En una fecha tan señalada, y poco después de haber anunciado su retirada de la música para finales de 2025, hemos homenajeado al maestro de ceremonias de Supertramp a través de un vídeo musical con fotografías de su vida y los mensajes de felicitación que nos han llegado de sus fans de todo el mundo.
A continuación transcribimos, en riguroso orden de recepción, los mensajes de los fans que le hemos remitido a John. Muchas gracias a las 135 personas que han participado en esta iniciativa.
MARTIN VINCENT (Stroud, UK)
John you are one of the best. I saw you with Supertramp at Bristol in the 70’s, you were outstanding. My biggest regret is not seeing you again after that great gig. Enjoy your retirement. Thanks for the memories.
PAOLO SERRA (Cagliari, Italy)
Thank you John for your music, your sensitivity, your irony... All these things are felt in every single note of yours. Without you Supertramp would not be the same. We owe you a lot. Best wishes for these 80 years... I hope they are a new, beautiful beginning for you!
ALESSIO BIANCHI (Livorno, Italy)
In addition to my best wishes, I want to send you a huge thank you… You were the soundtrack of my adolescence and made me a better man. Maybe not even you understand how much serenity you radiated in my bedroom, thanks to your sax!!!
PETER BURCHER (Liverpool, UK)
Happy big birthday to the maestro! Thanks for the years of enjoyment you have brought. Have a great day, John.
ANNE RAMADE (Paris, France)
Dear John! You probably wrote and played the most "iconic" sax and clarinet solos in the pop music history. It was a real pleasure to listen to your part. I wish you a nice and great retirement. All the best from Paris, France.
MARC KOL (Hoofddorp, Netherlands)
Thank you for the music and happy retirement.
KARIN (Vienna, Austria)
Dear John, thanks for all the joy you bring to my life with your wonderful music! Stay healthy and have fun! Greetings from Vienna, Karin.
JUAN RAMON (Barcelona, Spain)
Birthdates mark a starting point, but they do not define the path we take or what we will become. In your case, what you have achieved goes far beyond any number on a calendar. Now, at 80 years old, we don’t just look back at a brilliant career; we celebrate the legacy of an artist who has left an indelible mark on music and in the hearts of those who follow you. Your talent has been undeniable, your dedication tireless, and your charisma one of the many reasons why audiences have admired you. But beyond recognition and prestige, what you have truly gained is the sincere love of generations of fans who have felt every note of your saxophone resonate deeply. From the world’s biggest stages to the magical moments you've given us with Supertramp and beyond, you have accompanied us with your unique sound, your passion, and that contagious joy that has always defined you. Today, we simply want to say thank you. Thank you for the music and that contagious joy that has always defined you.
JOHN HEATON (Budapest, Hungary)
Happy birthday, John! My top 5 solos of yours: “My Kind of Lady”, “Just a Normal Day”, “Logical Song”, “Two of Us”, “Babaji”… Have a great day!
STEPHAN VAN DER HEIJDEN (Eindhoven, Netherlands)
Thanks for your marvellous music and humour over all these years. I still play the “Paris” album a lot! Take care and I wish you all the best in good health!
HELMUT (Vienna, Austria)
Happy Birthday, dear John. Thank you for your wonderful playing over the last 60 years.
GEORGE COOKE (Stoke-on-Trent, UK)
Happy 80th Birthday, John! Your sax and clarinet playing is such an integral part of the Supertramp sound! You’re such a great Master of Ceremonies for their gigs. Here’s one example I heard: “I went to the Lido caff on Great Castle Street (London) this morning for breakfast. Very nice. Double egg, double bacon, beans and chips and three cups of tea. But, it wasn’t as good as…” (“Breakfast in America” plays) Enjoy yourself, John!
PAUL HAWKINS (The Sticks, USA)
Dear Lord Stackhouse - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! When I get to be 80, I want to look as good as you. Thank you for all the years of great music. My favorite solo of yours is the clarinet in “Poor Boy”. It evokes a picture of a smug alley cat in my mind. Take care! Paul in the untamed sticks.
MASSIMO (Trento, Italy)
Your unmistakable sax, your presence, your subtle English humour will forever remain in my soul as an eternal Supertramp lover! And remember, when you go home tonight, you best take the long way home!
