Rock in peace, Alec John Such

 

It was Sunday in the US (and Monday in my native Australia) when the news came through that Alec John Such had died at the age of 70.

Alec left Bon Jovi in 1994, before I became a diehard fan (or really knew any music that wasn't on Play School or Sesame Street). So I never saw him live in person. But as the original bass player, there's no disputing Alec's importance to the history of what would go on to become my favourite band -- through thick and thin, for better or worse. And I guess it's a sobering reminder of the mortality of our heroes.

Jon posted this statement on social media:

"We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of our dear friend Alec John Such. He was an original. As a founding member of Bon Jovi, Alec was integral to the formation of the band. To be honest, we found our way to each other thru him - He was a childhood friend of Tico and brought Richie to see us perform. Alec was always wild and full of life. Today those special memories bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye.
We'll miss him dearly."

I'm so, so glad Alec got to be part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2018. All those speeches were emotional for me at the time and they'll be even more so whenever I revisit them now.

Bon Jovi's current bass player, Hugh McDonald, posted a sweet picture of himself with Alec on Instagram, and described reconnecting with Alec as one of the high points of the band's induction into the Rock Hall.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hugh McDonald (@hugh_mcdonald_official)

RIP rock star. 💔

Here's Alec rejoining his former bandmates for "Wanted Dead or Alive" at Giants Stadium in 2001:

And things like this epic performance of "Blood on Blood" from the Moscow Music Peace Festival in 1989 hit a little harder today -- brothers 'til the day that we die:

Edit: JBJ paid tribute to Alec on Sirius XM's Bon Jovi Radio. Listen to his words below:

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Feel free to share your thoughts below. 😊

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Relive Bon Jovi's Rock Hall induction + remembering Little Richard

As a Mother's Day present to fans, the uncut version of Bon Jovi's 2018 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame premiered online on May 10. Opening with a welcome message from David Bryan, the stream included all the speeches and performances, some of which were cut in the HBO broadcast two years ago.

If you missed the Bon Jovi's full Rock Hall induction ceremony, or you want to check it out again, you can watch it below:

I was tuning in on a Monday morning while getting ready for work, but the speeches are still emotional for me two years on. And I enjoyed the performances, even though they were far from perfect. No musical artist has had as much impact on me as Bon Jovi. Sure, they've disappointed and frustrated me at times, but mostly because I've been so invested in them. They've been by my side (in my ears) through highs and lows. And tattoo removal is painful and expensive, so they'll always be a part of me.* 😜

In all seriousness, I was happy when Bon Jovi got inducted into the Rock Hall and I'm happy to be able to watch the whole thing today.

*If you're wondering, I have a heart and dagger tattoo. It's pretty rad, if I do say so myself.

In much sadder news, rock 'n' roll legend Little Richard passed away on May 9. So here's "You Really Got Me Now" by Jon Bon Jovi featuring Little Richard, from Jon's debut solo album Blaze of Glory:

Jon and David also paid tribute to Little Richard on social media:

View this post on Instagram

In 1990 when I wrote the Young Guns record I had the chance to ask some of my heroes to record with me - Elton John, Jeff Beck, and an all star cast came together to have fun and just make music. One day, Danny Kortchmar, the famed producer said “who else do you know?” I reached out to the legends legend Little Richard....he accepted. When he arrived in the studio he made all of us feel like little kids. He played, he sang, he laughed and told us stories. He blessed us with his smile and with his talents. I’ll never forget him.. I pray there’s a heaven and that Richard is at the piano.... JBJ

A post shared by Jon Bon Jovi (@jonbonjovi) on May 9, 2020 at 8:59am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Little Richard put The Rock in Roll and the Roll in Rock!!!! Thank you for leading the way for piano bangers like me and so many others !!! Keep hitting them keys hard in the big band in heaven... Thank you ... and God bless u... 😎🎹🎤🎶🙏❤️😎

A post shared by David Bryan (@davidbryanmusic) on May 9, 2020 at 9:50am PDT

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Bon Jovi gets into the Rock Hall

Bon Jovi was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2018 on April 14.

