This week marked an important milestone in the Muppet community; Dave Goelz, performer of Gonzo, Bunsen, Waldorf and more, turned 80 years young! We’re so grateful for Dave, who continues to perform with the troupe and who even joined us recently to discuss the long forgotten character Clive Cahenga.
To celebrate Dave’s 80th birthday, I’ve compiled just some of the times Gonzo’s famous song, ‘I’m Going To Go Back There Someday’ has been performed. Keep in mind, this isn’t all of them. There are some gorgeous covers on YouTube, or you can take a look at the song’s Muppet Wiki page for more. Let’s take a look, shall we:
1 – The Muppet Movie
The most famous time (and let’s face it, the best) the song was ever sung was it’s debut in 1979’s The Muppet Movie. Gathered around a campfire, Gonzo longs for the skies after being taken by balloons earlier.
2 – Jim Henson’s Funeral
The loss of Jim Henson was profound and felt around the world, even to this day. While a sombre occassion, Jim’s funeral also had moments of levity, such as when the Muppet performers gathered to sing some of Jim’s favorite songs. The entire thing is worth a watch, but here I’ve showcased just Dave’s part. Try not to cry!
3 – Muppets From Space Soundtrack
Rerecorded for Muppets From Space, this new version with a slight more upbeat musical tone wasn’t heard in the movie, but was on the movie’s soundtrack and later on a 2002 compilation album. While not my personal favorite version, this one isn’t without it’s charm.
4 – Paul William’s ‘I’m Going To Go Back There Someday’
In 2005, songwriter (and friend of ToughPigs) Paul Williams made a massive compilation album, rerecorded some of his famous song from over the years. The album featured Willie Nelson and Paul singing ‘Rainbow Connection’ (heard of it?), while Paul was later joined by Gonzo for a duet. The song title was also the name of Paul’s compilation album.
5 – James Monroe Iglehart at 54 Below
While not an official appearance of the song, this version is here to represent some of the amazing covers found on YouTube. Tony winning actor James Monroe Iglehart has sung this song quite a few times at various 54 Below events, because the man is a genuine hardcore fan (One of us! One of us!). His low soothing voice is perfect for this song. We should petition to let him be the only other official person who can sing it.
6 – The ’70 Years’ Campaign
One of the best things to come out of the Muppets 70th campaign was this beautiful new video of Gonzo singing ‘I’m Going To Go Back There Someday’ around a gorgeous landscape. What made this even better was that it was shot by Dave Goelz’s son Ben Goelz, who is an incredible cinematographer. The father and son came together (with some help) and shot this over a couple of days. It might be my favorite thing ever (aside from chicken parm and hotdogs, but not together).
By Jarrod Fairclough – [email protected]
Click here to go back there someday on the ToughPigs Discord!
