August 18, 2017: Bon Jovi Endicott, NY

Originally Posted by Jeeper

Jon needs to make a hard decision. Right now, we're not only getting sub standard vocals, but also zero stage presence. The two together are disastrous for a band with such a rich live legacy as Bon Jovi.

I've said this before and actually spoke with a mate about it earlier. I saw Whitsnake a good while ago and was about 10 ft away from Coverdale. The gig was brilliant & everyone was praising him for his "amazing" vocals. (Even on playback the gig sounded great)

The reason why everyone was happy wasn't because Coverdale sang amazing, (although they thought he had at the time) it was more because he was very clever with how he avoided exposing himself vocally. This is where Jon fails miserably.

First off, Coverdale looks the part (forget hair etc) - he has all the cliched rock star poses, mic spins, crowd pointing etc etc - but visually it works and helps take the emphasis off vocals. He moved, he had energy. Compare this to Jon, who is like a statue up there, grimacing & barley offering any obvious clues of enjoyment.

The other thing Coverdale did impressively was choose his vocal battles well. On harder notes, he'd offer the crowd the mic while the guitarist(s) sang the part - it didn't sound or feel odd because visually you're getting all those rock star moves and audibly you're hearing decent backing vocals as well as crowd participation.

It sounds an obvious thing to do but Jon isn't doing any of these things. (Often enough) He is so exposed up there. It's so hard to watch and listen to. Something needs to give. If he can't vocally improve, then he needs to visually offer something more than being rooted to the spot. If it's not fun to watch, rubbish to listen to....is there much point anymore???


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Originally Posted by rosa3

Since your more of a Coverdale fan than Bon Jovi fan, then stick with Coverdale if you think Jon is that horrible, I don't think Jon gives a you know what to what your opinion, he doesn't have to answer to you, so move on to Coverdale and leave him be.

Originally Posted by rosa3

Since your more of a Coverdale fan than Bon Jovi fan, then stick with Coverdale if you think Jon is that horrible, I don't think Jon gives a you know what to what your opinion, he doesn't have to answer to you, so move on to Coverdale and leave him be.

Originally Posted by steel_horse75

In 88-90 & 93-96 he was THE best no doubting that.

Originally Posted by rosa3

Since your more of a Coverdale fan than Bon Jovi fan, then stick with Coverdale if you think Jon is that horrible, I don't think Jon gives a you know what to what your opinion, he doesn't have to answer to you, so move on to Coverdale and leave him be.

Originally Posted by Rdkopper

You can just say 88-96 he was the best

Originally Posted by Thomas S

Apologies if this video has already posted, I just stumbled across it and thought the sound was much better.


I don't know what it is, but from this video the performance for IBTFY sounds great to me. I'd happily pay money to see this live.

EDIT: Jon really works to get the crowd participating at the end. I think this performance was pretty great.

Originally Posted by Thinny

I wish they would give Dave Richie's parts to sing. He'd do a much better job than Phil I think...