TERRY HILL (Toronto, Canada)
All the best, JOHN, on your retirement and your birthday. I always enjoyed your playing all the times I saw you going right back to the early 1980s. Cheers.
PHIL MILEY (Liverpool, UK)
Much happy retirement, John. Thanks for all the amazing contributions you have made over the years.
ALBERTO (Santiago, Chile)
Dear John, congratulations on that wonderful career as a musician that you shared with the world in Supertramp and with your saxophone and clarinet. You also brought to the band that humorous touch that was a hallmark of their performances. You finely adorned Rick and Roger's songs with your beautiful solos. Enjoy your well-deserved rest, your contribution to popular music in these times is more than proven. Greetings from Chile.
BERNIE DENNO (Leland, USA)
Thank you for the awesome music - music that I have listened to almost daily since 1974. I saw you in concert with the Boys twice and they are the best show that I have seen (300+). Happy retirement and do not drink all of the wine. I need some also!!
ROGER LECLERC (Montreal, Canada)
Well, Mr. Great man, Happy 80’s. I did hear that you will retire, well you deserve a little bit of rest… On my name and my Tribute band Tramp of the Century (tribute to Supertramp for the last 15 years) we wish you the best, thanks for the special melodic solos in the Supertramp songs… No need to mention a song, the list is a bit too long. Hope for you if you once in a while could do a few concerts with your Creme Anglaise band just for the fun of it… Mr John, enjoy your life and Merci!
MARCEL STERKENBURG (Harmelen, Netherlands)
Congratulations for your 80th birthday and thank you for the great music you made with Supertramp.
GABS RODRIGUEZ-CLEARY (Hitchin, UK)
I had the pleasure of attending your evening in Giggleswick in 2023 with my mum. Aside from the show itself, which was wonderful, we were also so grateful for the time you made for everyone afterwards. We'd come up from Hertfordshire, you didn't know us from Adam but you were very happy chatting to us. You made us feel at ease and you were very self depreciating to boot! I'm short, you were a gentleman. For that and your contribution to the music world, thank you and happy birthday!
KLAUS JOCKEL (Bochum, Germany)
Hello John, best wishes for your birthday. Because of you I tried to learn to play sax, but it doesn't work. All the best to you, Kind regards, Klaus.
MICHAEL COBURN (Newcastle, Australia)
Best wishes for your 80th birthday and thanks for your stellar career. I must have played “Take the Long Way Home” a thousand times as a kid and never tired of your mid song duel with Rick’s harmonica! Also loved your work on “Gone Hollywood”, “Breakfast In America”, “From Now On”, “Crime of the Century” and your achingly beautiful sign off to “Child of Vision”. I could go on but those were my favourites. Your music made a huge impression on my life and again I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
HENRIQUE (Sete Lagoas, Brazil)
Congrats, John! The best saxophonist ever!
TONY HEDRICK (Kokomo, USA)
Thank you for the music, John. Cheers!!
NORRIE BURNS (Glasgow, UK)
Wishing you a Happy Birthday. All the best.
JAVIER AVILA RIVERA (Ceuta, Spain)
Congratulations, John. And thank you very much for your music in Supertramp that touched my heart deeply forever and I never forget. My soul is much better with the music that Supertramp created and the sound of your sax always in my mind. Enjoy your pretty life!!!
CARLOS GONZALEZ ARIZMENDI (Mexico City, Mexico)
Dear John: Happy birthday and thank you for being part of the soundtrack of my life. We’ve loved your work and we admire your sense of humour. Happy Birthday.
JUAN SANCHEZ CORCOLES (Munich, Germany)
Congratulations, Mr. Helliwell, on your 80th birthday. I hope you have a very happy time with your family, or at least with the happiness that you and your band have given us for so many years with your great musical talents. Happy birthday, I hope you celebrate it many more times. Juan Sánchez-Córcoles.
COOP MOULAND (Ottawa, Canada)
Congrats, lad.🎷
DAVID SIMMONS (Walton-on-Thames, UK)
Hi John, thank you for all the wonderful music you recorded with Supertramp - you're a legend! Enjoy your retirement. David.
MARCELO PAOLILLO (Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil)
Congratulations from Brazil, John! Love for you!
