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:
A number of years ensued and at an earlier meeting this year with Tommy Emmanuel I found I looked like this:
What the heck happened? In any case, somehow it wound up here:
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…
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’.
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
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.
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.
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…
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…
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.
It’s all about you this weekend buddy! Have fun with It!
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!
Jorma:
You’re looking and sounding better than ever. A very happy birthday to you and happy hanukah. Really looking forward to the shows!
WFUV (90.7) in NYC is playing Hot Tuna on and off all day today! Heard Candyman on the drive to work.
Have a blast at the shows Jorma!!!…I unfortunately can’t be there in person, but WILL definitely be there in spirit.
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!
Happy Birthday! Enjoy!
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..
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
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.
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!
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!
Great choice from Gardens of Stone.
Like fine wine, like fine wine.
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.
rather, you’re the Captain!
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!
Ah yes, the young JK. I remember you well. You have (ahem) aged most gracefully. What happened indeed.
You look better than I do at 55! Long may you run
Many happy returns, and many more blessings.