Life begins at 40: the second coming of Bon Jovi?

Okay, that title sounds a bit dramatic -- but it is the 40th anniversary of Bon Jovi's self-titled debut album this year. And things are happening! 

First up, Jon Bon Jovi was honoured as the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year. The benefit gala was a ticketed event that wasn't streamed, but credit to Brian Baumwoll who took some videos on his phone so we could catch a glimpse -- and a listen.

Here's Bon Jovi performing "Legendary" (the expected lead single from their upcoming album), before Bruce Springsteen joins them for "Who Says You Can't Go Home" and "The Promised Land" (the latter being from Bruce's Darkness on the Edge of Town album). Jon sounds decent in his first live performance in two years, and looks in good spirits -- and seeing him pull out the harmonica is such a vibe! 😀

Richie Sambora was rumoured to make an appearance at the MusiCares event, but he didn't show. (Orianthi did, performing with Sammy Hagar.) People Magazine reports that needing to care for his mother after a fall was the reason Richie didn't make an appearance, but given the apparent frostiness between him and Jon in the last decade, it's possible he wasn't planning to attend anyway. Then again, Richie keeps alluding to a possible reunion so who knows?

Jon also addressed his vocal issues during a Pollstar Live! Q&A with music executive Rob Light (who also happens to be the father of Jesse Bongiovi's fiancee, Jesse Light). Here's what Jon had to say about getting reconstructive surgery on his vocal cords:

More info is set to be revealed in the upcoming documentary series Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, which will premiere on Hulu in the US on April 26 and Disney+ internationally.

Here's the teaser trailer for Thank You, Goodnight:

The band minus Jon also talked about the docuseries on the MusiCares red carpet, with David Bryan doing most of the talking, plus a bit from Tico Torres. Apparently all past and present members of the band took part in the doco, so hopefully it will be an interesting watch.

Until then, Backstage with Bon Jovi is a virtual exhibition of various band-related artefacts from the past 40 years, available now to explore on their website.

You can also download or stream a deluxe anniversary edition of Bon Jovi, the album that started it all.

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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 in Werchter (TW Classic) 14/07/19 #TWC19

Bon Jovi headed to Belgium for the TW Classic festival. Here's what was played:

Werchter, Belgium - Festivalpark - July 14, 2019

1. This House is Not For Sale
2. Raise Your Hands
3. You Give Love a Bad Name
4. Born to Be My Baby
5. Whole Lot of Leavin'
6. Lost Highway
7. Runaway
8. We Weren't Born to Follow
9. Have a Nice Day
10. Keep the Faith
11. Blood on Blood
12. Roller Coaster
13. It's My Life
14. We Don't Run
15. Wanted Dead or Alive
16. Lay Your Hands on Me
17. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
18. Bad Medicine
    
    Encore:
19. Livin' on a Prayer

Very short set, though I acknowledge it was a festival. But still.

Videos from Werchter

"Blood on Blood":

"Wanted Dead or Alive":

Extras

John Fogerty was also part of the TWC 2019 line-up. JBJ and Tico Torres are repping Bon Jovi in this pic:

View this post on Instagram

Two legends getting ready to hit the stage tonight in Werchter, Belgium at the #TWC19. John Fogerty & Bon Jovi 🙌

A post shared by Bon Jovi (@bonjovi) on Jul 14, 2019 at 11:34am PDT

Everett Bradley posted a fun picture of himself with Fogerty's drummer Kenny Aronoff, who also played on JBJ's solo albums:

View this post on Instagram

Ran into the famed drummer from John Fogerty & John Cougar Mellencamp, college buddy IU music school @kennyaronoff!

A post shared by Everett Bradley (@everettbradley) on Jul 15, 2019 at 3:30pm PDT

And Tico's talents apparently include targeting Phil X and John Shanks with bread as they wander around Brussels 🤣:

View this post on Instagram

when you & a couple of buddies ( @john_shanks & @deangrillodc ) are walking down a street in Brussels & someone is dropping pieces of bread on you & you look up & it's THIS guy.

A post shared by Phil X (@philx1111) on Jul 15, 2019 at 4:14am PDT

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Bon Jovi in Munich 05/07/19

Bon Jovi took their tour to Munich's Olympic Stadium and here's what was played:

Munich, Germany - Olympiastadion - July 5, 2019 set list

1. This House Is Not For Sale
2. Raise Your Hands
3. You Give Love a Bad Name
4. Born to Be My Baby
5. Roller Coaster
6. Lost Highway
7. Runaway
8. We Weren't Born to Follow
9. Have a Nice Day
10. Keep the Faith
11. These Days
12. Who Says You Can't Go Home
13. In These Arms
14. It's My Life
15. We Don't Run
16. Wanted Dead or Alive
17. Lay Your Hands on Me
18. Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen from Mars
19. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
20. Bad Medicine
    
    Encore:
21. I'll Be There For You
22. Livin' on a Prayer

Videos from Munich

"These Days":

"In These Arms" - David Bryan sang the first verse, though his mic was turned down at the beginning so you couldn't hear him initially:

"Runaway":

Feel free to share your thoughts, other videos, etc. 😊

Extras

Phil X posted a picture of himself with Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen ahead of the Munich show. I usually only ever see images of Collen on stage with his shirt off so I probably wouldn't have recognised him had X not specified who it was. 🤣

View this post on Instagram

@bonjovi & @defleppard hang last night before Munich's show tonight. i just HAD to get a shot of the PHILs. me & @therealphilcollen talking string gauges of all things at this very moment. ARE YOU READY, MUNICH???

