Rocketman the Pirate

This is a picture of a local musician named Rocketman. He's sings. Plays his guitars. Plays the harmonica too. He's also the drummer for a local band called the "Florida Straits Band." Most times we see Rocketman playing at a place in Marathon called "Porky's." We go to Porky's for cold beer, french fries, salad, black beans & rice, and exceptionally friendly service. Porky's isn't very veg-friendly as far as variety, but we do go there for these few delights. We always plan our visits on nights Rocketman will be playing.

Rocketman the Pirate. That's his more formal name. He looks like a pirate, not too sure if you can tell from this photo. He laughs like a pirate, and talks like a pirate. He's a storyteller too, like any great musician really is. In between songs, he'll banter with the crowd, telling stories of celebrities he's met, funny experiences he's had, and interesting people he's met on the way. He's really great with little kids, although many of them are not too sure what to make of "the pirate" when they first meet him. He'll talk with them, make them relax and laugh...pose for photos, autograph small plastic pirate swords for the little ones, and give away his autographed picture. Rocketman will do all that, smiling because he loves it. His life has not always been easy, and he makes no bones about that. Yet, he carries on with his music, doing what he loves best. He's a true "Keys character."

I was driving back from Marathon one day in December and saw a sign on one of the bars that said "Get Well Soon Rocketman--We Miss You" which really shocked me. Get well soon? What? We had just seen Rocketman the week before, slipping in for a cold beer and my beans & rice. Upon doing some deeper digging, we learned that Rocketman had indeed fallen ill, and it was pretty serious. He is doing much better now. We've been told he's itching to get back on the stage, and says he'll be back playing as soon as he can hold that guitar.

We're looking forward to Rocketman's return, and have sent our well wishes as so many others have done that love him. He'll be back in due time, and we'll all be waiting. We know many of you have also enjoyed Rocketman and his music, and we ask you hold a good thought for him too. We miss him, his stories, and his music. Sure its always pretty sitting at the dock having a cold drink, but its just not the same without Rocketman the Pirate singing about life in these beautiful Florida Keys.