Well I'll be, a show where three of the four musicians on stage have been guests of the podcast. I think we need to get Justin Guip on, if only to collect 'em all...
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.
