The (Young) Rascals Reunite (with UPDATE!)

In the words of one of their songs, "It's Wonderful."

One of the top purveyors of blue-eyed rock and soul, The Young Rascals rode a wave of Top 40 hits in the late 1960s all the way to induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But they hadn't appeared and played together in public for 40 (count 'em) years . . . until last night in New York. With the (persistent) assistance of fellow New Jersey native Little Steven Van Zandt and his wife Maureen, the quartet performed at a benefit for the Kristen Ann Carr Fund at Robert De Niro's Tribeca Grill.

"We first met around 1980 to discuss reuniting the band and have tried every five years or so," Stevie said. "Maureen suggested we give it one more shot and sure enough it took Kristen's amazing spirit to finally get it done."

"I speak on behalf of the band when I say all the money offers in the world could not entice the Rascals to reunite," said guitarist Gene Cornish, "but four phone calls from Stevie and without hesitation we enthusiastically and immediately agreed to both support this wonderful cause and honor Stevie and Maureen."

Here are Felix Cavaliere (organ, vocals), Eddie Brigati (vocals), Gene Cornish (guitar) and Dino Danelli (drums) from a March 1966 episode of The Ed Sullivan Show:



UPDATE!
The set list from the show Saturday night below reads like a gold-plated jukebox. And if you want to listen to the complete show (including the guest shot by The Boss on "Good Lovin'," just click here.)

Setlist (tip of the hat to VintageVinyl):

I’ve Been Lonely Too Long
In The Midnight Hour
I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore
You Better Run
It’s A Beautiful Morning
Love Is A Beautiful Thing
Groovin’
A Girl Like You
How Can I Be Sure
Come On Up
What Is The Reason
People Got To Be Free
Good Lovin’ (with Bruce Springsteen)