Springsteen Enlisted to Rename Seashell After E St.
Residents are looking for a special tribute for the Seashell Stage.
Beaches were a common inspiration for Bruce Springsteen's music, and now some residents hope "The Boss" can lend his touch to help Hampton Beach regain the spirit of one its lost streets.
A petition has been started by a group of locals in an effort to name the new Seashell Stage as the "E Street Bandstand" in honor of the fact that the site sits across from where E Street stood before the multi-block Casino Ballroom building was erected over it more than a century ago.
Charlie Preston circulated a copy of his petition, which is available online here at change.org, after Monday's selectmen meeting. The petition requests that Springsteen, who is the leader of the E Street Band, "assist, direct, and or support efforts to name" the new Seashell Stage in a way that puts "E Street where it was meant to be."
The name would also be a nod to Springsteen's band, a member of which — legendary Clarence Clemons — "brought down the house" at the Casino Ballroom with the Red Bank Rockers. The late Danny Federici also played in the area, according to Perkins.
Roughly 50 individuals, as of Monday had signed the online petition, which asks the state to work together with the E Street Band to make the renaming possible.
What do you think? Would you support this proposal? It could have a big effect on the grand opening gala for the stage and the Oceanfront Pavilion on June 1 and 2. Tell us what you think in the comments!
Skiartist
8:32 am on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Bruce Springsteen, a New JERSEY resident, should have no say or help in "direction" of naming the stage. Naming it the E Street stage gives glory to an over rated rock band and visitors will always believe that it is a homage to him and not because of the historical loss of E Street. The stage has always been known as the Sea Shell and should remain that way. The Sea Shell Stage is NOW part of Hampton History and more well known to the current generations than the fact that there is no E Street at the beach.
Debra Woodward
9:37 am on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I agree. How very strange.
D Butterfield
11:23 am on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I agree with everything you've said... except the 'over rated rock band' sentiment. There is nothing over rated about Bruce and the band. I am a huge fan... but changing the name of the Sea Shell is absurd.
Chip Moynihan
9:16 am on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I applaud any effort to return the Beach to its Glory Days.
Citizen Jones
9:59 am on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I first heard this idea from Charlie Preston's HBAC public comment last week. It was a good laugh. On further reflection however, "E Street" is a name that connotes music - perfect in this regard. I agree with the above comments that Springsteen needs to be deemphasized - it should be dedicated to no one. It should be dedicated to our missing “E” Street, which just happens to invoke thoughts of music for many and for some thoughts of Springsteen in particular – purely circumstantial ;-)
Furthermore, “E Street” is not offensive to anyone except perhaps those that want to memorialize it, which would give it a solemn feel to it but does not convey the sense of music and merriment that “E street” does.
I'm going to do it, yes I will sign the petition. Oh BTW here is the direct link to the petition http://www.change.org/petitions/the-e-street-bandstand
Debra Woodward
10:12 am on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
But this won't de-empasize it: "We the undersigned would like to request Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band to assist, direct, and or support efforts..."?? I agree it is not offensive, but it IS silly--and I am a fan of Bruce S. But this just does not fit. I agree with Skiartist that our Seashell Stage has it's own history and sounds just fine.
Citizen Jones
10:37 am on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
youcantfoolmothernature -> I just was noticing that Springsteen reference. It gave me cause to pause. I did NOT sign the petition. That phrase really has to go before I sign it.But I really do love the name, its otherwise perfect - but it really ought not be a memorial, thats too heavy - it just ought to connote a lighness and a sense of music which "E Street" does perfectly well - just drop the memorial stuff - PLEASE
Chris McCarthy
12:42 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
At the core, this idea seems to be more about potential revenue generation than anything else. Attracting Bruce to this area would NOT be a bad thing for the Seacoast and doing something to catch his attention - E Street connection - is a really good idea. The other side of the argument is that I like the name Sea Shell Stage so I'd like that to be included in any other name being considered. The E Street Sea Shell Stage sounds pretty good and would memorialize a road that was taken for the sake of art.
Christine Rice
1:50 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I agree with Chris M. and Citizen Jones. The phrasing of the petition should be revised. The stage should NOT "memorialize" the E-Street Band or honor Springsteen. Name the stage with the original intent - after the street that once was - and, for the ceremonial to-do, invite The Boss, and The E-Street Band to play on it! And, Chip Moynihan - I like your clever play on words.
Marcia Hannon
4:48 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Does "The Boss" have a copywright on the name "E-Street"?
Christine Rice
9:11 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Good question, Marcia. I'll check with my Trademark lawyer friend.
Citizen Jones
9:31 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Just call it E Street (without the dash), certainly there can be no trademark on such a name. But given the convoluted nature of our laws and courts, it is remotely possible. If it is, I got dibbs, and should file for a trademark on X Street!!!
The E Street Seashell, featuring tonight's E Street entertainment performing on E Street's stage (or bandstand if you prefer), to the E Street audience's delight.
Works well for me.
Susan Faro
12:43 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Sea Shell Stage should not memorialize or honor anyone!!! The "Hampton" Sea Shell Stage has been there for (52) years and if it was built on the other-side of the street, which was E street many years ago now the Casino, maybe it would make sense. This beautiful new venue should represent the land on which it stands "The Hampton Beach Sea Shell Stage"
Debra Woodward
12:51 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I agree with Susan!
Christine Rice
9:33 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Boss owns a regisration of the Trademark BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND for entertainment services and sound and video recordings, according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) Web site. It doesn't seem to reflect a Trademark on E Street. @ Citizen Jones - Forgive me for inserting the dash. And, let me know how the TM on X Street goes for you.
With what Susan said, it does make more sense to name the venue The Hampton Beach Seashell Stage. It sounds inviting, truer to its location, and it would certainly create less confusion for out-of-staters who would likely look for E Street! Whatever is decided for the stage's name, book Springsteen and his E Street Band to play there - Get the (big) entertainment roster started! (If it hasn't been already).