The BStreetBand, playing the music of Bruce Springsteen for 40-plus years, will perform a tribute to the Boss Friday at Mauch Chunk Opera House, located on West Broadway, Jim Thorpe.

Founded in the Scranton/Hazleton area, the BStreetBand was originally named Star. In the summer of 1978, the group - seeing extensive opportunities available in the live-music scene - moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey.

“The drinking age was 18 at the time, which increased audience attendance and enthusiasm and, of course, the aura of the Jersey Shore,” said Willie Forte, BStreetBand vocalist, keyboardist and owner. In May 1980, the group marked its first performance as Backstreets, named after a track on Springsteen’s 1975 “Born to Run” album.

Springsteen, a Jersey native, released his debut studio album, “Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.,” in 1973.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s brand of heartland rock consists of 21 studio albums, including his biggest seller, 1984’s “Born in the U.S.A.” The latter opus topped 17 million in domestic sales and spawned seven hit singles.

Aside from Forte, the Springsteen tribute also features: Glenn Stuart, lead vocals, guitar and congas; Steve Lopresto, bass; and Steve Pozzelanti, drums.

In addition, Rick Cyr and Dan Cipriano share saxophone duties, with guitarist Joe Capello filling in for Steve Baranian, currently on medical leave.

Before the BStreetBand’s show in Jim Thorpe, Forte took time to discuss the group’s 42 years of playing Springsteen.

Q:

Who were some of your favorite music acts, and what did you like about Springsteen?

A:

I grew up listening to a lot of influential English rock bands in the mid-60s: The Beatles, Rolling Stones, etc. I was playing in a band at age 11. The Woodstock era of music was big, of course, but being a keyboard guy, a personal favorite will always be Billy Joel, who was introduced in the early ’70s when I was lucky to see him live.

Joe Maddon (former professional baseball manager/coach) introduced me to Springsteen at the same time, but I didn’t start playing his music live until I joined Star. There were many things I liked about his music - the arrangements, lyrics, and the E Street Band, but performing it live really solidified my passion, excitement.

Q:

Why did you start a Springsteen tribute and were there any early challenges with the concept?

A:

I started to become aware of his popularity when we started to add more Springsteen music to our repertoire. I noticed how our attendance level increased as people came and waited for us to play his songs. Cover bands were a dime a dozen at that time, and the marketing appeal of just playing Springsteen’s music became more and more appealing.

However, the greatest challenge for me in the beginning was finding anyone to hire us - even current clients such as The Stone Pony - as no one was interested in the idea of a one-artist band, believing it would never work.

Q:

How did you come to learn the band was the first to do a “unique tribute to a live performer?”

A:

We learned the band was the first of its kind via publications. In all honesty, we searched for other tribute bands, hoping to find other venues that would accept us, coming to find out there was only us. We rolled the dice on promoting one big night with the reality that it was sink or swim. Fortunately, 2,000 Bruce fans showed up, and Backstreets: A Tribute to the Boss was created. News of that night spread like wildfire, thus paving the way for all these years.

Unlike all other tributes, our band has performed 175 to 200 shows a year for over four decades, which I doubt will ever be repeated. Backstreets became the BStreetBand in 1987 due to copyright ownership by another original music band.

Q:

How did the band come to meet some of the E Street players, and has anyone met Bruce?

A:

Through several wide-ranging opportunities, like fundraisers or private parties, and other situations that developed, we were very fortunate to meet and perform with many members of the E Street Band. We ended up developing a great relationship with Max Weinberg, who first sat in with us while still Star, and Stevie Van Zandt, through Hard Rock chairman Jim Allen, our good friend.

Bruce came to see us in the mid-80s and was very cordial. I believe from that experience, he allowed us to make a living off playing his music for the last couple decades.

Examples: Opening at many shows, such as the final shows at the Spectrum, and outside several national stadiums along the East Coast over the years. This does not happen without the artist’s or management’s approval. A highlight was being invited to perform shows at the Constitutional Center in Philly for Bruce’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exhibit.

Q:

What are some of your favorite Springsteen albums and songs?

A:

Over the years, I’ve adapted to listening to his live performances rather than albums or singles. Some of my favorite albums originally were “Born to Run,” “The River” and “Tunnel of Love.” My personal favorite single is “Jungleland.”

Q:

Has the band considered recording original music/music inspired by Springsteen?

A:

We had considered it in the early ’80s, with bootleg material left unrecorded. The ultimate decision not to pursue recording was out of respect for Bruce. Glenn does have an original music page; however, it is not affiliated with the BStreetBand.

Q:

The Boss has plenty of material from which to choose for live shows. Does the set-list change often?

A:

The band doesn’t have a set-list for any performance. It is improv from beginning to end, but generally finishing with “Born to Run” due to the exciting nature of the song.

Q:

What would you consider the highlight(s) of your career?

A:

Witnessing the millions of dollars raised through fundraisers for various causes over the decades while using the band as the headliner. A close second is experiencing the joy the band has provided to people who were unable to see Bruce Springsteen, but were still able to find enjoyment in his music through seeing our performances. Many Bruce fans started by seeing our band.

The band has also been proud to be associated with Tunnel of Towers and has performed multiple shows in New York City with up to 40,000 attendees over the last 20 years.

For more information on the show, or upcoming events, visit www.mcohjt.com.