It has an important place in history and is a great source of pride for the state of New Jersey

Steven Van Zandt

The plans are due to be discussed by the local authorities in the near future.

The campaign to save the club has the backing of artists such as Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, Bo Diddley and Elvis Costello, all of whom have played at the club.

History

More recently Russell Crowe's band Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts played at the venue.

"Hell no, we won't go," said Domenic Santana, third owner of the rock and roll venue that was founded in 1974.

It's the most tremendous bar that's ever been put on the face of the earth

Tony Amato, musician

The Stone Pony "is part of American rock and roll history and it needs to be immortalized," Santana said.

The developers have suggested relocating the club but the owners insist it should not be moved.

Mr Santana said: "We welcome bringing back Asbury Park... but you need to preserve the history too.

"You need to be sensitive to all the fond memories of people attached to this place."

Support

He says he has received more than 75,000 e-mails, letters and phone calls in the last two weeks backing the campaign.

Springsteen sent his personal manager along to a news conference organised by the Stone Pony campaign as a sign of his support.

Harmony: Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt

"It's a corner bar, that's all it is," said Tony Amato, a local musician who performs there regularly.

"But for the people who have played here, it's the most tremendous bar that's ever been put on the face of the earth."

Springsteen bandmate Little Steven Van Zandt, in a statement to the news conference, said: "It has an important place in history and is a great source of pride for the state of New Jersey as well as being an international tourist attraction.

"Leave it where it is."

The Stone Pony was named as the fifth best "reason to love New Jersey" in the latest issue of New Jersey Monthly magazine.