Source: Tulsa World

For close to 30 years, New Jersey rock act Bon Jovi has told its tale of the working couple, of Tommy and Gina. They've also lived that tale, "Livin' on a Prayer," from their 1986 hit album "Slippery When Wet." The theme reverberates perhaps stronger in today's economic climate, and in the new Bon Jovi hit "Working Man," from the 2009 release "The Circle."

The quintet has stuck close to its original lineup for most of that time: lead singer and namesake Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres and bassist Hugh McDonald. (Alec John Such was replaced by McDonald around 1994.) For the current tour, they've also added extra axe power with guest guitarist Bobby Bandiera.

"The Circle World Tour" is an endeavor of more than two years that follows on the heels of Bon Jovi's latest hit studio album, "The Circle." It debuted at No. 1 around the world. Another greatest hits album (including three new songs) is due around Christmas.

But it's their roots that keep them strong, bandmates Torres and Sambora said in a recent Tulsa World interview. And, in concert, the band has some 15 albums to choose from, and no song is off limits.

How do you guys feel like you remain relevant on the radio after all these years?

Richie Sambora: Good songs, you know, just songs that connect with people from a lyrical standpoint. I think that Jon and I as writers were lucky enough to somehow hit a nerve where, you know, you write a song that is something about
what we're feeling, that translates to audiences across the globe.

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