Jon Bon Jovi: Legacies, excellence, and rock’n’roll clichés
Jun 17, 2024
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Jon Bon Jovi, a legendary rock musician, shares his insights on living life without regrets and the true essence of leaving a legacy. He emphasizes that hard work triumphs over talent and reveals his journey of maintaining excellence after 40 years in the industry. Jon discusses the challenges of dealing with a bandmate's addictions while staying clear of rock'n'roll excesses. He also reflects on celebrating successes and contrasts American and British attitudes toward achievement, all while promoting his new album, Forever.
Jon Bon Jovi emphasizes that leaving a legacy is defined by being the best version of oneself rather than competing with others.
His commitment to hard work over talent allows him to continuously strive for excellence and navigate challenges in the music industry.
Deep dives
The Essence of Legacy
John Bon Jovi emphasizes the importance of leaving a legacy he can be proud of, reflecting on a 40-year career that has seen immense success. He acknowledges that the pressure to continually prove himself drives much of his work ethic, stating that he wants to be the best version of himself and won't settle for mediocrity. This mindset fuels his determination not to rest on past accolades but to strive for excellence with every new album and performance. He believes that having a strong purpose in delivering quality results is essential in defining one's legacy in the music industry.
Navigating Challenges
Throughout his career, Bon Jovi has faced significant challenges, including serious vocal health issues that threatened his ability to perform. He underwent surgery to correct vocal problems, a process that required him to relearn singing and regain confidence in his abilities. The experience served as a reminder of the impermanence of artistic expression and the importance of perseverance and hard work. He acknowledges the emotional toll of having to lead the band through difficult times, especially with the departure of band members due to personal struggles.
Inspiration from the Past
Bon Jovi draws inspiration from various sources throughout his journey, particularly from the legacy of legendary bands like The Rolling Stones. He appreciates their ability to evolve while maintaining relevance, which motivates him to continue creating music that resonates with audiences. Reflecting on his experiences through the years, he recognizes the value of hard work and staying creative in a competitive industry. The conversation about enduring success shapes his perspective on what it means to truly leave a lasting impact in music.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Bon Jovi’s philanthropic efforts are highlighted through the establishment of Soul Kitchen, which aims to empower communities by providing meals in a dignified manner. This initiative encourages volunteerism, allowing individuals to earn their meals through service, thereby fostering a sense of community and support. His dedication to affordable housing and combatting social issues demonstrates his commitment to giving back and creating positive change. Through these endeavors, he strives to make a meaningful contribution to the world beyond his music.
It’s important to live without regrets, to try everything, but also to know when to quit. Jon Bon Jovi feels leaving a legacy isn’t about competing with others, but about being able to say you’ve been the best version of yourself.
In this chat with Fearne, Jon talks about why he reckons being hard working trumps talent, and why he continues to demand excellence from himself, even 40 years into his career. Jon also opens up about the reality of working with a bandmate with addictions, and how he’s been able to steer clear of rock’n’roll excesses (for the most part) himself.
Are you good at celebrating your successes? Between them, Fearne and Jon wonder if the Americans are better at boldly owning achievements than Brits...