New, I sort of agree with you. I always thought about the popularity of Jovi overseas as being "greater" than what it is here in the states.

I am not saying they haven't been successful here, or don't have a legion of fans, because they do. Maybe it is the fact that there are so many bands out now that the guys get lost in the shuffle? Heck, I think that I could go out and get a record contract today. As David Lee Roth says about one-hit wonder bands: "Here today...gone later today!"

Anyhow, the fact of the matter is this. The guys still have a massive following here in the U.S. Proof of that was last year's "Crush" and "One Wild Night" tours. I was fortunate enough to see the live in Chicago at The World (now the Tweeter Center) in front of 36,000 people. A sold out show. It was simply amazing! Not only did I enjoy it, but every single person ate it up!

I commend the fans that are outside of the U.S. because they hang on even tighter when it comes to staying with the band. It's like a firm handshake, you guys squeeze a little harder. Not to say the American fans don't love the band just as much, but it seems like you guys have a deeper apprecation for them, and that should be recgonized. Good job! As of late though, people my age (16-24) don't have an attention span! That is the main reason there isn't as much "long-term" devotion to bands as their once was.

Look at "It's My Life." Terrific song. So many people that hadn't heard of Bon Jovi before jumped on the band wagon and claimed "oh man, this song is awesome!" But, that is where it stopped. After that, you could ask them if they liked Jovi and you got "eh...they're ok..."

Thankfully though, there are still us hardcore fans here in the states that will stay with them no matter what.

Take Care,
Norm