GREGORY CARLSEN (Barquisimeto, Venezuela)
Dear valued friend John, although I know that your retirement is imminent, I know that in each piece masterfully performed by you, it will be the link that will forever unite you with each of us, your fans and friends, who will miss you physically, but never musically. From Venezuela your friend forever. Gregory Carlsen, DreamergreG.
JULIE DUBSKY (Geneva, USA)
Congrats and Happy Birthday, Mr John!! Supertramp was definitely one of the groups I listened to as a teenager and connects me to so many fun memories growing up. I’m first generation USA. My parents were from Yorkshire and my fam and cousins still live there. I was lucky enough to be able to go back and forth as a teenager. Last time I saw Supertramp was 1988 with my now husband. Hope you have a nice celebration with your family and friends! Thank you for interacting with us on Facebook.
CARLOS JAVIER BARAGAÑO GALINDO (Valencia, Spain)
Thank you very much, John, for all these musical years that you have given us, and for your friendliness. Happy 80.
JOSE DELPORTE (Cannes, France)
John, first of all, I hope you're doing well in terms of your health. Although it's a very personal matter, I'm a bit worried about it. I hope we'll keep in touch, because you're my favourite model and I've never tired of drawing you since I was very young. If one day you have a photo in your archives of you playing the flute, oboe or piano, that would be great! See you soon! José.
DOMENICO SCARPETTA (Abergavenny, UK)
Grazie for the music. That Italian meal is still available when you come to Wales!!! Salute e buon compleanno.
PEPE ZALDIVAR (Malaga, Spain)
Happy 80th birthday, dear John! I like the sound of many saxophonists but you will always be my favourite. May you have many more birthdays to come and a happy retirement from your professional career. Greetings from Malaga.
GOOOLIXX (York, UK)
The best saxophonist of all time! It’s not a coincidence that the first album featuring John was the first one to find success.
JOSE MARIA BUENDIA (Almeria, Spain)
Happy 80th Birthday, John. Thank you for leaving a mark on my teenage years with your saxophone and your music, both for my brother (now deceased) and for me.
BILL HUDSON (Cambridge, UK)
Thanks for all the fantastic music over more years than I care to remember. Brings back many happy memories whenever I hear it. My girlfriend at the time gave me my first Supertramp LP and I was hooked. She’s been my wife for the last 44 years too! Many happy returns, and many more.
RUI SOBRAL (Porto, Portugal)
Congratulations! The best music ever, SUPERTRAMP. A big hug.
JOSE ANTONIO (Venta de Baños, Spain)
What a great day to celebrate your birthday... You are always present in the music I hear. It’s a great pleasure to be able to listen to it. Thank you for allowing me to congratulate you.
DAVID (Lochem, Netherlands)
Goodness, John is eighty! Congratulations and 'Sto Lat'.💯🎉💐
PERE VIUDEZ (Barcelona, Spain)
Dear and admired John, congratulations on your birthday and a million thanks for your music and the incredible melodies that have come out of your saxophone and clarinet, which have accompanied me in so many moments. Well right!! Let's have a wine to celebrate!
SOREN NIELSEN (Aarhus, Denmark)
Dear John, I wish you a very happy and healthy retirement from the music business. 🎶☀️ You have for many years been my favourite sax player, and I still get the chills, when I am listening to your wonderful solos and inputs on the recordings I have heard.👌🤗🎷 Unfortunately I have never seen you live, and now it's too late for that, but thanks to YouTube and the records I have, I can listen to the most fantastic sax player whenever I want to. 😃 Thank you for the music and Congratulations. 80❤️🎷
ALESSANDRO (Firenze, Italy)
I grew up listening to Supertramp and your refined melodies that have no comparison in music. You were able to combine the great interpretation of ancient music with the best of modern music. For this reason you will remain unique, your notes that have penetrated my heart since I was a child will never grow old. Un abbraccio da Firenze, Italia.
RUSS SCHENEWERK (Branson, USA)
Happy Birthday, John! Thanks for the tremendous music. I was honored to have seen you perform in Kansas City on the “Brother Where You Bound” tour. All the best from the Missouri Ozarks.
GUILLERMO (Madrid, Spain)
Since I was 16, and now I'm 52, I've been listening to you when you played in Supertramp and I'm sure you haven't had a fan so young. I wish you the best. Congratulations!!!
