I became a SSJ fan in 1975 after being introduced to that “Bruce” guy from Asbury… In ’76 I saw my first show at Barton Hall, Cornell University with my sister. I remember there were 2 or 3 encores and people dancing in the aisles and seats, as nobody wanted to go home... From that moment on, we knew that SSJ was something really special and had a set of Chops like no one else!

Over the years, there were several opportunities but for 1 reason or another, it never worked out… until July, 2010 at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Since it was 34 YEARS since I saw him, I I didn’t know what to expect, even though people told me he still puts on a great show. So, after 26 years of marriage, 2 grown boys, 2 dogs, a bigger waistline and A LOT less hair later, we sent to see SSJ. After the 3rd song, I knew it was no fluke and Southside sounded as good as ’76. The show was unbelievable, as everyone had “the fever”. In a way, it was as if time stood still as everyone got into it. I told my wife from that moment on, we’d make seeing SSJ an annual event, especially since he’s right here in our backyard at the Tarrytown Music Hall.

After being informed I was the “fan of the month”, we received two 6th row seats for the Tarrytown show this past Friday night! WOW, another incredible night that exceeded everyone’s expectations. Besides 4 holiday songs that included an “Elvislike” Blue X-Mas, there were multiple covers that included Happy (from the Stones), Walk Away Renee and Drift Away from Dobie Gray who had just passed.

Johnny makes us believe that we’re all like fine wine… we just get better with age!!

Bill Hammer