The world, being wired the way it is makes sure that one gets a lot of new ‘friends’ like it or not. I try not to dabble in on line discussions… who’s got time for poop like that? That said, I’m no better than anyone else. Every now and then, someone makes me aware of threads that exist on sites I never frequent and yes, I weaken and check it out. Now I realize that’s it’s not my business what anyone else thinks of me, but sometimes the dialogue involves my family… and that makes it my business. Some moron made a disparaging comment about a picture of me and my daughter on one of those sites. Needless to say, this idiot can kiss my ass. It’s easy to run your mouth when you’re cowering behind a key board in your parents basement. Yeah, I know, I’m behind a keyboard right now… but I live in the real world. I’m easy to find. If someone has something to say to me… say it in person. What a craven coward!
One of the other things I became aware of was people still casting Vanessa and myself in the John and Yoko image. When Vanessa and I started working together many years ago… there were lots of people laying that Yoko BS on her. Now, she as absolutely one of the smartest, incisive I know. Her loyalty has always been to her family and her business. I’m reminded of the Waylon Jennings song Working Without A Net…
Life can be a circus
A death defying act
But the clowns don’t come around no more
Since the monkey’s off my back…
It’s been a while since the clowns have been around… but they’re still out there.
There’s nothing like a family business… who else could you trust more?
Then there are always folks who try to concern themselves with who Jack and I should play with and what songs we play. Vanessa doesn’t make these decisions… Jack and I do… and we like the choices we make. Vanessa doesn’t bring us gigs… our agent does and then we discuss them. We don’t work gigs we don’t want to work regardless of how much money is involved. If someone wants to know what Jack, Jorma and/or Hot Tuna is up to… go to the official sites. Don’t glean facts from ‘fan’ sites. At 75 years of age I base my decisions on whatever will be best for my family.
I was utterly appalled by some of the dreck I read.
OK… I feel better now even though I know this will change nothing.
My life is blessed on so many fronts and believe me, I know this cyber stuff is petty ass bullshit.
As we say down here in the country…
‘Oh well…’
I’m outta here…
It was me….People who are people can ask forgiveness. People who are people can forgive. Sometimes banter can be taken the wrong way. In this case…no question, no ill will was meant to anyone. Well Jorma, I have no problem being called to task, and responding. As opposed to kissing your ass, I’d rather shake your hand and make peace. I am asking for forgiveness….I hope it’s in your heart to forgive……
B Bracha
Rob
Driving on Rob… driving on…
I’m sorry for the rude people. Famous people are targets of loons. You were the couple of times we have interacted. Nothing is more important than family. Your family is welcome at my family’s farm anytime.
Well said, Jorma, even though it is so sad that the insensetivity of a few louts had to make your comments necessary. I hope you will get past this mean and petty nonsense and resume the beautiful business of enjoying life. Be well.
People talk and don’t realize words can hurt you and vanessa have always been so nice to me and my sister Kathy hogan and late brother kenny it’s been 40 years on tour for us from brooklyn starrett city to sf and back and i say these are the good old day my friend keep up the good work we love you and your family
Excellent Captain!
Wow, I’m stunned , I cant believe that people have nothing better to do but speculate on your life and business. I know that most of the people you meet and come in contact with are respectful kind and maybe a little curious about your life and work and being the straight shooter you are you respond honestly and with genuine kindness. It’s too bad someone had to be pathetic enough to make you want to address the issue. I’m sorry for that. As we all know the best thing you can do is to enjoy your life and leave them to their misery.
I’ve been a fan since the late 70’s and was fortunate to see 2 recent shows – the 2nd night at the Beacon in NYC was one of the best shows I have ever seen! A couple of weeks later saw you and Jack acoustic in Richmond, VA and you guys played great again! You’re sounding as good as ever and your music is an inspiration so don’t let some jerks get you down brother! Looking forward so seeing some more shows in 2016!
Jorma, here’s an oxy-moron for you….”I fucking hate haters”….lol….
Amen Captain. That particular dreck you’re talking about did me a huge favor. I have happily left a few of those avenues and haven’t looked back. Good has come of it for what it’s worth.
Hi Jorma and hi everyone.
