Jon Bon Jovi's Opening Act

Tells 60 Minutes "I Haven't Had A Bad Year Since The Doctor Slapped Me On The Ass"

(CBS)  This story was first published on May 18, 2008. It was updated on July 4, 2009.

When you mention the name Bon Jovi, you are really talking about two things: it's the name of one of the most famous rock bands in the world, and it's also the name of its front man and lead singer, Jon Bon Jovi.

Either way, after a quarter of a century in the spotlight, you're still talking about one of the most successful acts in music history.

Since emerging from the clubs of the New Jersey shore a decade after Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi has sold just as many records around the world, but without the fanfare and critical acclaim.

And, as 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft first reported last spring, none of it would have happened without the founder, Jon Bon Jovi: show man, salesman, philanthropist, sportsman and clear-eyed CEO, who is very much an anomaly in the music business.

---

On a hot New Jersey day in July 2007, Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands was packed for a Live Earth benefit featuring some of the most famous rock stars on the planet. A few thousand feet overhead, Jon Bon Jovi-one of the main headliners and the crowd's favorite-was surveying his domain.

"This is my hometown stadium. I'm so crazy about this building," he said.

And with good reason: in this day and age there are only a handful of groups that can fill a football stadium, and Bon Jovi has done it at Giants Stadium eight times.

A half an hour later, he was on the ground and in the dressing room chugging little bottle of Ginseng, as the rest of the band went through its pre-concert routine.

After a few pictures with his fans, more than 50,000 people would get what they had been waiting for.

It was the beginning of another good run in a very long career that has been full of them. His tenth album, "Lost Highway," was number one on the Billboard charts, and he was just beginning another world tour that ended up grossing more than a quarter if a billion dollars over fourteen months.

"This has been a very good year for you," Kroft remarked.

"I haven't had a bad year since the doctor slapped me on the ass, you know," Bon Jovi joked, laughing.

He's not bragging - he's just commenting on his own incredible good luck. He was born John Francis Bongiovi an hour's drive from the Meadowlands to a father who was a Marine-turned-hairdresser and a mother who was a Marine-turned-Playboy Bunny. It explains the good looks and the discipline he needed to survive the stigma of being one of the original 1980s hair bands.

"You've got to laugh and have some fun with it. I've jokingly said I'm responsible for the hole in the ozone layer," Bon Jovi joked.

He's still trying to live it down, and it has probably hasn't helped his street cred.

Asked if he has gotten the respect that's due, Bon Jovi told Kroft, "Well that depends on how do you want to define the word respect. Is longevity respect? Is coming home and having your family be proud of you respect? I don't know if what you're asking me is, critical acclaim, you know? There are critic's darlings. That I won't be. I got that."

When Bon Jovi's third album, "Slippery When Wet," debuted in 1986, Rolling Stone wrote that it sounded like "bad fourth generation metal," and neglected to mention a cut that would soon become a rock anthem.

That song was "Livin' On A Prayer;" the album sold 25 million copies and Bon Jovi got the last laugh.

"One of the biggest albums of all time is called 'Slippery When Wet.' If 'Livin' On a Prayer' hasn't crossed generations and had its influence on this culture and isn't the biggest karaoke song or stadium song that's its up there with anyone ever, let me know. Because it's just obviously not the truth," he told Kroft.

He followed it up with six more platinum albums and enough hits to make his sold out concerts among the hottest tickets in the music industry.

In a business that's struggling to survive, Bon Jovi is still a cash cow and no one works harder at it. He does four or five two and a half hour shows per week when he's on the road, with only a couple of two minute breaks to change clothes and cool off before going back on stage.

"I have to think every night like, I'm a prize fighter going out on that stage, that it's gonna be the last fight. You'd think, why would I beat myself up like that after 25 years?" Bon Jovi asked. "'Cause you want to be the best. I don't want to think that anyone's coming in there and gonna be better tomorrow night."

That blue collar work ethic to put on the best show possible has won him a loyal audience that generally prefers beer to wine, knows what they like, and could care less about the cognoscenti.

Bon Jovi likes to think that they are drawn to his honest, optimistic music, but he is not oblivious to his sex appeal, which is why he wears those tight jeans for all the ladies on their night out.

[cbsguest6]

I remember getting "Slippery When Wet" on cassette tape when it came out. I was 11 and it cost me $10. Thanks for a great album.

