[Becky]

Bon Jovi maintains world-class status for 2 decades


By George Lang
The Oklahoman

Bon Jovi fooled us all: Two decades ago, when it was nearly impossible to pass a radio without hearing "You Give Love a Bad Name" or "Livin' on a Prayer," the New Jersey pop-metal band looked like the kind of guys that everyone's little sister would love for two summers, then ditch for someone more mysterious or threatening.

But Bon Jovi would not go away. Most of the "hair bands" that filled spandex pants and stadiums in the wake of Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet" success are gone now, as are most of the grunge acts that replaced them on the radio and the teen-pop groups that followed. Bon Jovi outlived them all and can still sell out a basketball arena in just a few hours -- stronger than fashion, impervious to fads and filling the Ford Center on Saturday night.

To hear guitarist Richie Sambora tell the story, Bon Jovi survived and thrived because the group only worked harder once the trend it spawned turned to dust. When Pearl Jam and Nirvana took over rock radio playlists in the United States, Bon Jovi continued to play its populist anthems globally as though Seattle was just a rainy spot on the weather map. They packed stadiums in Europe and Asia, and the crowds never tired of "Wanted Dead or Alive" and happily asked for another dose of "Bad Medicine."

"We've been playing stadiums all over the world outside this country, much like the Rolling Stones and much like U2," said Sambora, speaking during a teleconference call in November. "You know, the great part about this band is ... the camaraderie of what we have together, you know? And I think that, you know, we're a band of brothers, we're out there, we're still doing it. People want to see people stay together -- they want to be entertained by people that are staying together. I mean, we still like each other. It's pretty unbelievable after 22 years."

"We never really lost our following, and we really never became a grunge band," keyboardist David Bryan said. "We became what we were, you know? We just kept evolving what we were -- into a better us."

Bon Jovi began in 1983 when Jon Bongiovi, a janitor at his uncle Tony Bongiovi's legendary New York recording studio, The Power Station, recorded a demo song called "Runaway." It became a hit on local New Jersey rock stations, and he put together a band to promote the song featuring childhood friend David Bryan on keyboards, bassist Alec John Such, future Skid Row guitarist Dave Sabo and former Frankie and the Knockouts drummer Tico Torres. Sambora owned one of the bars where Bon Jovi played. He recognized the singer's star quality and introduced himself.

"And I just went, 'Wow -- This is something real special.' I mean, I thought that Jon was a big star, and the band was great. And I thought I could fill the void that was going to make something happen."

Bongiovi changed the spelling of his last name, and the rest is a blaze of glory. "Runaway" became a Top 40 hit nationwide in 1984, but the tipping point came two years later with "Slippery When Wet." That album and its successor, 1988's "New Jersey," made Bon Jovi one of the most popular American bands in the world, combining the flash of pop-metal with a working-class lyrical bent.

That formula has undergone only minor tweaking since then. Recent hits such as 2000's "It's My Life" and last year's title track to "Have a Nice Day" are simply polished variations on the successful Bon Jovi theme.

Sambora said he knew "Have a Nice Day" would resonate because recently he has been hearing elements of his band's pomp and circumstance in newer, younger groups. Sambora and Bryan both spend time absorbing new bands and occasionally find common ground with those groups.

"I like to listen to satellite radio, and there's a station I listen to often called 'Alternative Nation,' and there's a bunch of young new bands that are coming out with great new stuff now," he said. "They're great songwriters. And the music is a bit more powerful, it's a bit more aggressive, and it's something that, you know, I guess kind of just happened, you know, naturally for us. What's going on in today's music world is definitely a part of what we do.

"God, there's a bunch of great new bands, obviously, and ... there's bands that have been perennials also, but they're not perennials like us. Like Green Day, obviously. I dig this new band out of San Diego called Louis XIV.

"Yeah ... the Killers is a really good record," Bryan said. "Snow Patrol, you know, is really good, and Kasabian -- I like those two bands."

Beyond the gracious shout-outs to young 'uns, Sambora firmly believes in Bon Jovi's ability to wipe the floor with all comers.

"After you come see this band play live, you're going to be converted," Sambora said. "After all these years, if we haven't learned how to be a great rock 'n' roll band, well then something's messed up. And you remember, you know, we put out that boxed set, '100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong'? Well, they can't."

