If you know me at all you know that I am a huge fan of Bon Jovi and I have been since the mid 80’s. People ask me all the time why. It’s obvious to me, but today I’m going to try to shed some light on it for the folks who haven’t been as lucky as I have to been fans for 30+ years.
#1 Bon Jovi has grown up with me. When I was a teenager in the 80s Bon Jovi was at their biggest commercially. They put out two very popular albums – Slippery When Wet and New Jersey- full of high energy, upbeat power anthems and power ballads. It was great for the great mood swings of a teenage girl. In the 90s put out two albums – Keep the Faith and These Days. The themes were similar things aren’t perfect now, but they will get better. That resonated so perfectly with the struggles in my 20s. And so on. Now I’m in my mid 40s and the guys in Bon Jovi are in their 50s. There is a new album due out very soon and I’m already sure it will fit into where I am now and where they are now.
#2 In spite of their huge commercial success Bon Jovi as always been an underdog. They have publicly stated they don’t care what the critics think- they produce music for their fans. But, we the fans care a little and we love them even more for their permanent underdog status. It’s like being in a special club in a weird way.
#3 Bon Jovi is amazing live. They love their fans and it shows. You cannot attend a concert and not feel the love Jon and the gang have for their fans.
#4 And yes, I have to admit, Jon Bon Jovi is very very good-looking. I mean, just look at him. Take your time.
Hard to resist that smile, isn’t it?
I don’t expect everyone to love Bon Jovi like I do. But I encourage you to get on iTunes, Pandora, or whatever music service you prefer and check them out. If it’s been awhile since you’ve listened to them you will likely be pleasantly surprised.
Photo from Jon Bon Jovi from FashionStyle.com