[evertsfnic]

THEY WERE A GREAT BAND, THEY ARE A GREAT BAND, AND THEY WILL BE A GREAT BAND FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS!!!!!
I AM 24 YEARS OLD, I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF BON JOVI SINCE 2000

[jjarden]

JBJ is a CLASS act...Notice that he has strong "SELF-Esteem"...and couldn''t care less about the "Critics."
There''s a lesson there for us all.

[bcskinner3]

I gave BJ a lot of *** when I was younger but I can''t help but turn it up when those same songs come on now. Seems like a good guy too

[latazman]

Lay off. He has been to NOLA and Houma, LA to aid others. He has sharded his gift in may ways. Nuff said!!!!

[lambofgoth]

Unfortunately, he''s still a donkey butt. When he learns to treat those who work for him well, then he''s earned respect. Until then, Jon, you are a self serving jerk.

[debbie6866]

reply for lambofgoth,
Unfortunately, you must be of the male sex. Anytime there is something to say about Jon from a male usually is never good. I met Jon at a Soul game when he comes out to meet people. He could not have been nicer to me and just a straight up sweetheart!!!! He signed my pics, and had no problem taking a picture with me. As far as his humanitarian efforts, what have you done???? Idiot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cricketmk3]

There are not many rock stars who are good examples but Jon Bon Jovi has been nothing but a shining example for as long as he''s been famous. He is a wonderful husband and father, is not arrogant, , is not on drugs, has not been arrested, does not have a sleazy dating show, and does not bragg about how many women he has slept with like some of the others. I have always loved JBJ and until he does something to change my mind (I''m sure he won''t) I will be a fan!!

[aerodog]

Bon Jovi is the bomb - Jon gets better with age.

[sagitbadger]

cricketmk3....I totally agree with what you said. I am 38 years old and I have loved Bon Jovi (always had a crush on Jon), and will continue to support him. My favorite albums are Slippery When Wet and New Jersey. I got both of them on album, cassette and now on CD. I still have the albums and will never give them up. He is a good person and down to earth. Jon, keep doing what you do and keep being yourself. Much love always.

[halijay]

If this guy were an a$$hole, went around trashing hotel rooms and went on stage cracked out of his head, he''d get more respect from everybody. Figure that one out. The fact that he''s a good guy, and writes positive music has always worked against him in gaining respect. Like his music or not, you can''t lay a glove on his 25 year career. What do critics do anyway? Pick other peoples work apart when they themselves can''t play a note. Get a real job.

[halijay]

If this guy were an a$$hole, went around trashing hotel rooms and went on stage cracked out of his head, he''d get more respect from everybody. Figure that one out. The fact that he''s a good guy, and writes positive music has always worked against him in gaining respect. Like his music or not, you can''t lay a glove on his 25 year career.

[hober_mallow]

I believe this story to be true: Before he cut any albums, Jon Bon Jovi worked for free as a janitor at a record company. His sole compensation was the chance to use the studio after hours where he recorded his first demos.

Now THAT''S having ambitions and believing in yourself.

[coolride3]

FOR SOMEONE TO ACTUALLY WRITE ONE THING NEGATIVE ABOUT
THE MAN OR THE BAND, I WOULD HAVE TO BET YOU ARE 1.
UGLY AND FAT 2. UNSUCCESSFUL AT ANYTHING 3. THE TYPE
OF PERSON THAT EVEN IF YOU HAD MILLIONS WOULD NOT GIVE ONE PENNY TO HELP ANYONE.

JON IS A PERFECTIONIST. JON AND THE BAND HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME AND COME OUT IN THE BRIGHT AND SHINNING SUN. ITS CALLED UTTER LONGEVITY.

PEOPLE WITH GREAT VISON ARE NOT ALWAYS THE NICEST
PEOPLE IN THE WORLD BECAUSE THEY ARE ONE STEP AHEAD
OF WHAT YOU ARE SAYING.

I SUPPORT HIS CHARITIES. ALL OF THEM HELP ANYWAY THEY
CAN.

IF YOU HAVE WRITTEN SOMETHING NEGTATIVE ON THIS SITE-
SHAME ON YOU.

I GAVE $7,000 TO SEE HIM ON THE FRONT ROW AND I WOULD HAVE GIVE $70,000 IF THAT''S WHAT IT TOOK.

I''M NOT A AIR HEAD EITHER. I''VE BEEN IN THE TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS FOR OVER 25 YEARS.

