Flashback - 1989:

Tommy Bolin had been gone from us for thirteen years. During that time very little, if any, of Tommy's music was being aired by FM Rock Radio. With the exception of a devoted but small, loosely knit, legion of underground fans trying to keep his musical memory alive, Tommy's legacy seemed destined to become a mere footnote in the annals of Rock history.

In the autumn of 1989, two extraordinary things occurred which would prove to be the ground breakers in bringing Tommy's music back to the limelight. The first was Geffen Records release of "The Ultimate" box set [click on box cover]. Although being just a mere sample of Tommy's vast musical career, it brought back to the mainstream songs and compositions which had not been heard nor available in years. Tommy's fans now had something to rally behind.

The second was a major story about Tommy's life written by, the then music editor of Denver's Westword, Gil Asakawa. Gil's "Shooting Star" article was the first in depth piece written about Tommy since his untimely death in 1976. Thoroughly researched and leaving no stone unturned, Gil's article answered many questions which were left hanging since Tommy's death and actually raised some important new issues.

Since it first appeared in October of 1989, Gil's article has been the definitive and best written piece about Tommy's life and career to date. It has been photo copied many times and passed around amongst the ever growing circle of Tommy's fans for years.

Through the magic and power of the Internet, Gil has kindly allowed his article to be reprinted for the world to read once again. Now, for the first time in 10 years, here in its entirety, Gil Asakawa's "Shooting Star", The Rise and Fall of Tommy Bolin.

(Editor's note: As ardent Tommy Bolin fans ourselves, we must advise you the following is a very poignant, graphic, and detailed account of Tommy's life from 1969 to 1976 as reported by Gil Asakawa from the many interviews he conducted from bandmates and close associates of Tommy. If you choose just to remember Tommy Bolin, the musician, then please, by all means stop reading now and play your CD's and tapes and enjoy the great music he left behind. If you want to learn more about the man behind the music, we invite you to read on.....Art & Sal)

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