Always

Kathleen,

I didn't mean to hurt your feelings when I exclaimed how tired I was of people dissing Bon Jovi in general (in this case Jon). If you took that to mean I was specifically picking on Captain Jovi, than you misunderstood. And I'm sure he is a fantastic supporter of the band, but in this instance I was letting everyone know how frustrated I was with people constantly dissing Bon Jovi. Jon says the high notes on Always are killer, because they are killer. And your Albany 2003 recording, he was probably off that day. As we're all entitled to an off day. But, and here is also where I would disagree with you, this tour I don't think he is getting enough credit. Your 2003 recording, during the Bounce tour, he was not doing as well as he is now, and I don't think he is getting the recognition he deserves. With all due respect, everyone on this board strokes Mr. Sambora, and he's fantastic,,, but it's almost to the point that he is a god, and Jon sucks...well, I've been to 2 shows on this tour, and Richie's screwed up about 6 times total, and Jon would stare a hole through him each time. I guess what I'm saying is, for people who are fans, its my opinion that you don't give the best band in the world their due, but more specifically Jon.

And they don't play ALways routinely. They are playing the TLFR version "routinely" as one put it (or more often than normal) this tour, but have not at all in years past,,, except maybe in Holland or Germany <--- so unfair Yes, TLFR is obviously easier to sing than the Crossroads version. So for whoever it was to say that they always play it routinely, and that Aerosmith never plays Angel <-- is a poor argument because it's just not true. Have A Nice Day

Anthony

No he wasn't just "off that day" in Albany. There was another thread here recently about those of us that collect bootlegs getting jaded and perhaps that is valid. It is a fact though that I have and can play just about any version of Always from 2003 and they all sound pretty bad. A good 85% of the song sounds fine but the other 15% contains all the high notes. And it's those high notes that contribute to the tension and all over emotion of the song. Jon's ears are as good if not better than mine - he can hear the difference also. This tour, when he does sing Always, he sings a different arrangement - one that showcases his current voice not one that showcases all the notes that he cannot sing anymore. Wouldn't you?

Kathleen

I would agree with you there. And of course, he is past his prime (Live in London for example). By the way, it's just my opinion that he is the best ever when in his prime...But I think he's doing fantastic in this tour, (more so than the Bounce tour <-- that 2003 you were talking about), and it'd be a relief to hear people on this board praise him for his performance. In These Arms was amazing by the way (Toronto, Jan.30/06)! Have A Nice Day

Anthony

And I for one would love to hear that version - is anyone offering up a bootleg? I hope one exists. I have seen 4 shows so far this leg of the tour and I'll see one more on Saturday in Atlantic City. I couldn't agree more with the fact that Jon sounds great on this tour. Does he sound like he did in 1995 - no - but he still sounds so good it doesn't bother me.

Kathleen

Good call Kathleen

10 pts. for you ,,, unfortunately I don't have a bootleg of that show... but we all need one! In These Arms, wow... : ) Have A Nice Day

Anthony

I was listning to the Japan acoustic gig the other day (you know the one from 2003 that was originally supposed to be our acoustic release) and honestly, i think Always sounds pretty fine there, yes obviously not as good as older recordings, but he hits alot of the notes and you can really tell he trying his best. And this is the proper version of the song, not the current rendition theyr doing on this tour. I think that Jon CAN sing it still to a respectable degree on a good day, but it is adviseable not to as to protect his vocals.

andi

And of course, lets not forget the guy damaged his vocal chords...screamin' livin' on a prayer and runaway will do that to a person : ) ... not sure if you guys follow, but someone like Kurt Angle (wwe) <-- gold medalist, absolutely the best, hands down... due to neck and back injuries from his amateur wrestling days, he has had to change his wrestling style. He's not any less spectacular than he was before, ... he has mastered a new style and made it his... so ya, peak for Jon was mid 90's in my opinion,,, but he is still and will always be my favourite. Have A Nice Day

Anthony

I'll tell you what guy's and girls, let's all just get along and enjoy the music and appreciate what we've got.

So what if he sings lower note versions of songs, this is what will make them unique in the future for the bootleg hunters and people who look for that 1 concert where he was a little better than the other.

Bon Jovi are still 140% better than most bands on the scene these days.

I goto a show, I have a drink, I enjoy the music and for 150 minutes its just pure entertainment and I came away everytime thinking, I'll never see them better than that and I've never been dissapointed.

And to Jon and the boy's, just keep doing what your doing. As a singer I knew exactly what setlist your were going to pull off for this tour and it gets a massive thumbs up from me.

Mabsey

could anyone tell me when/where bed of roses was a hit?

Thanks for the backup Mabsey

Anthony