WHEN YOU DIE ITS ALL ABOUT THE DASH 1960-20

WHAT WILL YOUR DASH MEAN. JON BON JOVI''S WILL HAVE
LIVED A FABULOUS LIFE AND ALONG THE WAY HELPED FAMILY,
FRIENDS, AND PEOPLE HE DIDN''T EVEN KNOW.

YEA----- I''D SAY HE''S A REAL JERK.

OUR SAYING HERE AT OUR BUSINESS IS "YOU CAN''T FIX STUPID" GET IT.

[notlost-2009]

In reply to lambofgoth, many people who work with JBJ have been with him since the beginning. This doesn''t happen if you treat people badly.

[msay3]

Jon Bon Jovi has always had a close bond with his parents....They respected and supported him in every way, as he did with them....That goes a long long way in how a person turns out.....His parents taught him to have good values.

[artiejoe68]

Jon looks as good today as he did in 1987 in those vintage MTV vids. I''ll bet he can even still squeeze into those leather pants ;-)

[pattycos]

Jon Bon Jovi is one of the most giving person in the Music Industry, I feel because he is a good man and seems to have a very Happy and normal marriage, People dont like him or the band. Maybe if he or Richie were dating Paris Hilton the press would like him and the band. I for one Love him and his Music, My 18 year old thinks that I am nuts, but she put living on a prayer on my cell phone, and let me tell you, this 50 year old Dancies in the aisles when my phone rings. Last year I lost my Mom after taking care of her for years and just hearing Bon Jovi''s music put a smile on my face and helped me get through the hardest time of my life and for that I thank him and the band. I also live in Philly and I work with a women whose Aunt is involved in his charity in North Philly and these women tells me what a wonderful man he is.
God Bless you Jon and the hell with the critics, you keep selling out all of your shows and just be happy.
Love,
Patty

[iluvbonjovi2]

I am now 39 and have been a Bon Jovi fan ever since "Runaway" hit the air waves. Jon, Richie, David and Tico have outstanding talent! I have attended their concerts--my first being in St. Louis. Now I drive to Chicago to see their show. (Jon, please come back to St. Louis!) Meeting Jon face to face--(getting a hug and a kiss would be ideal), is a dream I''ll have till the day I die. I''ve shared my love for their music with my kids and even took them to a concert. My 5th grade son can name songs by Bon Jovi just by hearing a hint of their music. He draws "Bon Jovi Rocks" on his school folders. I am proud of Jon and his wife for their commitment to each other and their family. I thank Jon & Richie for their spiritual lyrics and the wonderful stories their music tells and for their generosity. What a blessing Jon and the band are to all of us. Thank you for being a part of my life all these years!
#1 Bon Jovi Fan in St. Louis, MO

[amymnusa]

Can''t believe the critics! Apparently never heard of changing with the times!! Jon Bon Jovi has totally grown with the times and has the hottest band ever! Every album he comes out with gets better and better with age, kind of like wine!!! Went to both concerts at the Xcel in St. Paul, MN which were outstanding! Never been to a bad concert as he is such a great performer!! Even got to see him and Richie play up close due to side stage passes, what true talent they have!! Of course it is every girls dream to be able to personally meet him and this is mine as well. I''ve heard he is a great guy!! SO GET WITH THE TIMES CRITICS YOU ARE MISSING OUT!!

[luvlivemusic]

While I agree that Bon Jovi the band are a great LIVE act to go and take in....as far as Jon is concerned the reason he doesn''t get the respect he supposedly deserves is because he is too transparent, plain and simple. He ''gives'' only for the sake of his image. He is widely known in the ''biz'' as being cheap went it comes to truly taking care of people who have helped him along his journey. I saw another post that called him self serving and they were spot on. There are alterior motives into play when he ''gives'' to the charitible orginizations out there. Think about it, if he soley did it for wanting to help the less fortunate out, then why does he want the spotlight on himself when ''giving''.....case and point, the Oprah Show when he gave a million $$$. All he cares about is his image and everything that he does out there he does it 1st and foremost for desperately wanting people to think he is selfless. He has been overcompensating for sometime now. I believe he lost his soul during the Keep the Faith, These Days era....he wants to be respected so bad that he goes out of his way to try and gain that respect and it is so transparent it makes me want to puke. It''s kinda sad really. Jon, your never gonna be a ''Bono......'' Give it up. Love your show though....

