I just saw Bon Jovi in Toronto in December, my seat was ok, but far enough away that I ended up watching most of the show on the big screens because the actual stage looked so small. I couldn’t afford a closer seat (I need to eat too). I’m sure Jon is not personally responsible for the ticket prices, it’s not like he needs more money, but I’m sure the tour organizers know how big the band is and that people will pay virtually any price to see them over and over, and are definitely trying to maximize profits. Doesn’t really seem fair to all, not all Bon Jovi fans have that kind of money, I’m sure at one point Jon didn’t have that kind of money either, but maybe he has forgotten those days.

I would recommend all fans read the recent article about Jon in BestLife magazine. It is what I think, a view to the real Jon not “Jon Bon Jovi, rock legend swooned over by housewives past their prime, who’s biggest thrill is to grab his butt in concert” but more about “Jon, the guy from Jersey who works to support his family and wants a real life, not just a stage life”.

When I first read the article, I was a little disappointed in some of what I read (re: off stage comments made by Jon after being on The View) but after I had time to digest the article, and go back and re-read it, I felt differently. I see a man who has to do talk shows, PR spots, repetitive interviews, because that’s what the crazed fans demand. I’m sure he has managers and PR people telling him how great it will be to do all this stuff, how many more women will swoon and go out and buy more JBJ stuff. I don’t think he cares about that stuff, but Bon Jovi has become big business and Jon is more swept up in the tornado of it than anyone else.

Back to my Toronto concert. At one point he was singing Bed Of Roses on an audience platform and pulled a female fan up with him and danced close with her, and kissed her before returning her to her friends. I wonder if he even cared that she was there, or who she was, if it was all an act created by higher powers telling Jon “hey, do this and so many women will fanasize about it, you’ll sell another million albums”. Will he even remember her next week? I’m sure she’ll remember it for the rest of her life.

I’ve always said I want to meet Bon Jovi, that it would be a highlight for me. I guess it’s a typical wish that probably most fans have that will never be realised. I mean how many people can one guy meet in his life? But now I’ve changed my mind, I know Bon Jovi, I’ve seen the concerts, and TV interviews, and heard the music.

Now I just want to meet Jon, and hope that if I ever do he will interested to meet me.