[Becky]

Livin' on a prayer

The Norman Transcript

Pair came from different backgrounds, corners of the world to see their favorite band

By Tony Pennington

Transcript Staff Writer

When radiation treatments stole Becky Miller's strength, it was music that flowed from her ears to her legs, energizing her body with each stride. The beats and rhythms pushed the breast cancer survivor and Norman resident to the tune of more than 400 miles.

Thousands of miles away in Donetsk, Ukraine, teenager Tatyana Konovalova picked up an album by chance and found the lyrics to be powerful and provided clarity to many of her problems.

Two individuals at very different stages of their lives found inspiration and motivation within the same band. And last Saturday, they were there at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. Perhaps cheering louder than most for the musicians that have given them so much. For every run and every hurdle made smaller by carefully crafted lyrics, they were there to see Bon Jovi.

There is no mistaking the popularity of Bon Jovi. The '80s "Hair Band" carry-overs have sold more than 100 million albums and continue to pack arenas. While the announcement of a Bon Jovi concert would drive fans to the venue by the thousands, the band from New Jersey was able to bring two fans together.

Tatyana, 16, arrived in the United States last year as part of the U.S. State Department's Future Leaders Exchange Program. The Henderson family of Arnold, Mo., soon found out Tatyana wasn't so unlike Americans her own age.

"She had been here two or three weeks, and she found a concert in Wisconsin," said Margaret Henderson.

"She was like 'let's go,' and it was the next day."

The Hendersons would soon learn if Bon Jovi was playing, Tatyana's mind was working. The music may have driven her host family mad, but for Tatyana there were answers to be had.

"I can feel that in a song, I know the solution to the problem," she said of her listening habits. "Jon ( Bon Jovi) helps me."

If she has troubles with her friends, classes or homework, it's Bon Jovi or Jon to be exact that pulls her through.

"The other guys are great, but out of most of the people, I like John," she said. "In my mind, John is amazing."

It seemed the "Amazing Jon" had powers even the Hendersons didn't understand. Tatyana learned of the concert in Oklahoma City and wanted to go. Margaret, formerly of Norman, knew she could make it work. Two tickets were purchased, but Tatyana's best friend Melannie couldn't attend. Margaret asked her mother, Libba Smith, of Norman, if she knew any Bon Jovi fans that would act as a chaperone. Jon's magic worked again as Libba's search turned up Becky.

Four years ago, Becky, 55, fought and won her battle with breast cancer. After seeing Jon on the TV show "Ally McBeal," she took an interest. John helped her disappear into her clay-working class.

"When I would do my clay and listen to Jon," she recalled. "I would get into the zone and become oblivious to the universe."

But for the lady whose slow gear is "90 mph," Bon Jovi would become something more. The avid runner worked the band into her jogging music, and it soon replaced old favorite ZZ Top. It was music that didn't allow her to feel sorry for herself. Music that set her free.

"It gave me something else to think about," she said. And as the music pumped, she got into step with the song.

"I'm out there with the wind on my face, and all I'm thinking about is 'You give love, a bad name.'" At her last count, Becky had passed the 1,000 mile mark.

Saturday was the first Bon Jovi concert for both Tatyana and Becky. And maybe it was fitting that the two had the opportunity to attend the show together. And when the music is over, Becky will start in on the next 1,000 miles, but Tatyana may have a harder time adjusting.

"Maybe I won't sleep at all after the concert," she said Saturday hours before the show.

[SamboraQueen21]

thanks for posting these... that second article is really moving.

[RyanBounce04]

Thanks for the second article! I posted the first article in the OKC thread 2 days ago?? Ah, I don't remember

Ryan

[I'M_COMPLICATED_2]

Thanks for posting that, it's cute, especially what the sixteen year old said.

[bjcrazycpa]

Becky,
Thanks for posting the articles. The second one is very touching.

deb

[RockMusic]

Bon Jovi "Have a Nice Day" World Tour
Second Tour Leg, Opening Night
Ford Center, Oklahoma City
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Review By RockMusic - 01.15.06

Last night was my first time to see Bon Jovi live despite attending over 150 concerts. They did not disappoint. Ticket prices for the concert, including fees, were $98.85 for the floor, first, and second level, and $58.85 for the third level. To my surprise, I had great seats just three rows off stage left-front, purchased the day before the concert.