KARL SCHLEICH (Anchorage, USA)
Happy 80th, John!!! Thank you for entertaining the world for so many years! It is wonderful that we have the many recordings of your beautiful saxophone riffs! Love to you from Anchorage, Alaska where Supertramp still is played and enjoyed!
JUAN MARCOS VELARDO (Sevilla, Spain)
Happy Birthday, Maestro! Thank you for your music from a fan since 1979. I'm not a believer, but God bless you! Gracias.
PATRICE (Rachecourt sur Marne, France)
Thank you for these fantastic musical moments. Unequalled sound and music. Thank you for all these moments of happiness, and in particular a memorable concert (even without Roger) in St. Dizier. Long life to you, always in our ❤️. Patrice.
HANNE SCHUTTE (Hooglanderveen, Netherlands)
Dear Mr Helliwell, Enjoy your retirement! Thank you very much for all the pleasure you gave me with the music of Supertramp. Your cheerful personality always put a smile on my face. Wishing you all the best in the future! Lots of love Hanne
LESLIE CHUDNOFF (Saint Paul, USA)
Happy Birthday, John! Thank you for so many decades of wonderful music. It is the soundtrack of a lifetime.
HORACIO JAVIER MARTINEZ (Posadas, Argentina)
Dear John, Happy birthday!!! You have played unforgettable solos on Supertramp songs. Awesome!! I hope we can see that complete show you did with the orchestra. Enjoy your retirement. When you come to Argentina I would love to meet you. Come to my house and we will cook a roast. Greetings. I am from the province of Misiones, where the Iguazu Falls are located.
CHARLES ARMSTRONG (Perth, Australia)
Happy birthday, John. Thank you for your immense contributions to making Supertramp one of the best bands there ever has been. I’ve loved Supertramp for 40 years now, and continue to listen to all the albums, in no small part due to the wonderful saxophone. Yours, Charles.
JAN SEWELEN (Stockholm, Sweden)
I wish you a wonderful birthday. I first became seriously familiar with Supertramp in 1980 when a friend let me borrow “Paris”. Been a fan ever since. Something that made an impression was the saxophonist and his witty banter. In 1997 I got to see you and the band in Stockholm. Written with love. I wish you the best.
JR VILLAR (York, UK)
Bonsoir Paris! Happy 80th Birthday to the musical maestro Johnny who's officially hanging up his hat! Eight decades, with many of good ones dazzling us with the best tunes – that's a standing ovation in itself! Hope your retirement is filled with as much joy (and maybe slightly less screaming fans) as your career. Wishing you a birthday that's as legendary as you are! Rock on (into retirement)! If you are back home to your slippers, pop up at the Vault in Hebden! JR Villar.
RONALD HOFMAN (Veeningen, Netherlands)
Hi John, Congratulations!! Thanks for the great music you brought with Supertramp. Still remeber it, 1979 my first album I bought… “Breakfast in America”. Later on “Paris”! All day at school with those records in my head!! Wish you all the best!
MARC (Toulouse, France)
Many thanks for your beautiful songs. I follow you since 1977. I saw you two times in Paris and before in Palaiseau with Chris de Burgh. A thousand thanks.
ANNE & DAVID BARTON (Grafton, Australia)
Happy 80th birthday John Anthony Helliwell. 🙋♀️🎼💗🥂🎊 Best wishes for good health, happiness, safety. To quote ABBA, "Thank you for the music..." My husband and I have been, and still are, enamoured by Supertramp and your music! We saw you in concert in Sydney 1976. Wow, what a night. “Crime of the Century” album cover as your huge backdrop. I can still 'go there' in my mind's eye. Thank you, with hugs. Happy retirement. Cheers.
MICHAEL MALCHIONI (Evansville, USA)
Happy Birthday, John!! Enjoy your retirement. You definitely deserve it. Thanks for all the great music!! Take care! Michael.
AARON IBBETSON (Bridlington, UK)
A very big Happy 80th birthday, John. Thank you so much for the beautiful music you have been part of through the years, and I hope you enjoy your retirement.
JOHN COWAN (Vancouver, Canada)
Happy Birthday/Retirement, John! Your wonderful sax playing is forever associated with my high school and university days; we saw you in ‘85 and your and Dougie’s banter with us made the concert particularly wonderful. Enjoy!