Then & now: Dave, Alec, Jon, Tico, Richie.
Photo: David Bergman.

Howard Stern's hilarious, NSFW speech included such glorious soundbites as "Bon Jovi beats sperm". After Howard's introduction, the inducted band members each got to speak. Alec John Such went first, followed by Hugh McDonald, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, David Bryan, and finally Jon Bon Jovi. The speeches ranged from the emotional to the nostalgic to the outright funny.

Everyone (the members who were inducted, plus Phil X, John Shanks, and Everett Bradley) took to the stage together, although I think Alec only played on "Livin' on a Prayer". The following songs were performed:

1. You Give Love a Bad Name
2. It's My Life
3. When We Were Us
4. Livin' on a Prayer

I know Jon wanted to do a new song but "When We Were Us" was still a bit unexpected and, as far as I'm aware, a pretty unconventional choice for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (artists usually stick to their hits or most influential songs). It was great to hear Richie's harmonies though, and to see him and Jon singing from the same microphone.

The official HBO telecast of the induction ceremony will air on May 5. Hopefully those of us not in the US will be able to watch it too.

In the meantime, there are some unofficial streams from fans in attendance, including this one:


"Wanted Dead or Alive" was conspicuously absent, but Richie did perform it at the Rock Hall the previous weekend to kick off induction week:

In case you missed it, Bon Jovi and the Moody Blues had made an appearance at the Rock Hall the day before the ceremony, with Jon giving a speech saying, "We're thrilled, we're honoured, and it's about f***ing time".

The red carpet, including Bon Jovi's arrival and interviews with Jon and Richie, was also live streamed: 

Now I know there are plenty of fans who have harboured varying degrees of discontent with the state of Bon Jovi over the past few years. I'd be lying if I said I was completely happy about everything. But tonight that didn't matter. (I won't speak for anyone else, but it didn't matter to me.) Tonight was a celebration of what Bon Jovi's music has meant to me for so long. All the times they lifted me up, consoled me, saved me. And that history won't change, no matter what happens going forward.

Bon Jovi at iHeartRadio 21/02/18

Bon Jovi played a gig for iHeartRadio in New York which was streamed live on the web. It was a Thursday where I am and I was at work so I couldn't watch it as it was happening, but I did catch up later on. "When We Were Us", which will be on the re-release of This House Is Not For Sale, made its live debut.

Jon said he's had contact with Richie Sambora and Alec John Such and they're looking forward to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

It was also announced Bon Jovi will receive the iHeartRadio Icon Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 11.

Here's the full concert:

The set list was as follows:

New York City, NY, USA - iHeartRadio Theater - February 21, 2018

1. This House Is Not For Sale
2. When We Were Us
3. You Give Love a Bad Name
4. It's My Life
5. Lay Your Hands on Me
6. Bad Medicine
7. Who Says You Can't Go Home
8. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
9. God Bless This Mess

Bon Jovi to be 2018 Rock Hall inductees

2018 Rock Hall inductees (L-R):
Richie Sambora, Alec John Such,
Jon Bon Jovi, Tico Torres,
David Bryan.

They're in! (Well, they will be very soon.)

First of all, Bon Jovi fans made sure the band won the fan ballot. The top five in the fan vote were:

1. Bon Jovi - 1.16M votes
2. Moody Blues - 947K
3. Dire Straits - 613K
4. The Cars - 552K
5. Judas Priest - 538K

Each of the top five gets one additional vote in the official induction vote. But ever since the fan vote was introduced, whoever finished on top has been inducted into the Rock Hall, while others in the top five have been known to miss out. So this was the first step. 

Still, there are certain committee members who have worked to keep Bon Jovi and other bands they don't take seriously out of the Rock Hall, so that was another hurdle to overcome. But today, it was announced that Bon Jovi will be one of next year's inductees. The Class of 2018 is as follows:

• Bon Jovi
• The Cars
• Dire Straits
• Moody Blues
• Nina Simone
• Sister Rosetta Tharpe

The induction ceremony will take place in Cleveland, Ohio on April 14, 2018. As previously mentioned, it will be the original lineup of Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, Tico Torres, Richie Sambora, and Alec John Such who are officially inducted. In an interview with the Asbury Park Press, Jon indicated that Richie and Alec would be part of the ceremony:

“I haven’t had the opportunity to hear from either of them (Sambora and Such) but without a doubt, they both will be invited and asked to not only come and share it, but to perform,” Bon Jovi said. 

