Jon Bon Jovi + Richie Sambora host MTV Australia 1987

Here's an amusing blast from the past... Jon and Richie as Guest VJs on MTV Australia back in 1987. You just don't get TV appearances like this anymore.

I've never been to the US but I'm sure I'll say the word "Americaaaa" a lot when I finally get there. ;)



As a side note, people go on about Bon Jovi's 80s hair but the mullet of Richard Wilkins -- who's now entertainment editor for the Today show in Australia -- deserves an honourable mention.

Thanks to Hath for the heads-up on this.

Take Advil, Jon Bon Jovi does!

Jon is the latest celebrity ambassador for Advil:

If the name Jon Bon Jovi still brings to mind big hair, leather pants, and "Livin' on a Prayer," well it's time to fast forward about 25 years. The lead singer of the legendary Jersey pop metal band Bon Jovi is now nearly 50 years old and has just taken on a new gig … as an Advil spokesperson. (Hey, ever meet someone approaching the big 5-0 who doesn't have a few aches and pains?)

The makers of Advil hooked up with Jon after he injured his calf muscle while performing on stage last year and he later revealed in an interview that he relies on the pain reliever to get through the inevitable discomfort that comes with a job that frequently involves singing and dancing at stadium-sized performances.

"I'm sort of an athlete, up on stage," Jon said during a behind-the-scenes interview for the 30-second TV ad, which was shot at the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen, a community kitchen in Red Bank, New Jersey, which provides meals to those in need.

You can read the rest of the article here and check out Jon's ad on the Advil website.

New Year's Eve B-roll

Jon Bon Jovi's first movie in five or so years, New Year's Eve opens this week. Some of his scenes feature in the following B-roll videos.





And here's an interview with Jon about his character Jensen, director Garry Marshall, and his idea of new year's eve.


This isn't normally the kind of movie I'd pay to see, but I'll check it out this month. I enjoyed Love Actually, maybe I'll like this too. :)

JBJ at Heart of Camden Gala

Jon's philanthropic endeavours were honoured at the Heart of Camden Gala this week:

CHERRY HILL — Rocker Jon Bon Jovi came to town Friday night to accept the “Small Things, Great Love” Award at the second annual Heart of Camden Gala. And during his remarks — contrary to the egotistical image one might conjure of an international superstar — the New Jersey native barely used the pronoun “I.”

“We are big believers in the power of we,” said the singer, founder of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. “Tonight we’re here to shine a light. We’re coming together to take control and make a difference.

“Government can’t do it alone. Residents or rock stars can’t do it alone. This award is not about me, it’s about us.”

Read the full article here.

And here's a nice ABC Action News video about the cause:

Bon Jovi's David Bryan still riding high with smash musical 'Memphis'

Nice interview with Dave about Memphis in the Winnipeg Free Press:

TORONTO - As a kid growing up in Jersey, about the only piece of musical theatre Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan remembers seeing is "Fiddler on the Roof."

"I'm a good Jewish boy from Edison, New Jersey so I went and saw 'Fiddler on the Roof' because you have to, that's part of your bar mitzvah experience," Bryan said in a recent telephone interview from New York City.

"I just didn't see that many shows, it was more about the rock concerts."

Read the full article here.

Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora keeps rocking

There's a new interview of Richie in the Miami Herald:

Richie Sambora had a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. After more than 30 years in the rock ’n’ roll business, the Bon Jovi guitarist is still grinding away, working on another solo effort and teaming up with band mate and longtime friend Jon Bon Jovi for a new album.

That’s why he tries to give back.

Sambora, 52, will team up with legendary singer/songwriter Richie Supa to host the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County 13th Annual “Bikers Bash” at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Dec. 9.

"I’m the kind of guy who always tries to aim at helping children," says Sambora from Los Angeles. “Every time I get involved in charities it’s to help kids, whether they’re abusing drugs or runaways, or in trouble somehow."

The rest of the article mostly covers old ground with soundbites we've heard before but it's worth a read anyway. If only for this addition to the tried and true "rock concerts are like sex" analogy:

“Do I go back to my hotel room by myself and play Living on a Prayer, no. But I’ll probably pull it out if someone’s going to enjoy it."

Um, say what now? :P

New Year's Eve soundtrack

Not long until New Year's Eve hits cinemas and the soundtrack has been announced. Jon features in two songs. Here is the track listing:

1. Can’t Turn You Loose – Jon Bon Jovi with Lea Michele
2. 2012 (It Ain’t The End) – Jay Sean featuring Nicki Minaj
3. New Year – Kate York
4. Life Is A Bomb – Sophie B. Hawkins
5. Have A Little Faith In Me – Jon Bon Jovi
6. Light Up The Sky – Duncan
7. Better Days – Goo Goo Dolls
8. Auld Lang Syne – Lea Michele
9. Raise Your Glass – P!nk
10. Best Day Of Your Life – Katie Herzig
11. Whattaya Say – Jacob Saylor
12. Bringing In A Brand New Year – Charles Brown

There are some 30-second snippets floating around:

• Can't Turn You Loose (Otis Redding cover)
• Have a Little Faith in Me (John Hiatt cover)