Saying Goodbye to 'Uplifting' Ed Johnson, a 'True Friend'

So, are you going to miss 2013? Are you looking forward to 2014?
I don't know who the first person to point this out was, but it sure is true. The older we get, the quicker time goes by. When we were all kids, time seemed to drag by. Now that I'm in the 4th quarter of my life, time is flying by. I don't mind though. I get it and accept it.

So 2013 had some memorable moments.

One of which totally caught me by surprise. This Christmas season was the 30th anniversary of the release of my old band's LP. The band was VINNY, and the album was called OLAS DE SEXO and it was produced by the Cars drummer, and multi media artist David Robinson. I took these photos outside my office yesterday. 

This is the front cover. (Click to hear samples)

This is the back cover.

You know, I'm not going to say anything negative here, but we got some great reviews on this record. From the Boston Globe to Billboard, and all the college papers, and radio stations all across the country. We had a number one local song for 4 weeks on WBCN. And we were headlining some of the biggest clubs in town. We played everywhere from NYC to Maine. We had some serious major label interest and things looked encouraging. It was exciting times.

But the cards were just not in it. That window opened and closed. 

The VINNY band started in 1976 and ended in 1984. One year after this record came out. I went on to start the band SEMPER FI from 84-88. Then from 1988 to 2010, my brother Johnny and I, started my favorite band of all time THE NOR'EASTERS. Of all the bands, that was my favorite. And I would love to play with the EASTERS again.
I have no desire to want to play old VINNY songs or SEMPER FI songs. But the NOR'EASTERS? Oh hell yeah. I would LOVE that!

Or, play with the people I've been jamming with as of late. Bill, Rich, Lenny...and whoever else is around. I've got a bunch of new material just bubbling up inside of me, that I need to get out. It's funny how songs come to me. They just materialize in my mind. Lyrics, guitar riffs, melodies, choruses. So many life changing things happen in all of our lives, and when it happens to me, I tend to write them down.

This blog was always a creative release for me and my wandering mind. While some think I am distracted and elsewhere, I am actually formulating images, songs, paintings, ideas. My mind is always running at full speed. The problem I have today is. I am forgetful.

I forget too many things too many times. That bothers me. 

So what was I just talking about? Ha! I'm kidding (sort of).

[Photo 4] This is me with my nephew Jesse. AKA QWILL. That VINNY LP you see above? Yeah, well that piece of vinyl changed his life at an early impressionable age. I don't know whether or not to say "I'm sorry, or to say I'm glad." I guess more of the latter. Because he has gone on to create some of the world's best music. He just got back from a tour in Italy and Croatia. He's so stoked on both music, surfing, and family. 

I'm so proud of Jesse and all that's done. I love him.

OK so 2013 is fast becoming another number and series of dates on the calendar. I do truly hope that you ALL find peace and happiness in 2014. Each and every one of you. Young and old. I know that times are tough for some of you. I also know, that tomorrow will be a better day. That you can get through these hard times. 

Whether or not they are financial woes, health woes, family woes, or love woes. Things will get better. Things may seem darker now, but they will eventually brighten up for you. There is a clear and shining path for everyone.

And you already know, that if you are a Surfer, you know where your solace lies and waits. Right there. Out in the ocean. The salt and air. The waves...and yes you knew this was coming, because it is so fitting to say at the end of the year...again.

"Surfing Heals All Wounds..."  

We lost some good people this past year. Some good friends, some great actors, and a few well known celebrities. And we lost some true American heroes. Like this Marine. Ed Johnson. A TRUE AMERICAN WAR HERO.

[Photo 1] This photo that John Carden took a couple of years ago shows the passion and dedication that Ed Johnson had. He was a Marine Captain and he fought in the Korean War. He was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions.

*For the record, they just don't hand those out to anyone. You have to earn it. And Ed certainly earned the Silver Star.

[Photo 2] He was my guest speaker during our Memorial Day observances in 2010. His speech was both stirring and uplifting. Ed went on to be the driving force behind the Pease Greeters. He was the tip of the spear at the early years of the now popular Pease Greeters groups. 

He was not only a fellow Marine to me, he was a true friend. And I will miss him each and every day.

Semper Fi Ed....Rest In Peace Sir. 

[Photo 3] Last week another quiet hero was laid to rest. Francis X. McNeil was a WWII veteran who served as a Navy Corpsman with the Marines in the South Pacific. Navy Corpsmen were considered to be Marines with the Marines in the field. 

Every Marine I know has the UTMOST respect for our "Docs". They saved many lives throughout this country's history.


Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances
The NFL stands for "Not For Long". Boy is that ever true. Last week Peyton Manning beat Tom Brady's 50 TD passing record by throwing number 51 on the season. And honestly? Good for him. The man was basically a big fat question mark this year with his neck surgery. He proved them all wrong.

So maybe...the raiders can bet the Donkeys today and we beat the Bills and take sole possession of first place in the AFC. Maybe. But highly unlikely. Come on Richard Seymour help your old teammates out. Get to Manning today!