The New Jersey group’s first album was released 40 years ago. The thought of four decades left him “filled with pride and fear,” Jon Bon Jovi, 62, says in an interview with the German Press Agency in London. His hair had long gone gray and his wrinkles had grown. “Who could have dreamed that we’d still be on the road 40 years later, not just with a nostalgia package with some great hits? Unthinkable.”
In addition to the singer, keyboardist David Bryan (62) and drummer Tico Torres (70) remain from the original lineup. “When we were growing up, a band usually only lasted two or three years,” Torres says. “You never think about getting old. Suddenly we look back.
Now – all three musicians agree – their work isn’t as stressful as it used to be. “We had a lot of fun back then, but it was also hard work. We moved at the speed of light,” recalls Brian, who retains his distinctive curly mane. “Looking back, I wouldn’t have done anything differently, because everything had to be done. But today it is a little slower so we can enjoy it too.
The trio appeared suitably relaxed and in good spirits during the interview at a posh London hotel. It could have turned out differently. The band went through one of the most difficult phases of their career: the pandemic, John’s vocal cord injury and his fight after a complicated procedure. “When it comes to health, you have no choice,” says Brian. So, everyone fully supported the singer. “You have to take care. We are here for you.
The procedure and rehabilitation were successful, although Jon Bon Jovi says he’s not there yet. “I’m well on the road to recovery,” he says. He has already made short appearances. “I’m not ready to announce a tour with 50 or 100 shows, but I’d say 90 percent.” New songs however, the voice is good.
The first single, a catchy Bruce Springsteen-influenced hit, entered the top ten of US rock digital song sales, which is actually still counting sales. “Legendary” talks about the simple things that make life beautiful and references Neil Diamond’s hit song “Sweet Caroline.” “We have a hit single,” says Jon Bon Jovi, obviously delighted. “I know it’s not the best song on the album. So it’s going to be a year.”
In fact, the new LP has even better numbers. “We Made It Look Easy” should be understood as autobiographical. On “Living Proof” the band recalls earlier hits like “Living on a Prayer” with talkbox effects and “It’s My Life” from the drawer. It’s surprisingly good. The album’s biggest catchy tune is the rocking ballad “Waves”. The upbeat “Walls of Jericho” is almost a party hit that you can sing along to.
While “Forever” doesn’t have to be a classic like “Slippery When Wet” (1986), “Keep the Faith” (1992) or “Crush” (2000), it’s still a successful and entertaining rock album. Lots of good humor. With the new songs, the band, which has grown from five to seven members, has “rediscovered its joy”. “Looking back made us happy,” says Jon Bon Jovi. “It was a joy to write and record.”
In addition to the founding trio, the lineup included guitarist Bill X, bassist Hugh McDonald, percussionist Everett Bradley, and rhythm guitarist John Shanks. Shanks also served as co-producer—he’s been on every Bon Jovi album for nearly 20 years.
Jon Bon Jovi, whose real name is Jon Bongiovi, is a family man. He has been married to Dorothea for 35 years. The couple has four children. He wrote the personal ballad “Kiss the Bride” for his daughter Stephanie’s (31) wedding. The trio of Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan and Tico Torres is like a family: “We’re like brothers,” keyboardist Bryan says, as the others nod. “We support each other, we are there for each other, we are patient with each other. It’s 40 years, not yet, 45 years of friendship and love.