[rotortrip]

Steve-
Please tell me you did not say "...could care less..." in this piece, as well as in the online interview! I expect those kinds of errors from the local twenty-something television reporters and anchors and their editors, but not from a true "journalist" on the standard bearer "60 Minutes" broadcast!

[millsboro44]

No you can''t fix stupid and I am so sick of people putting down one of the best bands in the business if not the best. Jon Bon and Thea have 4 kids and have fought upstream all the way to a successful marriage and she has stood beside him during his career. No one is perfect and you can''t expect them to be, but for these guys to have stood the test of time for 25+ years means that htey must be doing something right. I will go see Bon Jovi over most so called rock groups anytime and.....oh yeah.... that''s right, I have. At least at the end of the day you may not like what Jon says, but at least you know where he stands.

[truthyness]

NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY THE DNC

Action speaks louder than words. I was on another

web site last night and the Hillary supporters were

talking about REGISTERING AS REPUBLICANS AND NOT

COMING BACK TO THE PARTY UNTIL HILLARY GETS THE

NOMINATION.

This way it would be harder for the DNC to just

brush us off by saying we''ll eventually all rally

around Obama......No Way, Nobama!

I''''m going tomorrow and register as a Republican. If

you''re not already registered as a Democrat, you can

first register as a Democrat and a day or two later,

register as a Republican. It will show up as a lost

member on the Democratic Membership Roll by the

end of the week.

Sounds like a plan to me!!

[bobgee_1999]

"You can like or dislike his music but you can''''t criticize the man."

True enough, his achievement is admirable. And I dislike his music.

Steve Kroft: Your use of a word like "cognescenti" in the same sentence with a grammatical error like "could care less" is not as admirable. The correct phrase, obviously, is "couldn''t care less." I expect sub-literacy from most of the people who comment on this site, but from a journalist I expect more.

[foenoone]

Of course he hasn''t had a bad year ''since the doctor slapped him on the ***''. Like other people of his ilk he is rewarded for, to put it plainly, being "good looking". If you are attractive to women and/or men your talent, if you have any, is secondary. Bon Jovi was lucky enough to be a good looking guy, and through his wealth was able to retain some of that into middle age. Has he had some good pop songs over the years? Yeah. But no great shakes. Musically he''s a high octane Donny Osmond. Nothing more, nothing less. I have despised other people in music more that I do Bon Jovi. BUt c''mon now. At the end of the day you can slice and dice this guy''s career all you want. Bottom line, he''s an ''entertainer'' not and "artist" as so many people in show-biz like to call themselves. Above all this guy is one thing: LUCKY reeeaaallll f''in lucky.

[bonjovi74]

This is in response to "Rotortrip" above. If someone is starving or in need, what should it matter what the "motives" of the "giver" are ?? It doesnt matter what Jon''s motives are, the fact is he still gives and helps people. The people who are on the receiving end of his generousity dont care what jon''s motives are Im sure. I met Jon by accident quite recently in the men''s bathroom of the Four Seasons hotel in Toronto after his show on March 12, 2008. I ran out of the bathroom to get my friend and waited outside of the bathroom for Jon. He came out and shook her hand and was an amazing guy. BONO from U2 could just as easily write a cheque and send it, instead he plasters his face on all of the charites he helps. Bono and Jon should be thanked for the work they have done and putting their faces on all of it helps to raise awareness to the causes they support. Jon is an artist for what he has "created" and an entertainer for how he makes his creations come to life each night he performs.

[bonjovi74]

This is in response to "Rotortrip" above. If someone is starving or in need, what should it matter what the "motives" of the "giver" are ?? It doesnt matter what Jon''s motives are, the fact is he still gives and helps people. The people who are on the receiving end of his generousity dont care what jon''s motives are Im sure. I met Jon by accident quite recently in the men''s bathroom of the Four Seasons hotel in Toronto after his show on March 12, 2008. I ran out of the bathroom to get my friend and waited outside of the bathroom for Jon. He came out and shook her hand and was an amazing guy. BONO from U2 could just as easily write a cheque and send it, instead he plasters his face on all of the charites he helps. Bono and Jon should be thanked for the work they have done and putting their faces on all of it helps to raise awareness to the causes they support. Jon is an artist for what he has "created" and an entertainer for how he makes his creations come to life each night he performs.