The article also revealed that the two upcoming songs are called "When We Were Us" and "Walls", and that a tour announcement is imminent (though it feels like we've been hearing that for months!).

Read the full article at this link.

UPDATE: Rolling Stone posted an interview with Tico and David. Among other things, they talk about how the original and current lineups fit into the band's legacy:

Bands often play with former members at the induction ceremony. Are you down to play with Richie Sambora and Alec John Such that night?

Tico Torres: Absolutely.
David Bryan: Yeah. Why not?
Tico Torres: They are a huge part of us. We'd love it if they played with us.

Do you keep in touch with Alec?

Tico Torres: Honestly, he's a mystery sometimes. The hard part is finding him.
David Bryan: Alec is definitely a moving target.

He played with you guys in 2001. The fans are always very curious about him. He's the mystery man of Bon Jovi to so many people.

Tico Torres: He's always been the mystery man of Bon Jovi, even then he was like 007.

Do you think he'll show up?

Tico Torres: I think so.
David Bryan: I would hope so. The idea is that it's a celebration of what we were and what we are, so that was definitely what we were and we are what we are now. I think its a celebration of both those things. You'll see the current lineup and then see the original. It should be a fun night.

Many people will argue that Hugh McDonald should be inducted since he's been there for so long.

Tico Torres: He's a big part of the band. They should acknowledge that.

Read the full interview at this link.

Jon was also interviewed on Sirius XM, and you can listen to the highlights via Soundcloud on Bon Jovi's website.

UPDATE 20/12/17: Looks like Hugh might be inducted after all!

Bon Jovi nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Image: Bon Jovi/Facebook

Bon Jovi is one of the 2018 nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They have been eligible since 2008 (Artists become eligible 25 years after the release of their first record) and were previously nominated in 2011, but obviously weren't inducted.

The 2018 nominees are:

• Bon Jovi 
• Kate Bush 
• The Cars
• Depeche Mode
• Dire Straits
• Eurythmics
• The J. Geils Band
• Judas Priest
• LL Cool J
• MC5
• The Meters
• The Moody Blues
• Radiohead
• Rage Against the Machine
• Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
• Nina Simone
• Sister Rosetta Tharpe
• Link Wray
• The Zombies

If Bon Jovi were to get in, Richie Sambora and Alec John Such would be the ones inducted, alongside Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, and Tico Torres. This could mean the original lineup performs together at the induction ceremony, which would be interesting... I have no idea if Alec even plays anymore.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed that Hugh McDonald won't be inducted with Bon Jovi. I know Alec was the bassist during their most influential period, but Hugh contributed to every album except 7800° Fahrenheit; played uncredited on Slippery When Wet, New Jersey, and Keep the Faith; and has been in the band longer than Alec was (albeit not classified as an official member until 2016). I don't mean to sell Alec short either; I think they should both be included, but I can't do anything about it.

Of course, that's all moot if the committee overlooks Bon Jovi again.

Anyway, the fan vote for who you think should be inducted into the Rock Hall is now open. Until December 5, 2017, you can vote once a day for up to five artists. The results of the fan ballot count as one vote.

UPDATE 20/12/17: Not only is Bon Jovi joining the Class of 2018, it looks like Hugh might be inducted after all!

Happy 29th birthday, Bon Jovi...

I don't always keep track of these things but several of my social media connections have informed me that Bon Jovi was formed on this day 29 years ago with Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, Tico "the Hitman" Torres, Alec John Such and Dave "The Snake" Sabo of Skid Row fame. Richie Sambora obviously replaced Snake soon after (and Hugh McDonald effectively replaced Alec in the 90s, or 80s depending on who you talk to) and the rest, as they say, is history.