It was a cold winter day in Salem, MA late in 1978 or early in 1979 when I first saw the Jukes at the local college there. Although I don't remember much about the show (college days, you know), I do remember fleecing my sisters "I Don't Want to Go Home" album and playing it over and over until I learned every lyric. That was the beginning of Jukes mania. In
those late 70's and early to mid 80's, Southside and the boys (and sometimes girls) played at many local colleges in the North East. Because I was more of a malingerer instead of a career minded "yuppie", I ventured to over 75 shows in a short period of time, bringing with me more and more friends and fans. Soon, Juke fans I met would call me with news about
upcoming shows, and a local group of friends and I would pile in a few vehicles and make the trips. Before the internet, this was the only way we ever found out about Juke shows outside our area. Before too long, shows at Club Casino in New Hampshire, Holy Cross College in Worchester, MA, and Uncle Sams in Boston were full of people I had met at other concerts. Talk about family and friends!!

Anyway, it was in the early eighties (maybe 1982 I think) that Southside did a radio show with local Boston DJ Mark Parenteau called Sunday Sessions. It was invite only, and I was among the few hundred in the club. Well, I'm in the men's room talking with Billy West, a local comedian, and he asks me what my connection was with Southside. I tell him I'm just a fan of his music and have seen over 75 shows. He finds that information unbelievable, almost demented! When I return to my seat Parenteau calls me up to the stage, and I interview with Johnny on stage and live on the radio. (If you have the archive, or pictures,
you'll hear and see me.) All I remember was that I was told I couldn't curse on air. Also, that Joel Gramolini came on stage and did a rendition of "What's Your Name".

Later, a friend of mine and I made the trek from Boston to some adventure park in Jersey (I can't recall the name) and got there in time to hear some Springsteen cover band warming up the Jukes. Or so we thought!! We were horrified to find out that Southside was already on stage at the other end of the park, in some stadium/arena. We sprinted to the venue and shoved our way to the front. The Jukes were just finishing up their opening number "Stop in the Name of Love", Diana Ross's old tune. I was also there when the Jukes played the Brendan Byrne arena with Gary U.S. Bonds. Southside proclaimed that was the biggest
crowd he ever played in front of.

Ask yourselves this question. How many things have you really enjoyed for more than 25 years? For me, there are 4: Women, Pizza, Beer, and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.