I don't think this interview was posted yet. David is a hoot as always:
http://www.popworld.com/pages/bonjovi_interview
More than 20 years in the business and Bon Jovi are still refusing to lose the tight trousers and big hair. Yep, Jon and his pals are definitely part stadium rock royalty and to see just how alive the spirit of rock ‘n' roll is in the band we spoke to keyboardist David Bryan...
Do you still get nervous before big gigs, or are you so used to it now?
'I wouldn't say nervous, I'd say excited.'
Do you have any traditions before you go on stage?
'Oh yeah, we slaughter a couple of lambs, sacrifice some virgins, chanting. Just the normal.'
Ever had any weather disasters at open-air stadium
gigs?
'Oh yeah. On one of our tours we did 30 stadium shows in Europe and it rained for 28 of them.'
Did it mess with the equipment?
'Well the good thing about Tico [Bon Jovi drummer] and myself is that we're covered. When I play, it's plugged into the wall. You know that little tag on the hairdryer saying don't put it in the bathtub ‘cos you'll die? That's what I have so I'm not dying. The other guys are getting wet and I'm nice and dry.'
What's the best gig you've ever done?
'That's hard to say, there's too many. We've been blessed with a lot of success and a lot of big shows.'
What about crowd wise? Are there any places where the crowd go mad?
'England is the best place [laughs].'
You're just saying that.
'[Laughs] No I'm not.'
Do you prefer big, open-air gigs or more intimate shows?
'We're a bar band at the heart of it all so we make a big outdoor gig intimate. Jon's such great fun that he can do that and everybody thinks they're part of it, they're not just lost in the crowd.'
What do you guys get up to after a big gig?
'It takes a long time to wind down ‘cos you're so hyped up from doing the show. We just try to drink ourselves to sleep every night [laughs]. Nah, we all get together and we go down to the bar and talk and discuss the shows and hang out with friends.'
When was the last time you were really inspired by something?
'That's almost every day.'
Have you been inspired by any new bands on the scene?
'That Killers record is really good. I like Kasabian's too, and Snow Patrol.'
Do you feel you have to adapt your sound to fit in with what's new?
'I think as an artist everything that goes into the ears goes into that brain and comes out with your own filter on it. You wanna not copy a trend because by the time you copy it and do it the trend could have left by the time the record comes out.'
Is it weird for you guys knowing that you've influenced bands today?
'Yeah, it's neat when you read or talk to newer bands and they say that. Life is just passing the torch and we learn from our heroes.'
When was the last time you blushed?
'I remember we were doing a gig in the States and I was playing and all of a sudden I felt a cool breeze over my crotch. I looked down and my goddamn pants were open, not at the front but from the middle to the back. I couldn't do anything ‘cos I don't have any breaks being the keyboard player. So my wardrobe girl came up and put a bit of tape on the back. That was not a good idea so then she basically tucked in a black towel. It's kinda embarrassing in front of 20,000 people to have your ass hanging out.'
What's the most rock star thing you've ever done?
'I was always smart. I never threw my TV out of the window, I'd wait for the maid to open the door to somebody else's room, then I would take their TV and throw it out of my window. Then, when they came up and said, ‘You threw a TV out of your window,' I'd be sitting there watching TV. You gotta be smart.'
What are your views on Paris Hilton's pop career?
'I haven't seen it but I'm not sure she has any talent. So far she's made a huge career for herself with no talent. So she'll probably do huge [laughs].'
Are your kids proud of having a rock star dad?
'Yes, very. They think it's pretty cool.'
What do you like to do on a day off?
'Yesterday I went horse riding in Hyde Park.'
What's least favourite thing about the UK?
'It's better now but when we first came over here there were no ice cubes, that was the worse thing about the UK. You know, you ask for a Coke and when they give it to you it's like 80 degrees. But now you guys have got air conditioning, ice, all those good things.'
Sum up your band members in 3 words
'Er, best friends are... They are best friends.'
That's four.
'Really best friends [laughs].'
07-08-2006, 02:26 AM
David Interview