The Oklahoma City Ford Center is a 1st class arena and a top 10 U.S. booking venue, as to revenue, per Pollstar. It opened June 2002 at a cost of $89 million and, for end-stage concerts, holds 19,200. After a good local opening act named Hollow, Bon Jovi hit the stage at 8:35 p.m. to a deafening roar by the sold out crowd. Bon Jovi’s sold out concert attendance was one of the largest, for a veteran rock act, since the Center opened. World legendary superstar rock acts like Motley Crue, Billy Idol with Steve Stevens, Van Halen, Eric Clapton, and ZZ Top, all paled in attendance comparison.

I was extremely impressed with the quality of the concert that Bon Jovi delivered. Alright, I was jaw hit the floor shocked. Without exception, Bon Jovi are world-class musicians that proved they can still deliver a premier rock concert product, and greatly care about their fans. All members looked fantastic, sounded great, had great synergistic chemistry, all performed songs were tight, and the band did a super job working the crowd into a full-blown frenzy.

Bon Jovi’s stage setup was also great. It had a clean Vegas techno look to it. The moveable overhead-stage high definition video screen was the largest I’ve ever seen at a concert. The clarity, quality, and numerous camera angles shooting the entire live concert were incredible. Without question, Bon Jovi set the standard for other National touring acts, when it comes to a big screen live concert production. It elevated the enjoyment of attending a large venue concert to a whole new level.

Bon Jovi played a diverse mix of both new material from their “Have a Nice Day” album, along with time honored classics spanning their 22 year career. The huge crowd in attendance soaked up the massive energy that Bon Jovi delivered for 2+ hours and threw it right back at them in a thunderous wave of support and non-stop enthusiasm. Even after the concert, when everyone was walking out of the arena, the enthusiasm and roar of the crowd was deafening. The huge crowd spilled out into the closed traffic street in front of the Ford Center, lined with waiting limos, and just keep partying. No one wanted to leave after such a high energy and incredible concert. Luckily, just two blocks from the Ford Center is a large number of clubs and eateries that the massive crowd descended upon and partied until the wee hours of the morning.

To be honest, other than legendary guitarist Richie Sambora, I wasn’t a big Bon Jovi fan before seeing them live last night. Wow, did they change my mind in 2 short hours. As a 15+ year professional rock/blues-rock touring musician, I must state that there is so much more to delivering a highly memorable concert experience, to the fans, than being a great band. It also requires a comfortable, pleasurable, and well managed venue; a great stage setup, sound, and visual experience; and most importantly, the ability of each band member to connect with the audience at an inner level, both individually and synergistically as a group. The defining factor is, great musicians’ don’t play their instrument(s), or even think about it - they channel from their soul. Bon Jovi’s concert at the Ford Center delivered all this and more.

Thanks guys, don’t ever let rock 'n' roll die. ~ ~


Set List - 2:05 Hours
Ford Center, OKC, 01.14.06
---------------------------
01. Last Man Standing
02. You Give Love A Bad Name
03. Complicated
04. Born To Be My Baby
05. Story Of My Life
06. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
07. Runaway
08. The Radio Saved My Life Tonight
09. Novocaine
10. I Won’t Back Down (Tom Petty Cover)
11. Have A Nice Day
12. Who Says You Can't Go Home
13. It's My Life
14. I'll Be There For You
15. Blaze Of Glory
16. Bed Of Roses
17. Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen From Mars
18. Bad Medicine
19. Raise Your Hands
20. Livin' On A Prayer
1st Encore:
21. Welcome To Wherever You Are
22. One Last Cigarette
23. Treat Her Right
2nd Encore:
24. Wanted Dead or Alive

Legendary Guitarist Richie Sambora
Bon Jovi - Ford Center, Oklahoma City
January 14, 2006 - Sold Out

[Spikeout]

Great articles and a superb review by RockMusic, I'm happy people can take that much from music and use it as a postive to help them in their lives. Its also good to see a live show converting you RockMusic, long live Rock & Roll.....amen.

[~saz~]

Thanks for posting the articles. Really moving stuff.