I am 57 and have been a fan
since I was 13. Been to a lot of
shows but not as many recently
as I would like. Have also
been a lurker on this site but this
this is my first post.Also have
been a fan of ABB and other
Related family of bands. What
I do have to say Jorma and
What all this leads up is that
I never have seen more of a
connection with your fans
than Jack and yourself have.
Besides your family that is
all that matters. The other
a holes are not your fans
and have nothing to do with
you.From reading your blog
you have an army standing behind
You.
Andy Warhol said “In the future, everyone will be world famous for fifteen minutes.” I’m not at all sure he meant that this would be a positive development.
I’ve got a schmuck detector app on my phone…..it’s called Facebook. It’s also very effective at ferreting out racists, homophobes, and war mongers. I’m sure 99.9% of us are happy with the artistic choices you guys make. Yeah, there’s stuff I’d like to see you do, but obviously you’ll make a better, more interesting choice about what to do than a fan ever could. When I get asked what I’d like to hear you play, the answer is always the same: “Guitar”. There’s an element of trust that’s built up over the years…we still show up, and the only thing we know for certain is it will be different than the last one.
My Dad used a Yiddish expression “fortzen russell”. It means “a fart in the breeze”, something that hangs in the air and stinks for a minute, then goes away. Pretty much my take on people who think they know better than you what you should do. And you have a beautiful family…negative remarks in this regard (about your family, or pretty much anyone’s) ping my schmuck detector, and, as Don Corleone said: “This I will not forgive”. Illegitimi non carborundum!
There are idiots every where,the people that have been following you for years know you and Jack are good human beings.Remember there are MORE good people in the world than bad.Wish you and the whole Tuna family the very best in this new year.Been a fan since the start.
Happy New Year brother. It has always been beautiful to see you and meet your family. Fuck these ignorant assholes. You’ve got too much going on to worry about those losers although I’d feel the same way I’m sure. You’re too blessed to stress. Congratulations on the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. That sure don’t happen every day. You’re the best!
Steve
Rock on Jorma. Fuck the haters.
Happy New Year to you and you family jorma vanessa and izzy
have a great year
people say some pretty stupid stufff online
let is go you have a great family enjoy it
dreck is written by people who are unhappy in life and want to make others feel the same way
i wish you the best see you at mcabes wear youe wo hop shirt for pics thanks\
Mark Menduke
Hey Cap – like H n E sez – don’t let the bastards git ya down. And as good ole Will Rogers sez:
There are three kinds of men: The ones who learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to piss on the electric fence and find out for themselves.
When all else fails there’s always the last paragraph of page 66 that runs into 67 of the BB. Very hard to practice but effective in results. And of course the 12 n 12 Step 10 spiritual axiom, if I have a bug up my ass the bug is mine . . .
Don’t Furgit I Loves Ya’ll Brothers n Sisters
Peace and Love Fur All
mutt
I’m glad I have no idea of the web page your talking about Jorma – sounds like some are fuckin yutzes on it.
Acoustic? Electric? Three piece? Mandolin? Opening act Whatever you want to discuss like that I get. Stupid motherfuckin shit involving your family pisses me off big time, I can only imagine how you feel.
What I’ve observed over the years as a fan is your family seems like a beautiful thing in your life and your wife has been a companion that has been there for you. I’m sorry there are such jerks abounding.
As for the Yoko part I look forward to you performing Chauffeur Blues with Vanessa singing.
Don’t let the bastards get you down.
May your family and friends be blessed this coming year.
Peace
Love All Ways
you tell ’em,Cap…….hope you’re diggin’ yer new digs….best to yo’ family and pets….
@jim hitchcock
I agree, but there’s someone who’s been using this space for resentful, vengeful, diatribe that definitely has nothing to do with the topic of JK-Hot Tuna.
It has made this a less friendly place to hang out.
I thought it would end quite a while back, but it came back again and again, in different incarnations. Over two years now and running. I’m trying to lay low…But it’s still going.
Disappointing. People are disappointing. What’s new?
It’s getting old. I expect this will trigger another hate filled vendetta.
Maybe not. What do I know? We’ll see.
Let go and let God.
Yep. Go ahead and rant once in awhile. Wouldn’t be human if you didn’t, and that’s what I like about you. Keep on trudgin’, my friend. Most of the time I try to avoid internet dreck and petty-ass BS as well. Not good for my soul. Blessings on ya.
