That´s a case of a "made true selfprophecy" and that´s a whiting biting tail, which solution consists of turning the vice cycle into a virtuous one. There he needs a psycologist and a speech therapist working together with him.
In fact, it´s very likely that has already started, and for better it should, because I´d assume it´s a long therapy...

Listening to Bed Of Roses as I type this - holy crap what a shoutfest!

I seriously think Jon might be the most clueless singer in popular music. It's like he purposely does it on purpose so that he would ruin as soon as possible.

And These Days is so slow and uninspiring... This band is a parody.

Actually, I think he's working with a speech therapist as well, because he hasn't pronounced the lyrics on IBTFY and BOR this clearly in quite a number of years. For example, now the verse "I wasn't there when you were happy, I wasn't there when you were down" is pronounced properly again, instead of "haa wahonee wee uuwee aabee, honeewee UUUUUWEEDAAAAAN..." like in 2008-11. On the other hand, Jon over-pronounces the chorus of BOR: "Ay wanna layyee you down on a bed of roses, for tonight I'd sleep on a bed of naa-ha-hails...". He sings/shouts it in key much better than I thought he'd ever do again, though.

As a conclusion, Jon still sounds very rough in general, but he seems to be getting better step by step and will probably sound somewhat tolerable in South America, at least in terms of note accuracy. Although I don't believe his voice will ever be pleasant listening in the literal sense again (meaning that the high-pitched songs will probably always be shout fests from now on), at least he finally seems to be able to stay in key for the most part.

For example, this version of Always (from Sydney '13) has Jon singing terribly out of tune throughout the song, being completely unable to hit any of the high notes - actually, it sounds worryingly similar to my karaoke performance of the song last June, when I f***ed it up like a pro:

https://youtu.be/bfG5EsfAJ2c

On the other hand, the latest rendition of the song (night #2 in Toronto last April), while still quite choppy, has Jon singing mostly in key and, in fact, hitting some surprisingly strong notes (e.g. "if you told me to die FOR you..."). He only gets somewhat pitchy at the end of the last chorus ("I'll be there 'til the stars don't SHINE..."):

https://youtu.be/LrRyzZ_paEs

Jon slowly regaining his note accuracy is, at least for me, a sign of him taking vocal lessons again. He no longer sings embarrassingly out of key like he did in late '13. Nowadays, the biggest problem is his tone. He's no longer nasal or whiny like he used to be in the (more recent) past, but his voice is so thin, so very thin... On occasion, it becomes a bit stronger for a moment or two, but even then, it sounds weird - like he was pushing his voice out through a plastic tube or something. Check out the way he sings the word "alive" at 3:30 here:

https://youtu.be/EZW6qvf_0hg?t=3m30s (Wanted from LA/Inglewood last March)

Instead of pronouncing it like he's done earlier (going by him having a good or bad night, "allaeeve" or "hallaeeve"), Jon squeezes it out in an extremely forced, strange-sounding tone ("al-lyiiiive"). His vocal coach probably hasn't taught him to do so, right?

So far in this topic, it has all been about his voice. Where are the days people were complaining about setlists?

As I can see, the - THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE Tour - is over cause except for THINFS and Knockout, all songs of the 'new' record are left out and it is back to the hits.

Jon is such a weird guy and this happens with every record. They are so proud about their new record and they are going to play it live every night etc etc... but clearly, with a few months between the first leg of the tour ( what seems to be the only real leg this tour will get ) they safely locked the THINFS record away and are playing the hits. Cool for the casual concert goers, boring for those who see the band every tour or multiple concerts.


Nice to see These days on the set, but other than that...
And too bad they played it at such a slow pace.


Come on Jon - You've seen what U2 (your peers ) brought to Soldier Field. Knowing you, you must want to be better and prove to the world Bon Jovi is in the A league.

Why walk on stage in those jeans you wore all day long. Why play on a stage that has the look and feel of something it is used every year for the annual golf club party.

Jon - where the ' we are the biggest band of the world - attitude?


Stones, U2, Metallica ... they are all laughing at this Jon.
Even Bruce puts more 'show' in his shows

overall I really like the performance. Good length for the setlist without fillers, helps them to give a better and more powerful performance. I'd love to see bon jovi as long as tico plays, great drummer, I enjoy hearing him so much. I hope they will tour europe next summer

As some pointed out, this is probably to ready them for South America. He should bring his A game, and I think he knows this cuz Aerosmith and Guns will be there, playing next few nights after them. He knows he will be compared and the name of his band will be on the line.

