Film + TV

13 Jesse and the Rippers memories from Full House for Uncle Jesse's birthday

by Mark Teo

For Full House fanactics, it’s hard to believe that the Olsen twins are nearly 30. But it’s almost harder to believe that John Stamos—better known in later years as STAMOS!!!—the actor who played Uncle Jesse Kastopolis, is turning 51 today. Sure, we never really understood why he was on the show—who’d ever believe that Stamos, Bob Saget, and Alanis ex Dave Coulier could raise children together in San Francisco?—but Uncle Jesse provided Full House some much-needed musical relief. And why not? The man has deep roots in music: He’s the narrator of the Elvis tour at Graceland. He once played with the Beach Boys and Willie Nelson. He’s slated to appear on Galavant, an NBC musical series. He is, by most measures, a credible musician.

But still, we remember him best as Full House‘s Uncle Jesse, the frontman for the fictional Jesse and the Rippers (whose name always sounded more menacing than the band themselves). So, in tribute to Stamos himself, here’s our fave Stamos-related musical moments from Full House.

Forever

“Forever” may be the most popular Rippers songs, given the amount of montages on YouTube. Check the original above.

A Little More Love

The zillion-piece version of the Rippers congregated in Danny Tanner’s basement to perform this E-Street Band-esque number, complete with… a bongo breakdown? Dare to believe, friends.

The Full House theme

Contrary to popular belief, Uncle Jesse didn’t pen the Full House theme—that distinction belongs to Jesse Frederick, who also wrote the themes for Perfect Strangers and Family Matters. Nonetheless, here’s a rendition of the song the Rippers performed at their reunion. More on that later.

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

The Rippers covered this cinematic Cinderella classic—from the animated movie, not the band—at where else? Disney Land.

When Michelle’s Smiling

Uncle Jesse’s favourite was, without a doubt, whichever Olsen twin played Michelle. Here’s a lullaby he wrote to put the then-baby to sleep,

The Rippers feat. Michelle

Ol’ Jesse dug Michelle so much, in fact, that he gave her a plastic guitar and let her pretend she was in the band for a cover of “Doo Wah Diddy.”

Lullaby, feat. Danny and Joey

Whoa, a three part harmony with Dave Coulier and Bob Saget? The heck is this?

My Generation, feat. Danny

Speaking of Bob Saget, who knew he could sing? And dance, for that matter?

The Rippers feat. the Beach Boys

Stamos has had a longstanding relationship with the Beach Boys—he appeared in the video for “Kokomo,” and eventually ended up playing with the band, a trend which he continues to this day. The band returned the favour by appearing on the show—and immediately demanding pizza.

Kokomo / Barbara Ann, feat. Beach Boys

Speaking of “Kokomo,” the Beach Boys appeared yet again on the show, only to perform—with help from Stamos—on the show, along with “Barbara Ann.”

Louie Louie

By our estimates, this is way better than the Black Flag version of “Louie Louie.”

Jesse and Rippers play metal

OK, this didn’t actually happen.

The Reunion

Roughly two decades after the Rippers last performed, they got together for one last kick at the bucket on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, proving that, indeed, John Stamos doesn’t age. What kind of moisturizer are you using, bud?