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Bon Jovi survives time's test

Tonya Jameson
The Charlotte Observer
Published: Friday, March 21, 2003

In the '80s, Bon Jovi was a soft-metal party band with big hair, but now the hair is shorter and the music is more political.

The group's new album, "Bounce," includes three songs about America's resiliency following the Sept. 11 attacks. Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi sang on the "America: A Tribute to Heroes" telethon and album, and he performed at a New York firehouse.

The new disc follows the double-platinum selling "Crush," released in 2000. It was the band's first studio album since 1995. Bon Jovi performs at the Charlotte Coliseum on Saturday. The Goo Goo Dolls will open. It's a step up from when the group played the smaller Cricket Arena to support "Crush" a few years ago.

"Crush" was a surprise hit for the aging pop-metal band, which disappeared from the charts when grunge and then rap-metal replaced hair bands. But, the group's tradition of wrapping seize-the-day lyrics in boisterous anthems has appealed to a younger generation.

Bon Jovi's resurgence also benefited from the singer's acting forays. In 2000, he co-starred in the movie "U-571," and in 2002 he played Calista Flockhart's boyfriend in "Ally McBeal." Both appealed to young fans.

The band's latest album wasn't in response to the looming war with Iraq, but Bon Jovi hopes it will bring comfort during these stressful times. The album reflects his optimistic outlook on life and Americans' faith.

The country's resiliency after the Sept. 11 attacks motivated Bon Jovi and guitarist Richie Sambora to write "Undivided." A newspaper article about a Palestinian man in an occupied territory who was trying to reach his people on a ham radio inspired them to write "Hook Me Up."

The album's message of strength and defiance resonated with listeners. It debuted at No. 2. Bon Jovi says he's enjoying the success, but he doesn't take it too seriously. He remembers when the band was viciously panned by critics.

During the group's heyday, a slew of other artists, from Jane's Addiction to Tracy Chapman, got more critical acclaim - and more Grammy nominations. But those artists, Bon Jovi pointed out, have disappeared from the music scene. "I'd rather still be here," he said.

Besides, music is only one facet of Bon Jovi's life. He's long since dropped the party-boy image of the '80s. He's a family man and philanthropist. He campaigned for former Vice President Al Gore and was disappointed when Gore decided not to run again. Now, Bon Jovi is turning his attention to presidential hopeful Sen. John Edwards D- N.C.

"He's a young man with a lot of potential who will be relating to a generation that is of the Clinton era and younger," said Bon Jovi, who turned 41 on March 2. "You gotta get guys that are not born and bred in the Beltway, people that understand it's a big country out there."

Although Bon Jovi hasn't written any protest music, he doesn't mind speaking out against war in Iraq. He says President Bush hasn't proven his case for war.

"I'm dead set against our losing one soldier's life in the name of war with Saddam Hussein," he said.

Despite his opposition to the war, Bon Jovi said he supports the troops.

"I do not support the war, but that doesn't mean I don't love the boys and girls fighting for this country."