Two years ago, on November 18, 2023, my debut novel Zwijgen Zweeg Gezwegen was published. On the same day I also released That's Me, my solo album that is closely intertwined with the novel. Both projects were welcomed with open arms; The rave reviews can be found on this site. If you want to get your hands on a signed copy, you can place an order here.

Because Guus lived in France at the time, Barrelhouse decided in the course of 2023 that after fifty years 'on the road' it was time to stop. A farewell tour was planned for 2024 and on January 1, 2025, Barrelhouse officially came to an end.

But life wrote its own unexpected chapters. At the end of May 2024, Guus was struck by serious heart problems; Four stents were placed in the hospital. Traveling and playing was no longer possible, and the band finished the tour with the five of them.

As if that wasn't enough, the tour was interrupted again in September. I had to undergo open-heart surgery. After Guus' situation, I had also been examined, and a life-threatening condition was discovered. Postponement was not an option. After a recovery period of six months, we picked up where we left off in March 2025 and completed the farewell tour. On October 12, we played our very last gig, at Café La Porte in Meppel.

What a story, right? I don't have time for boredom. I now spend much more time than before with my family and grandchildren and friends. Birthdays and children's parties, I visit them all. I am also deployed for large and small jobs... There is not even time to finish my second novel, because it is almost finished, only the end has to be written yet.

Would you like to respond or place an order? You can do so via my email johnnylaporte824@gmail.com.

Regards
Johnny