Seems like in Sao Paulo, they are sold out. So hope it gives him the mindset to do great.

Wow, he actually sang the "like Frankie said I DID it my way" like he used to do prior to October '13 (without cutting the high note short like he's always done since then). I really believe he's getting his vocal confidence back, but unfortunately, his voice still has a long way to go overall, even though it's improving all the time.

This show was not part of the tour and was expected to be a shortened, greatest hits type show.

Taking a show like this for example and leaving out the fact that Jon sounds like shit. What exactly is Bon Jovi offering their ticket buyers these days ? I don't think I have ever seen a worse and more uninspired front man then Jon these days. I can even find a more inspired front man at the local pub on a Friday night.
What is the purpose of buying expensive tickets when 90 % of the concert Jon is standing with his eyes closed with both his hands on the mic just to manage to stay somewhat in key. It sound like shit, Jon who is 95 % of the reason why people buy ticket for the show isn't even trying to entertain the audience anymore and on top of that Richie Sambora is nowhere to be seen. What is there really left to offer? Going to a karaoke bar singing LOAP are better spent money.

That's why I respect Paul Staley in Kiss. He sounds even worse than Jon vocally but the guy still gives his everything on stage every night committed to at least give the audience his blood, sweat and tears. And that guy is even 10 years older than Jon.

Man, I miss Bon Jovi. Because what they are offering on stage right now is so far from the Bon Jovi I know it can get.

I disagree with those that have said that this is an improvement over the last leg. There were a lot of better performances, and I get that this is a one off show and Jon's voice is probably not warmed up but, it shouldn't need to take a few shows for a singer to be listenable, it should be that way from day 1. I also disagree that he's giving his all, there's ways to give a fun and energetic performance and give the audience their money's worth even if your voice isn't that great anymore. He's doing none of that, audience love the songs and he's relying on that and the memories attached to them for crowd reaction. Based on what I've seen of this band, I don't think I could ever risk attending a one off show.

Whatever reason... if it's physically or psychologically, Jon can't sing.

It's a fact. Not because it's These Days or I'll Better There For You, it's all songs.


He should quit and get a time away from music to try different treatments for his voice. I've been saying this shit for what seems years now.

Well this is just ok, it's not so bad. listen all videos from that user...

This is really, really bad.

Not part of the tour? Maybe they should have told everyone who had tickets where it clearly stated This House Is Not For Sale Tour. Springsteen has done this his whole career. new record is heavily represented in the beginning of the tour, then he abandons it and it becomes the greatest hit jukebox.

Jovi is not Springsteen... The only thing they have in common is the state they live in...

Historically, Jovi tours consistently during multiple legs... To have a random one off show stuck in the middle sponsored by Dicks Sporting Goods is a pretty good common sense indicator that there is a chance for something outside the norm... Just like when they participated in Bamboozled a few years back... I've been following this band since inception and kinda figured it would be a shorted greatest hits type set...

However, There is a good chance that This House ran it's course and they could even be in the process of the next one considering this albums been done over two years ago now...

I think when they go to Europe for a few spot dates, they'll just fill in the time with THINFS tracks... and everything will be back to normal...


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The forums now sounds like a GN'R forum. People botching about Axl's voice. Now Jon's too.

Bitching about Jon's voice has been going on here since the Crush tour though.

The problem is not just his voice. The show resents for me, it is not a big show, everything is so generic. This did not happen before, there were always some tricks here and there on each tour. I'm a big fan of this band, and without Richie, have removed a large element of the equation. my interest has shrunk.

As I said before, the tours are over for me. I just hope studio material, new records. Even if it is not so good.

They have given us the best that they have, and anything else is a wonderful bonus.

^ this, my brother, is the truth!

At one point, I was pretty obsessed with this band. I didn't even blink about not going to this last tour. I enjoyed the latest album but didn't give it weeks-on-end listening as I did other albums in the past. Jon still writes good hooks and good melodies, but the power of his voice — which can take a song to next-level status — has prevented them from making great songs.

RS being gone and the inclusion of so many supporting players makes this feel like a tribute act in many ways (IMO, of course). Plus, Jon stands and yells and doesn't have the erergy of one of the best frontmen in rock as he used to (I get it, he's older, but compare 2017 JBJ to 2017 Axl, Hetfield, Bono, Eddie Vedder — all of them are not where they once were vocally, but all runs circles around JBJ these days as a frontman).