[exposed2008]

How Many Will It Take Till Someone Does Something? 1. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Andy Zulla) is an engineer on Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Diana DeGarmo CD''s. 2. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Windy Wagner) is a backup singer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD. 3. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Ryan Gillmor) wrote the theme song for the Fox television show "Unhitched". 4. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Dan Yessian) wrote jingles for Ford Motors. 5. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Luke Ebbin) is a producer on Austalian Idol 1st place runner-up Shannon Noll''s CD. 6. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Regie Hamm) is a co-writer on the New Clay Aiken CD and he''s also a co-writer of the winner of 2007''s American Idol Songwriting Contest Scott Krippayne......Anybody see a pattern yet?

3 of the 2008 American Idol Songwriting Contest Top 20 songwriters get credit on Clay Aiken CD''s. Out of thousands and thousands of entries (At $10.00 each) 3 out of 20 work with Mr. Aiken. And nobody has a problem with this? For all the facts please visit....... http://americanidolexposed.weebly.com

[harrydoghiny]

May I be the first to say, who gives a fat rats asss?
Cover something important, CBS, Murrow spins in his grave.

[qrychemike1]

ok - for all the haters.........take out your checkbook tonight and just think JBJ has 100,000,000$
more in his.
Been a fan since the hairday''s and just went to Nashville on my 15th anniversary to yet another sold out show and the guy still rocks,so love him or hate him he''s here to stay.Until he hangs up his mic and leather pants!

[hulumahoe]

Well Bon Jovi ROCKS...I won first place doing You Give Love A Bad Name back 21 years ago...and guess what I will never be Jon Bon Jovi, but I am O.K. with that...Rock On...

[irliberal]

More power to him! I enjoy his music.

[mommakat64]

With ALL of our country''s problems and dilemmas, especially, during an election year...all you can give us is an old rocker who at one point in the early ''80''s DEMANDED that his whole band get liposuction because they were getting TOO FAT TO BE "ROCK STARS"..living too high and fattening of the "good life"... And, while Jonny seems to be doing well, Richie seems to be having some legal problems. Jonny, any chance you''ll get off your political stump..that backfired in ''04..to help your "band mate"...and just how are the other "band mates" really doing?!?! Or are you just going to go on living in your Ivory Tower, like all the other Hollywood and entertainment "Lily Whites"?!?! Come on, Jonny, you failed miserably at "regime change".

60 Minutes with ALL that is going on in this country and, especially, the world, you give us this under sized, unimportant "artiste"...please.

And, no, I really don''t see him as THAT attractive...just one of the "oh, so many" lookers. Hollywood kicks them out like popcorn...jeez.

[mommakat64]

Yes..he has made millions of dollars...what "good" has he done with his money except to cushion his a** and botox himself...please, he''s another "entertainer/celebrity" who really means NOTHING to the world we live in. At least Brad/Angie, George Clooney, Mia Farrow and Jeff Corwin have some substance...they honestly want to help this world, and are using their wealth to get there. I''m really sick and tired of people making millions for just "playing/pretending". I used to play at scenarios when I was a child, but I grew up and tackled reality. And, no, I don''t need them to "personalize" characters from books...my imagination is quite good. Although, TV plays can be very good...I don''t have any books or stories to attach to, so I have to allow them to be "pages of stories that I don''t have to turn". We make our own "royalty" out of people who have to do multiple takes just to get it right, and tell a simple story. And, we give them way too much attention...which they take much too seriously.

Come on, people, they s**t, put there jeans on one leg at a time. But they are just like you and me...they just have more money...and, judging by the divorce rate, makes them really less happier than the "common folk".

[spaspy]

Oh My God!!! There is NO comparison between Jon and Bono (or should I say Boner). Not only can Bono NOT CARRY SING WORTH A ***, but all of their music sounds the same. Bono also DOES spotlight himself when he does charity work, or gives to them. He blows his own horn just as much as any performer does, otherwise you wouldn''t ever hear of his donations.You are delusional if you think that Bono is selfless. He has an ego as big as all outdoors and he feeds it with every charity he works. So get over yourself, rotortrip! You have *** taste in music. Your post should read Bono, you will never be a Bon Jovi!

[spaspy]

Let me rephrase: Bono cannot sing worth a ***.

[mommakat64]

plntsndrgns....and what is your problem with dragons???