Dreck-what a great word. Have not heard that in ages. Keep on keepin’ on Jorma and I’ll see ya in the front row!!!
I rather enjoy off topic convos here and elsewhere, but at the core, let’s be respectful of this little corner of Jorma’s living room that he chooses to share with us. It’s really about shared appreciation of the music. Can I put a 🙂 here?
I hope you blasted the moron from wherever you read that nonsense ! Let it go ~ life is short
Happy New Year Jorma
Jorma, You, Vanessa and friends have made this world a much better place with everything you guys do. Thanks and Keep on Truckin’
Jorma, you sure summed it up well — online “dreck.” So much of it, lord knows…pretty mindless chatter. You’re very lucky to have built a solid and trusting business team with family and longtime associates at its heart.
I’m thankful to you and Jack for the wonderful music you’ve given us over the decades. What’s always struck me how pure it has remained, free of commercial concessions—the continuing timeless quality and passion of the music.
Jorma
WTF – She just called me bitcoin last week on this blog. A troll?
Nameless, faceless cowards. Everyone’s a critic these days…. Fuck ’em. “If his mind is prehensile, he should put down his pencil, and have himself a squat on the cosmic utensil.” -FZ
Hi Jorma,
I also don’t dabble much in online discussions, but I was sorry to read about the hurtful, stupid crap that came your way. I have not had the good fortune to meet you, but from the little that I can see you have a wonderful family and you and Vanessa have nurtured and guided FPR to be a wonderful business (really much more than a business). As for your music (yours, yours with Jack and Hot Tuna (and once upon a time Airplane) – well, it has been a great gift to me through the years. Thank you!
Unfortunately, many people form opinions without any sound basis or real information, and their opinions are powered by their insecurities, presumptions, and prejudices. I guess we’re all at least a bit guilty of that. But some of us try harder to be aware and think – and to help our kids know their own value and to value others, and to learn to properly judge things and people on merit (rather than on BS). Okay, I better stop before I start ranting.
Thanks again for everything. — Gary
Jorma:
It’s like bitcoins: a worthless currency.
Good man. God, family, duty…
Blow some steam off and move on…
I think all you can say to it is “Peace” and then move on down the road. Life’s to short to waste your time with trolls.
Jorma
Don’t worry what other people say sometimes its pure trash. Just focus on God, family and just keep doing what your doing. It has worked for over 50 years, and what you have built is tremendous.
There is a lot of pent up frustration and stupidity out there for sure. We are in the latter days and most people don’t know what to do. Don’t worry about such pettiness. Most of it bullshit anyway.
I have nothing praise and admiration for you. And your still you’re one of coolest and nicest souls I have ever met. It won’t be long before we’re in paradise. Just keep on prayin’.
I’m sorry to hear that people are so inconsiderate and hurt your family to the extent that you felt compelled to blog about it. How anyone could wish you, Nessa and your kids ill is beyond me to comprehend. I’d like to believe that they were unaware of their impact. Regardless, take a deep breath and know that fortunately such people are a distinct minority.
I’m sorry to hear of the negativity. I guess this would be a good time to thank you for all the music you’ve made, which is a great part of the soundtrack of my life. Looking forward to Landmark on Main in March. Peace.
Unfortunately, it seems there will ever be trolls under the bridge! The family question always looms large in our house. And so do you because of the joy you’ve brought to it. Lily is living in London now, studying linguistics, happy and fulfilled, partly thanks to the support and encouragement an old mentor gave her years ago! Thanks, Jorma!
I’ll gladly listen to whatever you and Jack decide to play (and whom ever you decide to play with you)
people can be so cruel remember you guys have a great fan base with lots of passion
Hey Jorma
Happy New Year to you and yours.
America needs to cleanse its basements, seriously. To me, (a person who’s 7 years younger than you but of your generation), I admire the relationship you and Jack have maintained in your musical careers, but even more in your personal lives. as for what you and Vanessa have built together, not only a family but FPR, I find it breathtaking. FPR should be a Harvard Business School case study.
We are surrounded by idiots, for sure, but I’d like to think there’s more love in the world than snarkiness.
Peace to all