My theory is he doesn't really want to do this anymore but isn't sure what else to do, has a payroll to meet, still has ambitions that require him to increase his net worth, etc.

I'm 90% of the way to simply remembering the band as a band that ruled the stage circa 1986-2000 and ignoring most everything they do from here on out. Father Time is undefeated, as they say.

I am so grateful for the music and memories I have with Bon Jovi's shows and albums, but I think I'm only 10% holding out that they can make me care again about anything but the past (and I don't want to be THAT guy, who only lives in the past).

Agree.

For me a good escape is the new music, or rediscover the old music.

After the death of Chester and Chris, I thought a lot about it. I mean, there is something special when a band that you like, launches a new song, that's wonderful, now imagine that some of your favorite bands, something happens to their singer, some health problem or death. The sad thing about all this is not only that it is gone forever, the tragedy is that you will never hear a new song from your favorite singer or band.

Regardless of what I want for Bon Jovi (always the best), I still follow the expectations of a new studio release. I can not say the same about the tours unfortunately.

What most disturbing is that Jbj hasn't sung for about 3 months and TD was awful. You can't defend that.

I love the band as I have since 1988 but even I would now think twice about buying a ticket to a uk gig.

It's not the same. The stage is full of people I don't know ( I like phil but it's no Richie) and his voice is shot.

Stupidly I'd probably still buy a ticket out of loyalty.

I could not buy that ticket because I would not be happy being there. So I tell myself that this tour will let it go and maybe in the next tour will be different in a better way. There are other bands that I hope (or I would like) to see this year and next.

Metallica
Aerosmith
Stone Sour
Foo Fighters
And maybe Alter Bridge and U2.



This is a great party and Steven is superhuman

Agreed. And what's more annoying is that I get a load of abuse on Twitter for saying JBJ sounds shit. How can anyone defend his vocals? It's baffling.

I get that he's trying and I praise him for having some bollocks for trying some tough songs, but when they're a step down and sound like THAT, it's time to give up.

Man, I absolutely love this band and I actually do feel quite sad when I see/hear him struggling like that but I've got no sympathy at the same time because HE is in charge and HE knows his limits.

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I love "This House"
I love Phil X
I love that Dave Hugh and The Hitman Tico are still doing there thing
I Love and ADMIRE that Jon is obviously trying
But that "Ill Be There For You" breaks my heart... slowed down to shit, no acoustic... nothing
Ill defend my hero and my band to the very end but this is the first time that Ive ever wanted it to actually stop... here's to Rio, like others have said Guns, Aerosmith if Jons gonna bring it, it needs to be then

I had a very similar experience this time around looking at the clips. I came away with this vague depression that something I love so much only exists in memory. And, for the sake of legacy, I found myself wishing it was over.

When you combine Jon being unable to sing with how absolutely miserable/uncomfortable he looks up there, I just want the misery to be over. For him, for us.

This comes from a place of deep love. I don't think there's any ill will here from fans commenting on it.

The good news is that Jon could still go on doing small acoustic shows that his voice is much more suited for now and doing all the great humanitarian work that brings him the most joy anyway.

That said, I know there are fans who are still thrilled with the product they are getting and I don't begrudge them that. I am happy for them.

I haven't weighed in much about Jon's vocal issues other than to say that I think it's more than just vocal cord problems. I simply refuse to criticize a man when I think he is honestly doing the best he can right now, all things considered.

But after watching the videos from l last night, I have to agree with what you said - except I do sympathize. Jon's between a rock and a hard place. He's recorded the album, people are expecting a tour, and despite his words to the contrary, I think he does have something to prove - to himself, to Richie, to the critics, and to the world-at-large. He needs to know for himself, if no one else, that he and the band are still alive and kicking.

It breaks my heart to say it, but I honestly think Jon needs to stop. Not quit, not end the band; but just STOP. For however long it takes to 1) get whatever therapy - psychological, physical, speech, occupational, yoga whatever - that he needs, 2) retrain his voice through consistent vocalizing to gradually build his strength back up (if he's not doing that already, which he may be) and 3) decide where he wants to take the band within the parameters of his abilities - after he knows what those parameters are.

Then come back fresh.

If he wants to. Because he loves it. Not to show the world that he's not beholden to anyone and not because he's concerned about what ppl might think of he doesn't.

After last night, I can't imagine that Bon Jovi is going to be able to give quality shows in SA. Jon's broken. But it's not just Jon. The band wasn't up to the level of performance one would expect from Bon Jovi, either.

