The various incarnations that Hot Tuna (and Jorma Kaukonen) have appeared under throughout the decades can be tough to keep track of (thank you, Tunabase) but I know I have seen many of them in the last 35 years. 

On this night, Hot Tuna was electric and the band consisted not only of the mainstays Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, but also Steve Kimock (guitar) and the aforementioned Justin Guip (drums). 

I had a realization, apropos of nothing, at this show: the music of the Black Keys that I have heard sounds almost exactly like Electric Hot Tuna. I do not know much about the Black Keys and have never read any interviews with the band members so I cannot say if they are aware of or acknowledge the influence, but it is definitely there. 

Jorma and Jack are getting up there in the years and are playing the final Electric Hot Tuna shows in 2023. The only statement given was, "For a lot of reasons, they are putting the electric tour to rest. The guys are both healthy and doing great and everyone wants to keep it that way. Acoustic Hot Tuna will continue to tour in 2024. Look for Acoustic Hot Tuna 2024 dates coming soon." 

Jorma waxed on a little more poetically on his website without revealing too much more.

No further statements are required, of course, though as a fan and someone interested in how artists make their choices, I am curious about the perceived connection between touring in an electric format and maintaining health. One can imagine the unique rigors of toting around slabs of electronics-laden wood for a few hours, or singing over high volume equipment, but for now, the only and best direct statement from the band will be the music. 

The classic rock generation is slowly slipping away, as we all are just maybe a little faster. These artists have given a lot for a long time. Staying on the road and making music may be the key to their longevity, but certain behaviors just start to defy physiology. 

Jorma and Jack's Jefferson Airplane colleague Grace Slick has refused to perform for years, maintaining as early as a 1998 interview that “All rock 'n' rollers over the age of 50 look stupid and should retire.” When one probes that and subsequent comments she made on the topic (including ones urging Fleetwood Mac to pull the plug while encouraging the Stones to keep rolling), there is a certain amount of sexism or at the very least lack of self-acceptance in evidence. Grace does not seem to find older women, especially herself, attractive or pleasing to look at. To each their own, of course, but to see one of my musical heroes withhold their contributions over what amounts to vanity has always bummed me out.  

No bummers at this show, though. Just good old-fashioned American roots rock and roll played by some of the finest who do it. Comfort food for my ears and soul. 

### 

Keep on Truckin': 

Spotlight On Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady and Steve Kimock 

5 Reasons Grace Slick Was Right About Rock Stars Retiring When They Reach Fifty 

Grace Slick, A Painter Now, Feisty as Ever