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Keeping the faith

Unlike other rock singers, Jon Bon Jovi has a much softer image, which is why he has endeared himself even to those music lovers who don’t favour rock music. After a gap of five years he, alongwith his band Bon Jovi, has come up with Crush. That the single from the album It’s my life is already a rage, speaks volumes about the popularity of the band...

Jon Bon Jovi’s laest album Crush is out in the new millennium, and singer himself can’t believe it. Says he, “I remember being a kid, thinking about the year 2000. I can picture myself in my mother’s kitchen in 1983, talking about our first record, saying ‘Man, in the year 2000... who knows where we’ll all be?’. Here I am.”

Jon Bon Jovi and the band, Bon Jovi, released the first band album titled Crush in five years, recently. Going by the overwhelming response to it, one is assured that the band is still a hot favourite with music lovers. The members of Bon Jovi i.e. Jon, guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan and drummer Tico Torres promise to give listeners a taste of Bon Jovi 2000 with this album.

Going back in time, the band was formed in native New Jersey in 1983, after their breakthrough single Runaway became a craze. The band rose in popularity, and its members were soon worldwide superstars with the release of Slippery When Wet and New Jersey, two of the late Eighties’ most popular and best-selling albums. After spending some time to catch their collective breath, as well as pursue solo endeavours, the band returned in the early 90’s with Keep The Faith, proving it was a viable and formidable presence, even as fickle tastes and trends flooded the music scene.

The success of Cross Raod, the band’s collection of greatest hits, anointed Bon Jovi ‘kings’ among rock’s top international acts (the song Always from that album was celebrated by Ascap as one of the most-played songs of 1994.) With the release of These Days, Bon Jovi tapped into the secret of their success — just be Bon Jovi. By staying true to their music, their vision, and their identity, Bon Jovi’s popularity continued to grow exponentially around the globe. After a self-appointed hiatus, allowing members to explore outside project, Bon Jovi eagerly re-grouped to create the collection of songs that form Crush.

Though no band albums were released in the late Nineties, the individual members of Bon Jovi each took turns in the spotlight. Jon Bon Jovi released his second solo effort (1997’s Destination Anywhere) and involved himself in his newfound passion — acting (since his 1994 debut in Moonlight And Valentino, Jon has done seven feature films, including this spring’s WWII submarine thriller, U-571, and is currently working on his eighth film titled Pay It Forward, co-starring Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt.)

Richie Sambora released his second solo album, Undiscovered Soul in 1998, while David Bryan worked on composing for musical theatre. Tico Torres mirrored his success in music with critical acclaim in the art community for his paintings and sculptures. With all these various experiences under their belts, the band returned to the studio, anxious to see what musical magic would come of it.

“I think the time we took off, and everybody being able to do other things in life.... I think it’s fresher than ever,” says Tico. Richie Sambora agrees, noting, “We’ve continued to grow together.”

CAREERGRAPH 1983: Runaway included on WAPP compilation album, and gains national airplay. Jon signs with Mercury Records. Jon recruits Richie Sambora, David Bryan, Tico Torres and Alec John Such. Bon Jovi is formed. 1984: Bon Jovi (self-titled debut album) is released. 1985: 7800 Degree Fahrenheit is released. 1986: Slippery When Wet is released. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora perform Acoustic Set on MTV Video Music Awards, inspiring the Unplugged trend and television series. Bon Jovi sells out Meadowlands (NJ) for New Year’s Eve Show/December 31, 1986. 1987: Bon Jovi begins first headline tour. 1988: New Jersey is released (October). Headline tour continues (237 shows, 26 countries in 16 months!). 1989: Bon Jovi Homecoming show sells out Giants Stadium (NJ) /June 11, 1989. 1990: Blaze Of Glory, solo album by Jon Bon Jovi, is released. 1991: Blaze Of Glory wins the Golden Globe Award for song from a Motion Picture. Jon Bon Jovi performs at Oscar ceremony. Bon Jovi performs first (of seven to date) annual Xmas shows (Count Basie, Red Bank, NJ). Stranger In This Town. solo album by Richie Sambora, is released. Bon Jovi ends association with McGhee Entertainment. Bon Jovi Management is created. 1992: Keep The Faith is released (November). Keep The Faith tour (covers 187 shows, 40 countires in 12 months). 1994: Crossroad (greatest hits compilation)is released (October). Alec John Such departs band. 1995: These Days is released (June). Bon Jovi sells out three nights at Wembley Stadium, London (June). Bon Jovi films ‘Live From London’ video ( at Wembley dates). Bon Jovi tours March-December 1995. 1996: Bon Jovi perform another 30 sold-out stadium shows in Europe and South America. 1997: Destination Anywhere, solo album by John Bon Jovi, is released (June). 1998: Undiscovered Soul, solo album by Richie Sambora, is released (March). 1999: Real Life is the first single off the EDTV Motion Picture Soundtrack (March). Bon Jovi re-enter the studio to work on their seventh band album.... 2000: Bon Jovi album entitled Crush released. l

For the band, working on Crush was like coming home to the family since it was recorded at home, in New Jersey. This is the first time that Bon Jovi has recorded an entire album in their native land. As a result the band members could relish the studio experience. “This record was a lot of fun to make,” says Richie, “We didn’t have a time clock, it was very relaxed. So this album is a direct effect of that positive state of mind.” The band members describe Crush as a “great, big, fun rock ‘n’ roll record.”

According to lead vocalist and lyricist Jon, the title could mean different things to different people. Says he, “For a listener it could mean a crush on you, or I was crushed last night. It’s a cool title. It’s got sex, it’s got power.”

The singer happily informs that this album marks the maturity of the group which is obvious in the compositions. “People are surprised that I have written a song like this, which has both, good musical value and content,” Jon informs, “Anything inspires me, mostly real-life situations. Like one number was inspired after I saw the Brad Pitt-starrer Meet Joe Black. It’s almost like speaking through the verses. Basically the album is about believing in dreams, or else life would be boring.”

After the release of the album, a world tour is in store in July, where the band will perform in Japan and Europe, before heading to North America and Australia in the fall. “The fun part about this band is everybody can jam and play. We never do a show the same way,” notes Dave. Jon adds, “There is some sort of magic that happens when we play together on stage.”

All the success and adulation has made Bon Jovi confident about their style of music. The lyrics I like the bed I’m sleeping in/it’s just like me, it’s broken in... like a faded pair of worn blue jeans/this skin I’m in is alright with me (from Just Older) signify a band comfortable in their shoes, but not content to rest on their laurels. Crush is the right combination of tried and true-blue Bon Jovi, infused with a contemporary edge and a ready-for-big-fun attitude. With this album Bon Jovi keeps the faith of their fans intact and the destination is bound to be success.

Compiled By Salma Khatib