LINTON POPE (Los Angeles, USA)
Hi John - sincerely wishing you a great birthday. I hope with time and wisdom you must have gained you will recognise that Supertramp was a combined effort, talent and commitment from all involved. Your talent and personality certainly a main contributor. I know Russel was an equal contributor, despite all the later ego's and insecurities. Him chasing Pat around the pool with an axe I have come to fully respect and understand - trust me. Happy 80th birthday – don’t stop playing your song.
ANDREW WHITE (Hastings, UK)
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and sending many thanks for all the fabulous music you made with Supertramp, my favourite band of all time, whose concerts were always a joy to attend. I also wish you a very happy retirement.
LUKE (Palermo, Italy)
Happy Birthday to you, dear John.
PETE HENDERSON (Ottawa, Canada)
Happy Birthday, John! I met you once as a teenager in St. John's, Newfoundland! It was 1985 and we went to the hotel and successfully met the group. You were the friendliest! We also went to the stadium to ask you and Bob if we could watch the rehearsals and you both said Yes but alas your manager said No! Such a shame about it! Of course we went to all three St. John's shows and loved them even without Roger. Enjoy your birthday and a well deserved retirement! Pete Henderson (not your famous producer!).
GUILHERME ROSA (Lowell, USA)
Hi Mr. Helliwell! Happy Birthday, Sir! I heard that at the end of this year you are retiring from music, after so many years playing and touring with Supertramp and others. So, I want to thank you for your brilliant musical career, all wonderful saxophone solos you did and the albums you recorded. Have a happy and well deserved retirement! Please, keep in touch with your fans. Sincerely, Guilherme Rosa.
CHRIS KAYSER (Calgary, Canada)
John...Thank you for all your amazing music. Simply one the greatest bands of all time. I'm 71, and listen to your albums all the time. Enjoy your retirement. Best regards, Chris Kayser. Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
PATRICK EGAN (Swords, Ireland)
Happy birthday, John.
GREGORY SMITH (Leona Valley, USA)
Happy Birthday, John! Sending best wishes and congratulations for the capping off of a great musical career! Thanks for bringing so much joy and happiness to so many! Mostly thank you for your friendship.
ANDRES ROJAS (Lima, Peru)
Dear John, I wish you a great happy birthday. Enjoy your retirement, although I think you will continue making music only for recordings. Thank you for such good music that you gave us, for those incredible and beautiful sax solos that many of your fans carry in our hearts. Thanks John, happy birthday. Hugs from Peru.
HARRY COWELL (London, UK)
Happy Birthday. Thank you for the wonderful music and memories.
ERIC BAUMEISTER (St. Paul, USA)
Dear John, I grew up listening to you and your music. I still listen to you and Supertramp. We are very blessed to be graced by your talent. I wish you the best in your retirement and thank you for everything you have given us. You have a special place in our hearts and memories. We can’t thank you enough!
ALBERTO GARAY (Madrid, Spain)
Happy Birthday, Mr. Helliwell! Honored to celebrate your music today. Thank you for making the sax shine in pop and for your kindness to fans. You'll always be Supertramp's sax symbol!
MULLER (Luppy, France)
Dear John, you came into my life when I was just a middle school student. I remember that summer evening on July 12, 1983, at the Metz stadium where you ignited all the fans present and left in my memory your unforgettable symphonies. Every album release was a discovery, and every time you visited France I was in front of your stage. Today, I would like to wish you a year 2025 filled with happiness and above all excellent health. Thank you.
ARNOLD STONEBRINK (Payson, USA)
Happy 80th birthday, John! Supertramp would have been good without you; with you, they were phenomenal! You remain my favorite wind instrument player of all time - within a rock band, or otherwise! Your brilliant work added so much to the songs, especially to "Poor Boy". Thank you so much for your great work and personality - it's made my life that much more enjoyable!
RALPH GRAW (Munich, Germany)
Happy Birthday and thank you for making the 70s enjoyable listening to you.
TERAH MARTINEZ (Uvalde, USA)
Hello John! I am a 17-year-old saxophone player who has been deeply touched and influenced by your playing. I owe what music I deliver to my audience to you and your years of practice. Lots and lots of joy and admiration, happy birthday, and cheers to another year of playing wonderful music after many years of delivering delight to all. You've done an admirable job.