IMO, Jon needs to admit to the SA fans that the band is unable to provide performances that are up to Bon Jovi standards, give them their money back - now, before any more irreversible plans are made - and promise to come back whenever what's broken gets fixed.

I think the casuals would get over it and the die-hards would respect him for his honesty and integrity in refusing to give them less than their money's worth.

That's just my opinion, but I know I would respect him more for doing it.

Why does everyone is feeling sentimental with this thing? I don't feel bad for Jon, not at all. Not for a second.

The guy it's nearly a billionaire, has a good health, family and he's a prick but a generous prick that puts good efforts in charity. Well, I actually feel bad about you guys for paying to see he singing like shit tour after tour.

Totally unacceptable a professional singer sounding like this.

That's a rather cold way of looking at it. All of us (most I guess) care about Jon and his health. His songs have gotten us all through some messed up times in our own lives and I'd like to think none of us wish him ill will or harm. The amount of money he has has nothing to do with it IMO. If you're not feeling sentimental, the ship sailed for you long ago.

Spot on.

I feel sad to see my favourite singer in the current state he's in. My idol you may see. Someone I've looked up too and 'loved' since I was 7 years old.

To see a man struggling is never good to see. Whether he's a multi millionaire or not.

Some of you on here already know that I think JBJ isn't 100% healthy as people make out. I've had a feeling for a while that something isn't right and not just this whole Richie depressed and stressed thing.

As I said earlier, I don't feel sorry for him in terms of him knowing how he sounds and apart from having a vocal coach, doing pretty much **** all about it. But I do feel sorry for him knowing that he's still getting up there and trying. He needs help!

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August 18, 2017: Bon Jovi Endicott, NY
 

The poor singing has a knock on effect on jons stage presence. He no longer moves and is rooted to the spot gripping the mike stand. He no longer uses the stage either which isn't great if in a big place.

The sentiments and loyalty to the band are stronger than reality for most fans anyway.

In some ways I have more of a problem with this than his vocals. Yes his vocals were bad but if he was putting on a great show it might be forgivable. I don't want to see one of the greatest front men of his generation rooted to the spot all night long. He just has to put so much effort into his vocals that he doesn't look like he's having much fun anymore....

JBJ rooted to his spot center stage grasping the microphone only benefits those in the audience right in front of him as he never leaves their sight. I would think if he used the stage and walked around and interacted with the audience it might distract from his bad vocals??

It's so predictable as the only time he leaves the mic stand is to go back and take a sip of water. He does is so often I'm surprised he doesn't leave the stage to use the restroom. Plus he's always looking at the TelePrompTer like it's gonna save him.

This saddens me so much.

It's unfortunate that his current state of performing is being documented all over YouTube.

Dorothea has to be aware of his current condition on stage. She probably stays quiet about it because JBJ will do what he wants to do no matter what.

Finally, I think because he still looks great physically (and he knows it) this is a reason why he keeps performing.

Just a thought...Don't you think that if you guys hadn't complained so much about his acoustic stuff, he wouldn't be touring now singing stuff he CAN actually sing?

Jon knows his limits, but when he tried to do something he could do, his fans told him it was shit.

An acoustic tour ala Springsteen or Bryan Adams would have been fantastic ✌️

Lol, this has to be the dumbest comment of the year. Well done! :eek:

Some people can find a bit of happiness in an abusive relationship.

I think he's talking about This Left Feels Right... but yeah, it still doesn't make sense...

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That was a strong punch in the ribs but yeah, pretty much this is it :>

There are so many ways to slice this.

There is the one side where you'll think he doesn't give a shit anymore because he's reading from a teleprompter but then you'll realize that he's been working with a coach and might actually still care. IDK... The whole thing is just inconsistent and mind boggling.

Even his overall tone seems off during the simple verses. I wonder if it's his mic that is throwing it all off... Maybe he's got some auto-tune that he sings into which could be the reason why he sounds better in person... Even certain Youtube videos of the same performance sound better when they are recorded from a distance... The more echo / reverb, the better they sound... maybe that's how the auto-tune works.

It's a shame because there is some really clear audio from this show and I was actually going to put it all together but I know it's just going to be a waste of time... It's unlistenable!!!

It's amazing that we now have the technology to capture everything and nobody wants it... I'll take any quality from '96 down... A- AUD to SBD quality from 2000 to 2011 and only SBD from 2013 onwards... And the sad reality is, I just want the current SBD as a collector, not for listening pleasure...