The Mummers Will Let You Play With Only Two Fingers, But They’ll Still Curse You Out Pre-Performance

The Daily News‘ Dan Geringer has a Heartwarming Holiday Story™ about Tom Healy, a South Philadelphian who lost three fingers in an accident in 1986. They were reattached, but he wasn’t able to control them.

So, of course, Healy joined the Mummers and learned how to play in pain and it made him so much happier, etc. etc. His mentor was the late John “Pop” Pignotti Sr., who offered him this sound advice during his first year as a mummer:

“They put me right next to Pop, figuring he would help me get through it,” Healy said. “We get to the judges’ stand at City Hall. We are standing with our backs to the judges, ready to turn around and start playing. I said, ‘Pop, I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I really…’ Pop said, ‘Shut the fuck up and just do your job.’ “

Hey, this is more of a Philadelphia story than I originally thought. Way to get your non-moving fingers to play “Daddy’s Little Girl.” Now shut the fuck up about your accident and don’t screw up.

He got a banjo, and a new life [Daily News]