MARCOS (Bariloche, Argentina)
Dear John, I want to send my best wishes to you, let's celebrate for all the good moments ahead! Thank you for entering in our ears and hearts with your music and magic! I hope you have a great day, with family, friends, and all the love we send you from different places in the world! All the best! Marcos.
CARLOS BENOIT (Santiago, Dominican Republic)
Congrats from our country. I was a radio star playing your music when Supertramp was on their top moment. Best whishes, good health and familiar union.
TIM DOOLEY (London, UK)
Happy birthday John, well done on reaching 80!!!! May you have many more. Congratulations. Tim Dooley.
CARLOS (Barcelona, Spain)
Happy birthday and thank you very much for making us so happy with your music for so many years!!!
PATRICK (Tampa, USA)
As the son of a winds player and a 45-year Supertramp fan, I thank you for your many contributions to music. They will live forever. Enjoy retirement.
ANTONIO (Vitoria, Spain)
Happy birthday. I just wanted to tell you that I've been playing saxophone 🎷 for over thirty years now and you are the main reason for that. I admire your work with Supertramp and afterwards. A big hug.
KYLE DVORAK (Deer Park, USA)
Happy Birthday, John! wishing you the best of birthdays and many more to come! Have a great one!
ERIC HOSMAN (Maassluis, Netherlands)
Happy birthday, John.
DAVE KIDDOO (Baltimore, USA)
To the most charismatic and influential horn musician on the planet! Wishing you a long and healthy retirement! You know you can’t stay away! Love always!
GERARDO PEREZ (Soria, Spain)
Happy Birthday and thank you for your music, your sense of humour… People like you make the world better. The BEST sax in the world, THANK YOU!!!!
TOM MISKOWIEC (St. Paul, USA)
Happy Birthday. Hope you have a Wonderful Day.
TERESA JIMENEZ CRESPO (Valencia, Spain)
From Spain, a million thanks for having been the soundtrack of my life and that of my children ❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 Happy birthday, Don John.
RAMZI MUSALLAM (Surrey, UK)
Best wishes on this amazing birthday. Can’t believe you’ve completed eight decades! You’ve been the heartbeat of our favourite band and made us laugh and smile with your humour and funny stories! We hope you have a wonderful birthday and are so grateful for all the wonderful music you have given us. We also appreciate all the interaction and support for the fan sites and Facebook pages that we try and maintain to preserve the legacy of the best British band since the Beatles and the Wurzels!!
DAVIDE VALERIO (Pinerolo, Italy)
Happy birthday, John.
EMILIO GARCIA (Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain)
Hi John. Congratulations on your 80th birthday. And thank you for all the good music moments you have provided us with in those songs that we will keep remembering. I hope you can continue to enjoy your life and your time with your family. Cheers, maestro!
COLLINET (Rouen, France)
Many thanks for all the melodies produced. I first listened to on a walkman, then on a compact disc player. Rarely have we seen such mastery of the stage.
DOMINGO LOPEZ (Barcelona, Venezuela)
Congratulations to Mr. John Anthony Helliwell and may you enjoy your well-deserved retirement. A question, which also applies to Abel Fuentes: you once came to Caracas to evaluate the convenience of presenting Supertramp in Venezuela. Is there any audiovisual record of that visit or interview?
RUSSELL (Barnsley, UK)
Enjoy your retiremment; It's long overdue! Thank you for your humour, your Yorkshireness and your music. When I was at Manchester University back in 1985, I took the opportunity to ride up to Todmorden on my 50cc Honda placcy, just to see 'where you came from'. I enjoyed my day out, looking for any clues of your existence. I remember riding past your old school and going up to a pub on a hill? PS, love the solo on 'Stretching Out' :)
JOAQUIM SOUSA (Lisbon, Portugal)
Happy birthday. Thank you for you music!
KARY SMITH (Leona Valley, USA)
Dear John, Wishing you a GRAND Birthday! Keep On Keepin' On! Cheers and Love, Greg & Kary.
PHILIPPE DAUBA (Hendya, France)
Happy Birthday, John, from a Supertramp lover... Kind regards.
