Thursday, September 10, 2015

Matt O'Ree joins Bon Jovi; China cancels shows

It's been an interesting few days in Jovi Land. Oddly enough it's happening while I'm out of town so I'm blogging about it on my mobile phone.

First, multiple reports emerged that the Chinese Government had cancelled Bon Jovi's planned concerts in China and Macau. The reason appears to be related to Bon Jovi's use of footage from the Tiananmen Square Massacre in the music video for We Weren't Born to Follow, as well as a picture of the Dalai Lama that appeared on the big screens during The Circle tour. Bon Jovi isn't the only foreign artist who's been cancelled in China, and I just feel sorry for music fans there, as well as people who'd made travel plans. Bon Jovi is now playing a show in Bangkok instead.

Then it was revealed that New Jersey musician Matt O'Ree is joining Bon Jovi on tour. He is replacing Bobby Bandiera as the touring rhythm guitarist, while Phil X will continue as lead guitarist (live at least; John Shanks played on Burning Bridges). Despite sometimes raising the wrath of fans, Bobby's been playing with Bon Jovi for a decade, and with Jon for almost two decades, so I'm not sure whether this change is permanent or not.

What do you think about this development?

3 comments:

  1. I don't know the new guitar, Bandiera has been being funny with very slightly emotions during athems on concerns. ;) 'I'm not here.' ;)
    The Bounce tour was being showed without second full time guitarist, there was just Sambora—

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  2. I think John will not be able to find a better player then Matt !!!!!! But then again I have always known Matt didn't belong behind a desk. I hope the Baritone Guitar helps the band.

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  3. Bottom line, best move BJ could have made. New guitar lineup is young, fresh and kickass. Plus, he couldn't have gotten a nicer more deserving guy in Matt O'Ree.

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Thanks for giving me your time.