Why does Jon think he is right?

Eddie Vedder has been wearing anti-war slogans on his t-shirts during the current Pearl Jam tour of Australia.

I agree with LetItRock on this... it's a matter of free speech.
Face it, alot of you don't like what I say here... there's alot on this board that others say that I don't like but that's what makes the world go 'round.

Jon's never told people they have to agree with him. Even when he was stumping for Gore he never told people they had to vote like he did (he just encouraged Americans to vote, whichever way they wanted to.) He can do what he wants from the stage - I don't think it at all overshadows the music. It's certainly not like Ted Nugent shooting flaming arrows into political bullseyes on stage... and it isn't a focus in the show. Honestly, how often has he said something? If you don't like it, you don't like it. It's not like Bon Jovi are morphing into RATM.

Exactly, that's the bottom line. Jon never ever said anyone HAS to agree with him....it is HIS opnion.

BTW, Bruce Springsteen was asked at an acoustic concert last night where there was an audience Q and A about his opinion of the war and he said this

Sometimes you are thrust into war, like Afganistan, and sometimes you go looking for one" . He said he favored a policy of containment, but he said he can change mind several times over the course of a day on this matter.

I liked this because to tell you the truth that is where I am on it- back and forth. And I think that is all Jon was saying too so I take it back that I wish he wouldn't say it. But I still would prefer to spend my Jovi concert time thinking about having fun and not the big, bad world out there.

This was a good read. I have to commend krb over this one. Can I say that I agree with everyone here? Jon was exercising his right to free speech, yes, but there is a time and a place for everything. But a Bon Jovi concert is not the time nor the place for these comments. Jon has an opinion, as do the rest of us, and he can talk about it to his heart's content. Just not a concert I am at, please. He should have known that there would be people who didn't agree with him. Even though I've been a fan for 18 years, I would have booed him too. Not because I disagree with what he may say, but because I am tired of all these celebrities jumping on the bandwagon and would have been very disappointed in Jon for doing the same thing.

I think Jon has lately been about getting people INVOLVED. Making people think. Encouraging them to make choices. Not to push his beliefs on his fans. He's in a position where most people are more inclined to listen to him than their senator or local politician. When you have that kind of power, use it effectively. But don't shove it down people's throats.

Just throwing my two cents in...

I agree with krb on a few things. I don't think that it was the appropriate time to bring up Iraq and the war. After all, people probably went to that concert to have a good time and not be reminded of a war.

HOWEVER, I don't think this means Bon Jovi is now a political band, not to the extent of U2 anyway. Sure, Jon campaigned for Al Gore, but other than that what political events has he majorly been a part of? Has he gone out to various cities, not performing, but giving speeches on politics? No. I don't think it's too much to ask of the audience to sit through a minute of his opinions. True, you didn't go to hear him talk about it, but it won't kill you and if it really bugs you... use that time to use the bathroom or something.

Ok...

Will someone enlighten the late comers what JBJ actually said and at which concert?

I highly doubt it was a "lecture" and anyway - if JBJ uses his stardom to raise $$$ for a sick child or injured police officer - would we then be critisizing him for taking advantage of his stardom?

Bon Jovi or JBJ have never claimed to be a politically motivated band - yet they too are people with opinions and if JBJ actually wants to share a little more of himself and his beliefs then.

WHAT THE **** IS WRONG WITH THAT? God, it makes an interesting change don't you think?

You do make some valid points occassionally krb - but these are overshadowed by your determination to cause conflict and attention.

I am not one who thinks the sun shines out of JBJ's arse...although it is indeed a very hot arse......I know for a fact not everything JBJ says to be true and genuine at times - unlike many other fans we all know of at other boards particuarly it is fustrating when some fans can be soo tunnel visioned would probably worship the guy if he asked us all to run away and join a terrorist group.

Bottom line is though - the guy can say what ever he wants it's is show - and he aint NEVER gonna forget it.

Still - I would be greatfull it someone could post his "speech".

Cara

Becky...I'm impressed!!!
A die hard "Jon" fan like you and you have the courage to say you disagree with something he says or done.
Well done Becky!!

Leanne

I don't have the exact quote but from reviews i read it was something along the lines of this administration (meaning the Bush administration) scares him and I think he also said something about running into the desert to start a war for no reason.

I agree all in all nothing earth shattering and in line what I think a lot of people are worried about. I already retracted my opinion that I wish he hadn't said it, though I do hope such commentary is at a minimum at my next three concerts this tour for reasons i have already stated.