ERIC LENZ (Beloeil, Belgium)
Dear John, it is a great honour to wish you a happy birthday! Thank you for all these years of exceptional music... Long live to you and your music... Love Supertramp :) Eric.
GRAHAM THOMAS (Dursley, UK)
Happy Birthday, Mr. Helliwell. I hope you have a great day and enjoy your retirement. My lasting memory of you is seeing Supertramp live at the Albert Hall 1997. It had been an emotional day as we had been to sign Diana Princess of Wales book of condolences earlier that afternoon before the concert that night. You told the audience that you had been out talking to police and they said all the roads were blocked solid and we would have to take the long way home. Another great performance.
JANET GIBSON (Capreol, Canada)
Happy Birthday, John. My wish for you is continue living life on your terms. You're obviously doing something right! I wish I could've seen you play live, but it wasn't meant to be. 😢 Cheers to a great life with many more Birthdays to come. 🎉🥂❤️ Love, Janet.
STEPHEN STOW (Ballarat, Australia)
A happy big 80 Birthday to you, John. Enjoy the day. You are a top bloke and one of my most favourite members of Supertramp. I wish you good health and happiness for the future. From Steve “Down Under!”
MARTYN SMITH (Nottingham, UK)
Happy birthday John, have a great day, I still have your old flight case. M.
CARLOS MAGALHAES (Porto, Portugal)
Congratulations, my friend John Helliwell, for the beautiful "80" mark... I've been your fan (Supertramp) for 50 long years, January 1975... I had the privilege of meeting you in person, at the shows in 2002 (2), 2010 (2), 2011 (1). I was also at the following shows: Madrid 1988, Lisbon 1997, Lisbon (2) and Madrid 2002; Lisbon, Porto 2010, Strasbourg 2011. I really like the sound of the saxophone, the solos you play in the band give me goosebumps, especially the one in "My Kind of Lady"! Have a very happy birthday! Hug.
SERGIO (Oviedo, Spain)
Dear John, there are not enough words to thank you for all the magic your music evokes. A million thanks for the legacy you leave behind and that we will keep alive. I wish you the best of retirements with your loved ones. God bless you and remember that you have a home in Spain to seek some sunshine. Regards, Sergio.
ROBERTA KAHN (Florida, USA)
Happy Birthday, John! Enjoy your retirement, but keep playing for your own happiness. Thank you for the beautiful music.
PETER (Camillus, USA)
Soo uplifting, soo much fun.
LETICIA MIRANDA FRACETTI (Rio Novo, Brazil)
Dear Mr. Helliwell! I didn't have the pleasure to see you performing on stage, but you made me experience a lot of feelings through your wonderful music. You touched the hearts of so many with so much joy, so much humour! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. All the way through the other side of the ocean I'm wishing you a brilliant year ahead, happiness, health, health, health! Love you forever! Happy Birthday! ♥️
GEOFF WOOD (Wellington, New Zealand)
Congrats on the milestone John - clearly not a 'millstone'! Looking forward to hearing your non-professional 'hobby' music output on into the future. ;- )
MARIA MANUELA MARQUES NETO (Bobadela, Portugal)
15/02/2025 - Dear John Anthony Helliwell, I wish you a great birthday with all the people you love near you. Thank you for the music you played for us all. Best wishes.
SERGIO (Burjassot, Spain)
Hello John! First of all, congratulations on your 80th birthday. Secondly, since you announced your retirement from music, congratulations on the entire career you have had. And thirdly, thank you for making us enjoy all these years doing magic with your own characteristic sound that has dazzled fans, album after album, concert after concert... Now it's time to enjoy life in all its glory, as you have already done in music. A big hug, John!
THOMAS (Melbourne, Australia)
Thank you for all of your amazing years playing some of the most iconic sax and woodwind lines of all time! You've been a huge inspiration for my journey in music. I hope you enjoy your retirement, and love from Australia. :)
MANUEL LEONI (Cochabamba, Bolivia)
Have a good day John, you deserve it. Your sax formed my childhood. God bless you forever.
THOMAS BERNDT (Wurzburg, Germany)
Dear John! Happy, happy birthday to you. You have made us so very happy for so long. Thank you for the music, the love, the passion, the magic of the sounds you bring to this world. Best wishes, and thanks again for meeting last April here in Würzburg. Thomas.