And yes, QrycheMike1...Jonny is making mega bucks off of your "devotion"...and smacking you in the face with his lifestyle and politics. He REALLY does not care about his "fans"...he just wants you to keep shoveling him the bucks so he can live the HIGH LIFE...and I emphasize the word "high". THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOU OR ANYOTHER "FAN", THEY JUST WANT THE BUCKS SO THEY CAN LIVE THEIR NOTHING LIVES.

[mommakat64]

My origial comment was NOT allowed. What did I do?

[mommakat64]

Hey, Spaspy, please, please, get a life. These rock n''roll people are in it for the $$$$$$$$$, so that they can sustain their "royal" life styles. And they are depending on you and other "sad and unimportant" life mates to keep them in their obscene lifestyles. They don''t give a flying f**k about you...unless you keep buying their cd''s, and, especially, their concert tickets. What are the "nose bleed" tickets going for now...$90-120. Boycott these insanely, obscenely, disgustingly blood-suckers. Release yourself from their "money sucking machine". We dream such stupid dreams of glory...

[mommakat64]

So sorry for the repeats....I need to get used to this set up...

[notlost-2009]

JBJ has been involved with charities for many many years. He has and does work for the special olympics, autism, red cross and has built a medical centre in NJ. All done with either no or very little publicity. The reason that his work with Habitat is more publicised is because it is done in conjuction with funds raised through the Soul football team. The publicity for the houses raises the awareness of arena football and vice versa. I have heard alot more about Brad Pitts work in New Orleans but I don''t hear any one bagging him.

[excoachken]

What a waste of news space!

[cricketmk3]

I try not to concern myself with entertainer''s opinions on politics, how much charity work they do, etc. They are famous for being a great band, actor, whatever. We buy their cd''s because we enjoy their music. Bon Jovi has been a great band for a LONG time. So what if they live a high lifestyle. They have worked hard unlike some of these rich celebutantes who are famous for doing nothing, do nothing for charity, and have no opinions.

[jwh1953-2009]

How can Steve Croft rise to the level of 60 Minutes anchor and say things like "could care less". That obviously means you must care some, which is not what he is trying to say. It''s "couldn''t care less" Steve. I expect more from 60 Minutes.

[aaabee-2009]

These are My Boys, and Jon is/was/and will always be The Sexiest Man Alive. Best to them!

Dead or Alive! Wahoooooo. [flicks a bic and holds it high]

[neenga]

"say things like "could care less". That obviously means you must care some, which is not what he is trying to say. It''''s "couldn''''t care less" Steve."

Thanks for bringing that up. Sick of hearing people say it when it''s not what they mean!

[robfactor1]

I have been so very impressed with 60 minutes over the years. But wasting so much expense on a rock group that will make enough money to feed a small nation but shares so little is just what you did on this broadcast. What a sham...give me a reason to watch anymore.

[shellyj86]

How shallow are you people. Don''t we all work for our money?
That''s what we do, some of us make more, some less. You are just all jealous. He does a lot for all different chairites.

[acolton1]

Bon Jovi: They came to Kansas City about a month ago and did 2 shows at the New Sprint Center. I would not pay a PENNY to see Bon Jovi. Bon Jovi is a major W.T band and I am sure they would be welcome with open arms at any NASCAR EVENT. Bon Jovi the W.T band.

[Kim Heigert]

Reading this article brought back memories of the Slippery When Wet concert. THAT WAS the first concert that I had ever been to. Went with a couple of friends to St. Louis....drank a little Jack...bought a couple t-shirts with BonJovi''s long mane on the front of it..danced in the aisles, screamed until we lost our voices...I don''t think anyone saw us without those t-shirts on for weeks. We used to tease each other that we slept with the shirts inside out so that we could be a little closer to Jon! (life was so simple back then!...so were we!LOL!) Anyway, it is nice to read about Jon''s views, his success, his insight and really to see that I was right to make him my ''hero'' back then...because no matter what silly people say....anyone with the responsibilities that that man OBVIOUSLY has ie: the lives of his band members, their families, his other business ventures and their families...etc..AND TO HOLD TOGETHER HIS OWN FAMILY...AND RESPECT HIS WIFE while having ''one-night candy'' thrown at him for all of these years...IS A HERO in my book! I am NOT saying that I believe that he is an Angel whom never strayed....I am saying that HE GOT IT RIGHT! AND CHOSE HIS FAMILY. There are many men and women out there with less temtation that don''t. Life can be so HARD these days....it is nice to see someone GET IT RIGHT!