Well, good old Hot Tuna is getting ready to break from our sojourn at the Levon Helm Studios for a trip to New York City for our gig at the Beacon Theater which I have been told will be a 70th birthday celebration for… me! So I’m thinking… at some point I looked something like this:

young dog

A number of years ensued and at an earlier meeting this year with Tommy Emmanuel I found I looked like this:

me and tommy

What the heck happened? In any case, somehow it wound up here:

marquee beacon

Well, in spite of the fact that life is indeed a fragile thread, here we are and all things considered, it’s darn good to be here. I’m reminded of a line from Nicholas Proffitt’s ‘Gardens Of Stone.’

‘Here’s to us and those like us… damn few left!’

Onward… onward…


Comments

  1. Comment made on December 10, 2010 by Bill Joyce

    Happy Birthday and thanks for all the music. Missed the Beacon shows, but caught the show at The Egg in Albany this past summer. Grew up in Ohio and have driven by the Fur Peace Ranch. Maybe I’ll get back this summer and stop. Keep on truckin’.

  2. Comment made on December 8, 2010 by Bob Steeler

    Happy Birthday Jorma!!!
    That was the most fun I have ever had playing with the band. It really felt as if it was my birthday. Thanks for including me. Still can’t get over it. Skoota’s truly one of the great drummers of our time, and getting to play along side of him was nothing short of amazing. It didn’t hurt that both you and Jack played your collective asses off. Also your lovely wife made me and my family feel totally at home and totally comfortable. So, thank you Vannessa. Still can’t believe the swag bag. You really shouldn’t have. Anyway, can’t thank you guys enough. Love, Your ol’ pal Bob

  3. Comment made on December 8, 2010 by Jim Lindstrom

    I really like surfing in and reading your blog, though I only manage it about once a year. The before and after shots are great. You’ve done something right since you still look like a guy in his fifties.

    Also–you write damn well. Did you major in English in college? You probably don’t have time for it, but this old English teacher would love to see you write up some memories and portraits of the places you’ve been and people you’ve known. It would be great reading.

  4. Comment made on December 4, 2010 by Gary

    Simply Magnificent show last night! I hope Bob Steeler sits in for Bar Room Crystal Ball, Invitation & Feels So Good. Bob Weir, Pete Sears, Bob Steeler, Levon Helm,& Michael Falzarano are on board for Jorma’s 70th birthday celebration in NYC.

  5. Comment made on December 3, 2010 by Olli Valkonen

    Heartfelt birthday greetings from Helsinki Finland, Jorma!

    You’ve gone a long way but we haven’t lost sight of you. But it’s sure been a long time since I heard you live… must have been back in 1975 or so, when you played here in Helsinki. What about doing it again? I think you should stomp your feet once more against the lands of your forefathers, and let your guitar sing…

  6. Wishing you all the best for many more years of good health and music. Enjoy the weekend at the Beacon. I look forward to giving you a Birthday Adjustment at the Regent in Arlington 12/17. But most of all thank you for all the years of great music and friendship. Shine on…

  7. Comment made on December 3, 2010 by Tim

    Happy Birthday Jorma! Record the show and give us one heck of a Birthday Bash cd. Ive been to most of your Washington D.C. hometown shows since 1992. Great stuff from a great hero,and may the greatness continue.

  8. Comment made on December 3, 2010 by Craig Keaveney

    It’s all about you this weekend buddy! Have fun with It!

  9. Comment made on December 3, 2010 by Steve Singer

    Happy Birthday, Jorma. Saw you at the Electric Factory in Philly in 1968 & been going to your shows ever since. Sadly, I won’t make the Beacon, but I wish you continued good health. And yes, a 20 minute Invitation with Bob Steeler would bring back great memnories. America’s Choice has always been my fav Tuna album. Smoking good!

  10. Comment made on December 3, 2010 by doug mlyn

    Jorma:

    You’re looking and sounding better than ever. A very happy birthday to you and happy hanukah. Really looking forward to the shows!

  11. Comment made on December 3, 2010 by Ellen

    WFUV (90.7) in NYC is playing Hot Tuna on and off all day today! Heard Candyman on the drive to work.

  12. Comment made on December 3, 2010 by Brett Englund

    Have a blast at the shows Jorma!!!…I unfortunately can’t be there in person, but WILL definitely be there in spirit.

  13. Comment made on December 3, 2010 by Todd E

    Happy B-Day, Jorma, and many more! I’ll say hello at The Beacon shows. Also looking forward to that Invitation 😉 And a Happy Hannukah to you and yours!

  14. Comment made on December 3, 2010 by Phil Zisook

    Happy Birthday! Enjoy!

  15. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by Richard Kamin

    Mazol Tov!!! Its the good karma that keeps a good man moving foward..To give so much joy to so many deserves the present of time. Happy Bday..

  16. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by Jim

    Happy birthday pops, hope some of the other old folks roll into town this weekend. would love to hear a little JA stuff. Maybe a 30 min Invitation…lol

  17. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by Ray R

    Thanks for all of the great music and for the music to come. You’re a musician’s musician, a guy’s guy, and a hippie’s hippie. Happy Birthday to one of a kind.

  18. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by Bob Kane

    Keep on truckin…where did I hear that before? It seems to be working. Time to do my stretches and rest up; two nights at the Beacon will take it’s toll on this 50 yr old. Can’t wait till the new album comes out. Happy Birthday!

  19. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by Ken

    You’re looking great! Who is that kid anyway?

    Got closed out for Friday… Looking forward to Saturday night.

    Thanks for all the great music.

    Happy Birthday!

  20. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by Dave

    Great choice from Gardens of Stone.
    Like fine wine, like fine wine.

  21. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by mrtapes

    Where’s my credit?
    LOL Just kidding
    FYI: (for all interested parties) The above portrait of the artist as a young dog is a video capture from an interview I did with Jorma on April 10,1982 at New England College in Henniker, N.H.

  22. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by Steven Berenson

    rather, you’re the Captain!

  23. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by Steven Berenson

    The “Captain” is ALWAYS the last man standing. As long as the ship is flying, your the captain. Can’t wait for tomorrow and Saturday night. Leave nothing in the locker room young man!

  24. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by Paul

    Ah yes, the young JK. I remember you well. You have (ahem) aged most gracefully. What happened indeed.

  25. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by Dave Millard

    You look better than I do at 55! Long may you run

  26. Comment made on December 2, 2010 by dave

    Many happy returns, and many more blessings.

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