The Possibility of Bon Jovi Taking An Extended Break & Jon's Record Contract
 

There is a lot of speculation because of the Richie situation, that the band will take a long break. Does anyone know how long Jon's last contract was signed for? I'm assuming he has to release a certain amounts of records for the company. I was thinking maybe a long break wouldn't fit with the contract. Any thoughts?

I was thinking the same thing.... considering its Jon's name on the contract, I wonder if a Jon solo album would suffice

That was my second thought. Time will tell I guess.

I'm sure it would. It's what I'd most like to hear so I hope he does another solo disc. It's been way too long since DA.

If the break goes on longer and the label legally requires something from him I could see either a solo album or another box set.

Lets hope for both!

The only issue I see is if the contract includes a certain amount of touring.

I don't have a clue about those contracts but considering the fact that albums don't sell like they used to, one could almost assume a tour or something extra would follow.

I don't think, but don't know if, the touring and recording are part of the same contract. I don't think he's legally bound to tour either.

A tour is supposed to promote an album. I would be surprised if it's not part of the contract.

Depends on the deal. Normally they are linked.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recording_contract

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/360_deal

Ice

Aloha !

Yeah, and because they are linked, the record company will provide financial backing for the promotion under the condition that they've got something to say about what the album is going to be like. After all, they're investing money in it as well.

No one really knows what the deal is with Jon's contract, and I doubt Jon is willing to discuss the matter as it will show how much influence he's got over the stuff he is releasing, and how much of the creative decisions are his choice, or the record company's decision. It has been very obvious that the record company does have a say in what ends up on the albums after having dismissed the first demos for Bounce, the first edition of Have A Nice Day and Jon being "allowed" to do a country album under the condition that the next release would be a Greatest Hits etc.

I doubt they are legally bound to tour, but he is legally bound to do some promotional activities. And because he has to do them, yet isn't very willing to do them, they've been so shit lately. The entire deal is done with the intention to make as much money as possible, but it's taken all the fun out of it. They do need to deliver an album in a certain period, this can be a live album, compilation record or new studio record. Aerosmith's deal was build that way, hence the insane amount of compilation albums in the last decade.

People thinking a Jon solo record will be so different are delusional. Bon Jovi records, and especially the last one, are essentially Jon solo records. Sure, Richie Sambora's got some writing credit on the songs, but it's Jon only who decides that the album will sound like. It's very clear what direction Jon wants to go with a true solo record, but it's also something no one but a select few will care for. (Not Running Anymore, Amen, and more of that snoozerock). But no record company will back it up with a giant promo tour because really, no one cares. And Jon knows this too, so why bother recording that stuff anyway?

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan