Bon
Jovi
Ok,
anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Bon Jovi.
It’s definitely not a secret, nor is it a surprise. To me, it’s important I write this blog to
lay the framework for future blogs, and to pay homage to the greatness of my “Jersey
boys”.
I
was a child of the 80’s. Big hair,
parachute pants, Big Hair Bands. After
growing up listening to Country Music and Elvis, I ventured out and found my
own likes as a pre-teen and teenager. Tears
for Fears, Skid Row, Europe, Motley Crue, etc. When I was 13, I feel in love
with Bon Jovi. (I still loved my country music, too. George, Reba, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks. Great stuff). One would have to be
blind to not see that Jon Bon Jovi is a beautiful man. But frankly, it really
is more than that to me.
The
first concert I ever attended was Bon Jovi in July of 1988 or 1989 with my best
friend, Chris. We were way up in the lawn,
but it was so much fun! (Later that
summer, I attended Guns N’ Roses with INXS, too). I’ve since been to many concerts. I listen to plenty of music. Bon Jovi remains my favorite.
To
me, again, Jon is a gorgeous man. Very
nice eye candy. But, the music is more
to me. You can love ‘em or hate ‘em, I
don’t care. I just know what it does for
me. Too often when people hear “Bon Jovi”,
they instantly think of their largest hits.
Livin’ on a Prayer. You Give Love
a Bad Name. Bad Medicine. With that association comes the misconception
of this has-been hair band. Not true.
Frankly,
those songs are my least favorites. Bon
Jovi still writes. They still
record. They still put out relevant
music that is underappreciated and isn’t played in favor of over-produced
bubble gum poppy bullshit like Justin Beiber and Lady Gaga. Garbage.
Jon
has an amazing voice. Richie is a
phenomenal singer. Together, their
harmony literally sends chills through my bones. Some of the “album cut” songs are simply
spectacular. Relatable. Emotional.
Real. I love nothing more than
stripping Jon and Richie (or any great artist, like Bryan Adams) to just a
guitar and a voice. THOSE are my
favorites. That’s when they shine. “There’s no dancers, there’s no diamonds, no
this boy don’t lip sync.” That’s when
you see the true talent and artistry of these men.
Now,
back on topic. Bon Jovi’s music is dope
for my soul. Literally. When I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I’m
stressed, I can listen to their music and then I’m Zen. Instant relaxation, chill pill. I was having a very hard day the other day
and was on the brink of tears. What kept
me from crying in the middle of Wal-Mart?
Bon Jovi. I could shift my mind
back to the music and forget for awhile.
Bon Jovi helps me cope with the stresses of life, in a healthy way. I feel calm, energized, alive, even. Certain songs take me to another time and
place. His voice in certain songs can
bring tears to my eyes; I feel ice in my veins.
It’s powerful. And, hearing my
babies sing along is pure joy!
With
all that being said, Bon Jovi absolutely puts on a phenomenal concert. Great. Shows.
So, I’ll spend the money to be entertained well, to see my “dope” live,
and to be in the same room with Jon.
Nobody is perfect; we all have our faults, our flaws, our humanity. Despite his rock-star life, Jon has done a
very good job of maintaining his integrity.
He’s been married to his high school sweetheart for almost 30 years.
They have 4 children together. He’s built his band and his business
himself. He’s kept a rock band together,
happy, and producing for 30 years. It’s
really an abhorration in that business.
He’s great. He is and his band is something I’m proud to say is my
favorite, and I’m proud to share with the next generation. I am proud that my kids request certain songs
for me to play. I am proud they listen
to stuff other than the crap on the radios today. Bryan Adams, AC/DC, Maroon 5, Vince Gill, Van
Halen….and Bon Jovi.
So,
tease away. I don’t care. I know what impact Bon Jovi has on my
life. It’s a release. An outlet.
Dope for my soul. I hope you have
some healthy “dope” for your soul, too.
And, one day…one day, I’ll get to meet Jon and tell him what his work
has done for my life. …. If I don’t clam up.
Rhonda
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