A post shared by Phil X (@philx1111) on Jul 4, 2019 at 11:20pm PDT

Everett Bradley also posted a picture of himself and Tico Torres with Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen.

View this post on Instagram

Honored to be amongst rhythmic greatness with BonJovi’s Tico Torres and Def Leppard’s Rick Allen!! #rickallen #ticotorres #drummers #badass #80srock #bonjovitour2019 #igotrhythm

A post shared by Everett Bradley (@everettbradley) on Jul 4, 2019 at 11:45am PDT

Here's vocal coach Mary Jo DuPrey's post from the Bon Jovi/Def Leppard dinner in Munich.

View this post on Instagram

Having dinner with Bon Jovi AND Def Leppard. Munich.

A post shared by Mary Jo Agresta DuPrey (@maryjoagrestaduprey) on Jul 4, 2019 at 11:55am PDT

And finally, Phil responded to a fan request to demonstrate how he played the "Born Again Tomorrow" solo. Wouldn't mind the band playing this, since this is supposed to still be the This House Is Not For Sale Tour. 😉

View this post on Instagram

had a fan request a quick lesson on the solo for Born Again Tomorrow from THINFS. here she be.

A post shared by Phil X (@philx1111) on Jul 5, 2019 at 10:22am PDT

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Jon Bon Jovi interview on The Project + Tico Torres' Modern Drummer interview

Lisa Wilkinson & Jon Bon Jovi.
(Photo: lisa_wilkinson/Instagram.)

Ahead of Bon Jovi's upcoming Australian tour, Jon sat down for an interview with The Project's Lisa Wilkinson. Among other things, Jon discussed Richie Sambora, the band's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, marriage, and the cult of celebrity.

Watch the full JBJ interview on Ten Daily.

If that video doesn't work for you, the interview is also on YouTube:

Bon Jovi will be back on the road very soon, with two late November dates in Japan, followed by four stadium shows in Australia in December. Unfortunately, they're not visiting my hometown of Perth, so I'll be heading over to Sydney to see them. That'll be the last show of the Aussie tour so I'm hoping it's a good one. 😉

And because I haven't blogged since the end of the last leg of the tour 😳 ... Tico Torres did an interview with Modern Drummer not too long ago:

MD: What’s your typical day on the road like?

Tico: We usually fly after the show to the next city. Most days I go to the gym to run and stretch to keep my muscles in shape. For indoor shows we go to the venue at 5 p.m. to do soundcheck, and then we have dinner. And then we do a session with our sports guy to stretch and get our heads on track. The set changes every day, so it keeps it moving and fresh. I keep a small pad in my road case, and I run through patterns to warm up my arms and hands before the show.

MD: What kind of warm-ups do you do?

Tico: First I use a portable massager called the Thumper; it loosens up the fascia [connective muscular tissue] from the night before. Then, on a practice pad, I start out with very slow and deliberate motions to stretch the wrists and forearms, the slower the better, until I feel I have full motion and I’m warmed up enough to do singles, paradiddles, triplets, press rolls, etc. If there’s no pad, I like to use a cushion to do slow single-stroke rolls—again, very calculated.

Read Tico's full interview on the Modern Drummer website.

Are you going to any of the shows in Japan or Australia?

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 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 medley in Adelaide

Bon Jovi has arguably done "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" to death over the years, but this medley in the middle of that song was easily one of the most fun moments of the tour. Great to see the band cut loose in Adelaide, a city they hadn't visited in 18 years.

The video features:

• Start Me Up
• Great Balls of Fire with David Bryan on lead vocals and keys
• Dancing in the Street with Hugh McDonald on lead vocals and bass
• Wipe Out featuring Tico Torres
• You Shook Me All Night Long with Phil X on lead vocals and guitar

Bon Jovi - AAMI Stadium Adelaide 11/12/13

David Bergman interview on Silverman: On Sports

Bon Jovi tour photographer David Bergman was interviewed on Silverman: On Sports recently. He talked about Tico Torres's recent medical scares; rumours in the media (touching on the Richie Sambora saga and Jon's hoax death); Branka and Gonzo's wedding; Jon's love of football; and why photographing Bon Jovi is his dream gig despite his sports background.

You can listen to the interview here.

Bon Jovi Fresno set list 8/10/13

Bon Jovi's concert in Fresno, California marked the return of Tico Torres to the stage after surgery on his appendix and gall bladder last month. It was also the day after his 60th birthday. "Amen" and "Working Man" both returned to the set, replacing "Make a Memory" and opening the encore respectively.

Were you at this show?

Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center - October 8, 2013

1. That's What The Water Made Me
2. You Give Love A Bad Name
3. Raise Your Hands
4. Born To Be My Baby
5. Lost Highway
6. Whole Lot Of Leavin'
7. It's My Life
8. Because We Can
9. What About Now
10. We Got It Going On
11. Keep The Faith
12. Amen
13. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night - acoustic
14. Thick As Thieves - acoustic
15. Fire - acoustic, Bruce Springsteen cover
16. Captain Crash And The Beauty Queen From Mars
17. We Weren't Born To Follow
18. Who Says You Can't Go Home
19. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
    / Jumpin' Jack Flash - Rolling Stones cover
    / Start Me Up - Rolling Stones cover
20. Bad Medicine

Encore:
21. Work For The Working Man
22. Wanted Dead Or Alive
23. Have A Nice Day
24. Livin' On A Prayer