! would like to nominate my husband, John Higley, as Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes fan of the month for September. Last September, John had a heart attack. It actually started on September 12th as we were on our way to B.B. King's to see The Jukes. John had pains in his chest. He asked me if we could stop at the Eckerd Drug Store for some aspirin. He took the aspirin and went to the show without saying a word. Not only didn't he say anything, he proceeded to make his way up front, by himself. That was the first Jukes show that my Mom had been to. So, while we found a table on the side, John took off for the floor.

Since then, all of our "Jukes friends", fans and bandmates alike, have been so concerned and thoughtful. Bobby and Mark, especially, have shown concern to John personally. That kind of thing really impresses us about The Jukes. The way these guys remember and acknowledge us is so incredible. Mark once said "You Guys aren't just fans, you're friends." We love the way the Jukes community relates to each other.

John and I have been seeing Southside and the guys, together, since 1982. We fondly remember what was probably our first Jukes show as a couple. It was at The Fountain Casino in Aberdeen, NJ. We were right up front. John BonGiovi and The Wild Ones were the opener. A great show, as always. We later (in 1989) had our wedding reception at The Garden Manor, formerly known as "The Fountain." Our wedding song was "Let It Be Me", which The Jukes had in heavy rotation, at that time.

John signed us each up for the Southside Digest. When the rumblings about a thing called Jukestock started, there was no question that we were going. We each told our sisters (Carla Mallm and Diana Diomede) that they had to come with us (not that it took much arm twisting!). That weekend will be remembered by our family as one of the best things we've ever done. Finally making friends with the people that we'd been standing side by side with for years has made all the shows that we've been to since even more special. Of course, meeting and getting to know the guys has been wonderful, also. We're no longer going to see some random (not that The Jukes could ever be considered random) "rock" band play, now we're there to support our friends.

Over the years, John and I can recall the oddest shows! The time we saw The Jukes at Trackside Park at the Meadowlands, for $1.75. There was the time we saw them at Middlesex College. John insists there were only 100 people there! Naturally, when we saw The Jukes play The Meadowlands Arena with Gary U.S. Bonds and Frankie and The Knockouts, was a highlight. We remember all the times they played The Garden State Arts Center over the July 4th weekend. Martell's has become a staple of our summer plans, the last few years.

Last year, John even tried to book SSJ for my "29...Again" birthday party. Of course Johnny was out of our price range! But, I figured it's the thought that counts, right?