Mark your calendars: Motion City Soundtrack is bringing their unmistakable brand of emo-pop to The Stone Pony in Asbury Park on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and it’s more than just a tour stop—it’s part of New Jersey’s North to Shore Festival, a statewide celebration of music, film, tech, and innovation.
A Night of Emo Nostalgia (and More)
For fans who grew up on songs like Everything Is Alright, Hold Me Down, and This Is for Real, this is a rare chance to see Motion City Soundtrack in an intimate venue with historic energy. The band’s fusion of emotionally honest lyrics, power-pop hooks, and vintage synths has made them a defining voice in early-2000s alternative rock—and they’re sounding better than ever.
Since reuniting in 2019, Motion City Soundtrack has embraced both nostalgia and evolution. Expect a high-energy setlist that blends the band’s biggest hits with deeper cuts and fresh material. Whether you first saw them at Warped Tour or discovered them through your favorite streaming playlist, this night promises a mix of catharsis and sing-alongs.
The Venue: Stone Pony’s Legacy
Few venues carry the kind of rock ‘n’ roll cred that The Stone Pony does. Located right on the Asbury Park boardwalk, this legendary space has hosted everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Patti Smith. It’s a place where music history lives and breathes—and where the intimate stage brings you closer to the music.
Capacity is limited (around 600 people), making this show a chance to experience Motion City Soundtrack in a raw, up-close setting rarely possible on big tours.
Why Asbury Park?
Asbury Park is more than a beach town—it’s a cultural hub with deep musical roots. Coming here for a show means more than catching a set; it means soaking up the boardwalk energy, grabbing pizza or craft beer nearby, and maybe even taking a stroll along the ocean before or after the show.
And as part of the North to Shore Festival, Asbury will be alive with events, pop-ups, and performances across multiple venues and genres. Come early, explore the town, and make a day (or weekend) of it.
About the North to Shore Festival
Launched by the State of New Jersey, North to Shore is a month-long festival spanning Atlantic City, Asbury Park, and Newark, celebrating the best in local and national talent. It combines music, film, tech talks, and comedy into a uniquely Jersey blend of creativity. Motion City Soundtrack’s show is just one of dozens of performances bringing life to the Garden State this June.
Learn more about the festival lineup at northtoshore.com.
Show Details
- Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
- Time: Doors at 7:00 PM
- Venue: The Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
- Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster and the official North to Shore website)
If you’ve ever screamed the lyrics to The Future Freaks Me Out in your bedroom or felt seen by LG FUAD, don’t miss this show. It’s more than a concert—it’s a chance to reconnect with your younger self, sing with strangers who just get it, and celebrate a band that helped define a generation.
See you in Asbury Park.
About Motion City Soundtrack
Formed in Minneapolis in 1997, Motion City Soundtrack quickly carved out a distinct space in the pop-punk and emo scenes of the early 2000s. Known for their emotionally raw lyrics, catchy melodies, and the unmistakable hum of the Moog synthesizer, the band released six studio albums, including the fan-favorite Commit This to Memory and Even If It Kills Me.
Led by frontman Justin Pierre, MCS gained a devoted following through their relentless touring and heartfelt live shows. Though they went on hiatus in 2016, the band reunited in 2019, much to the delight of fans old and new. Their music blends vulnerability with energy—equal parts diary entry and danceable anthem.
If you’re a longtime fan or just discovering them now, their live shows are a reminder of why they became emo icons in the first place.