1985 Rock Influences at the Capitol Theater

By the 1980s cable television programing flourished and producers were active in this alternative to broadcasting. New York concert producer, John Scher, developed a 1985 series named Rock Influences that scoured the country looking for the roots of rock & roll. Two shows from that series were The Blues Show and The New Jersey show. Presented here are the live performances pulled from those two shows featuring George Thorogood and the Destroyers and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.

These performances were videotaped at the legendary Capitol Theater in Passaic, New Jersey. From 1973 to 1986 it ran XXX-rated films during the day and staged rock concerts at night. During that time many of the world’s greatest rock acts performed here. Not all were thrilled with the place. Written across the Capitol marquee is a remark Mick Jagger made when the Rolling Stones appeared here: “Who booked us into this shit Hole.” The Capitol Theater Burn down in 1986 ending an era.