JOSE LUIS RUBIO CRUZ (Sevilla, Spain)
Congratulations! Happy Birthday, John! I am a big admirer of your work as a saxophonist. Supertramp is a musical group that I will never stop listening to. Forever in my heart.
RODRIGO SANTOS ORTEGA (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Hello John, I wish you a very happy birthday and have the best of your day! On the other hand, we had a brief communication through the private Facebook chat in 2009, when talking on networks was something new, and I had the immense privilege that you responded to me with your great patience and affection that you showed throughout your life. The best for you, the great saxophonist in the world and the immense Master of Ceremonies! Happy birthday! Rodrigo Santos Ortega.
IOSU SALBIDE (Pamplona, Spain)
Many congratulations, Mr. John Helliwell, on your 80th anniversary. I wish you a very nice day. The world will lose a great saxophonist when you retire.
JOSEPH DAVIS (Boston, USA)
Happy Birthday John!
ERNHAFT BALAZS (Budapest, Hungary)
Happy Birthday to You! Supertramp was always a group effort and You were an important part of it. Best regards from Hungary.
KOEN JAMBON (Brugge, Belgium)
Happy birthday John! Thank you so much for your countless wonderful contributions to Supertramp and beyond, over the past 60 years. Quite Right! 📣
JOSE FERNANDO (Veracruz, Mexico)
Hey John, it's a pleasure to greet you and congratulate you. May God grant you many years of life. I'm your #1 fan, I think your contributions to Supertramp are great. Thank you for making such great music. I send you a hug from Mexico.
CHRISTOPHE (Laroque-d’Olmes, France)
Dear John, I had the chance to see you 12 times on stage with Supertramp. I attended every tour since 1983 (I was 12 and already a fan!). You have been the music of my life and I can never thank you enough. I hope to one day see the film of your penultimate Supertramp concert in Carcassonne, because if you remember, the guy you offered your glass of wine to in the front row was me. I raise my glass (of the wine you love!) to your health and retirement.
JANN KAMP (Nassjo, Sweden)
Let’s congrat each other on our Birthday… For me Supertramp will allways be the number 1, and that makes you the number 1 sax player. Happy Birthday, John.
EMILIANO (Sevilla, Spain)
Dear and admired John, I want to congratulate you on your 80th birthday and thank you for your music. Your saxophone solos are part of the soundtrack of my life. Thank you for that and thanks a lot for being such a good person. Quite right!
KEITH CRIBLEY (Snellville, USA)
Happy Birthday!!!! I grew up Listening to Supertramp! Wish there could be a Reunion! I would go in a heartbeat!
JAY COULSON (Hamilton, Canada)
A very happy birthday to a truly remarkable and extremely talented multi-instrumentalist and sometime vocalist. Your addition to Supertramp could never have been substituted by anyone else. Thank you for over 50 years of being a part of a really awesome band! You are ONE OF A KIND, Mr Helliwell!!! Happy retirement! P.S. Thank you for assisting in getting the “Live in Paris” video out to the fans. We greatly appreciate it!
JAMES JANUSZKA (Plantation, USA)
Happy Birthday John! Hope you have a special time on this wonderful day. You have touched so many of our lives with your music! Jim (from Florida).
PHIL (Carterton, New Zealand)
You must come to New Zealand with the band, stay at our house John.
JAUME RUBIO (Sant Marçal, Spain)
Congratulations, Mr. HELLIWELL. Your magic and sound with SUPERTRAMP will last forever. 🎼🎷
MANUEL LAROCHE (McMasterville, Canada)
Always exquisite emotional notes, with you saxophone and other instruments , you launched me to where I am today.
GERRY CREANEY (Motherwell, UK)
Happy 80th Birthday, John. You’ve been entertaining me for over 50 years now, ever since I first heard Dreamer on the radio back in ‘74. 🙏🏻 Enjoy your Birthday 🤗
FAVIO AZA (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Hello John! Your music has been a big part of my life, and your songs mean the world to me. I wanted to thank you for all the joy and inspiration your music has given me. Your work has made my life easier and happier. I hope this message reaches you and that you know that from Argentina, you have a fan whose life was changed by your incredible talent. Thank you so much for everything, John!
