---|
 Bandiera performing with Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes, Lake Como, New Jersey, 2008 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Bobby |
| Born | Robert Bandiera (1953-10-19)October 19, 1953 (age 72) |
| Genres | Rock,blues |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar, mandolin, bass guitar, banjo |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Website | bobbandiera |
Robert Bandiera (born October 19, 1953) is an Americanrockguitarist,singer, andsongwriter fromNew Jersey. Bandiera played rhythm guitar forBon Jovi in live performances from 2005 until 2015[1][2] and for over two decades was lead guitarist forSouthside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Bandiera and his band (The Bobby Bandiera Band) have backedBruce Springsteen at benefit concerts.[2][3][4]
Bandiera began playing in clubs over 55 years ago at the age of 16.[2] Originally, he was in a band calledHolme fromOrange, New Jersey.[5] They debuted in 1970 and were the house band for years at Dodd's inOrange, New Jersey, as well asD'Jais inBelmar, New Jersey, where Bandiera still makes occasional appearances.[5]
A longtime presence on theJersey Shore,[6] Bandiera was associated with major acts. He was considered for the guitarist position in theE Street Band for theBorn in the U.S.A. Tour in 1984, whenSteven Van Zandt left the band, but this position went toNils Lofgren.[7][8] In 1985, Bandiera replacedBilly Rush as guitarist forSouthside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes but in 2010 left the band.[2][3]
In the mid-1990s, Bandiera andSouthside Johnny made a number of shows as a duo. Bandiera has also played withDave Edmunds[9] and has his own band, The Bobby Bandiera Band, which performs regularly around the New Jersey shore area when Bandiera is not on tour. Bandiera has had an active solo career, releasing three albums and often playing during Springsteen'sAsbury 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 withBon Jovi duringThis Left Feels Right Live session. From 2005 until 2015, he playedrhythm guitar in Bon Jovi's live performances.[7] According toJon Bon Jovi, he is on "permanent loan" to the band fromSouthside Johnny (having not played with the Jukes since 2010).[1][2]
