But today I simply want to say Thank You to Todd for the hours and hours of listening and laughing to his hilarious stories (which I was actually talking to someone about last week at Ev's gig, when Ev was playing one of Todd's songs). KK Rider bit...epic! Billy Elliott story...classic.

16 years ago I was in a hospital in London after my 6th surgery and was in for the weekend waiting on my 7th. The family headed home because they had tickets to Willie Nile that I didn't want them to miss...even though I had to. So i laid in that bed with an iPad and a credit card. I ordered a bunch of stuff from Apple, including the new Todd Snider "Storytellers" live album. I can remember playing that on repeat all weekend, laughin', high on a morphine drip and thinking...this guy is the greatest storyteller of all-time. He was one of them!!

When Evan was young he would always ask me to play Beer Run and Alright Guy...but I could only play the latter when his Mom wasn't around due lines like "I had that old book with pictures of Madonna naked. I was checkin' it out" or "Man I was only kiddin' when I called 'em a couple of dicks" (Ev was little then). Many years later Evan would name his debut album "Happy To Be Here"...also one of Todd's finest offerings.

If you haven't read his book, get it. I've read it twice. Pick up ANY of his records....but to get the full Todd Snider experience grab both of his Storytellers live records. Turn out the lights. Pour a drink. And enjoy.

Thanks Todd for the music. You were an Alright Guy and your Generation should be proud....because we got you!

John and Jimmy are waitin with a Vodka & Ginger Ale and a Margarita. Don't forget your pile of vinyl records.

May you find your peace now!

-- Love the Rotella boys #foreverfans