JOLLY’S 70TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
Metro Chicago
Monday 3/5/18

A birthday celebration like none other, for the one and only Jolly Roger celebrating his 70th year with family and friends at the one and only Metro Chicago.
Goose Island went above and beyond with making a specialty beer to celebrate Jolly’s 70th – called “Stay Outta Trouble”.
But of course.
Jolly is a music legend in Chicago, having been the main guy for well over thirty years making rock concerts happen literally from the ground up.
He’s got stories on top of stories with more stories, from the going’s on in setting up and taking down shows big and small, and also being the true definition of what the term “Multi- Tasker” means.
I don’t say this flippantly. He’s equally adept to this day of handling lighting, production, sound, stage managing, security, you name it.
And even though he’s an intimidating presence standing at 6 foot 8 or so, with some missing teeth, a long ponytail, and tattoos- he’s as lovable as they come once you get to know him.
And to have Val, his daughter, throw off this one of a kind event with 300 or so of Jolly’s closest friends and family, on a Monday night, with a snow storm going outside the Metro to add to the mix- this doesn’t slow anyone down to come out and pay respects and give the big guy a hug and share a few laughs.
I made it clear with Jolly, that to the best of my ability, I was going to be his shadow the entire night, not try to be a nuisance, but to capture as many family and friends as humanly as possible to get a photograph with him.
And even though it started off kinda awkward- Jolly not used to his photo being taken every 2 minutes or so- it ended up being quite natural and easy going and fun.
Which is like Jolly on any given day working with bands- showing up and having fun- and trying to the best of your ability- staying out of trouble.
A true friend of Rock n’ Roll. An ambassador to the city of Chicago.
There is none other.
Jolly Roger.
Hope everyone digs the pictures, as much as I had fun taking them of all you lovely people.
Cheers- and then some – Bobby Talamine – Music Photographer