one last thing before I quit

My, oh my. How time flies. It seems like only yesterday that it was 1984, and you were a mere 29-year-old Dutchman, flying around the stage with you long curly mane. Schooling young greasy adults and old greasy teenagers on your axe. Finger-tapping on your Frankenstrat.... So maybe I wasn't even alive when that would actually have taken place, but I most certainly have sifted through the stockpiles of footage and educated myself.

You turn 54 today. You've battled through a ton. Throat cancer. Alcoholism. Hip replacement surgery. DLR. Hagar. Cherone. Bertinelli. DLR again. You are clearly a strong man.

Thank you for being the greatest rock and roll guitarist ever.

Thank you for letting us see your young protege son Wolfgang on his first tour.

Thank you for writing some unbelievably kick-ass songs that will forever remind me of good times.

I can't wait for you to come back here and rock the 'Peg like only you can.