Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist: Jon Bon Jovi on Regaining His Voice and the New Album "Forever"

Episode Details:

• Title: Jon Bon Jovi On Getting His Voice Back for New Album, "Forever”
• Host: Willie Geist
• Release Date: April 6, 2025

Introduction

Willie Geist opens the episode by expressing his excitement to host Jon Bon Jovi, a legendary rock icon from New Jersey. He highlights Jon's deep roots in the Garden State, mentioning the honor of having a rest stop named after him on the Garden State Parkway, which Jon acknowledges as a significant accolade.

Notable Quote:

• Willie Geist (01:05): “Jon Bon Jovi now has a rest stop named for him on the Garden State Parkway. In our land. That is the highest compliment you can receive.”

Setting the Scene

Willie describes the relaxed environment of Jon's "man cave," a space adorned with memorabilia from Jon's music and film career. They enjoy Hampton Water, a wine brand started by Jon's son, setting a convivial tone for their in-depth conversation.

Notable Quote:

• Jon Bon Jovi (04:02): “Which is the luckiest thing, right?”
• Jon Bon Jovi (04:34): “It is, in fact a wine brand that my son started some eight years ago and has become very successful.”

Journey to "Forever"

Jon delves into the making of his 16th studio album, "Forever," discussing the challenges he faced in regaining his voice after vocal surgery two years prior. He shares his rigorous daily regimen of singing exercises aimed at fully recovering his vocal strength.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Bon Jovi (05:30): “I was well on that road to recovery. I wouldn't say that I'm a hundred percent there, but I'm at the goal line at this point.”
• Jon Bon Jovi (06:12): “The patience you can have in the studio making a record is not the same as the voice that has to be on the record road. So that's not enhanced. That's me.”

Overcoming Challenges

The conversation touches on the Hulu docu-series, "The Bon Jovi Story," which chronicles the band's 40-year history. Jon reflects on moments when he considered retiring but emphasizes his commitment to preserving the band's legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Bon Jovi (07:17): “I refuse to tear down the legacy and I refuse to take 40 years of hard work.”
• Jon Bon Jovi (07:25): “There was a moment in time... Now we can talk about surgery.”

Meaning Behind "Forever"

Jon explains that the album's title signifies the enduring nature of music and its ability to transcend time. He emphasizes themes of gratitude and joy, marking "Forever" as a departure from the more intense themes of previous albums.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Bon Jovi (08:35): “The magic of music is that it can live forever.”
• Jon Bon Jovi (10:58): “This record is the first time I have felt joy in a long time.”

Songwriting Process

The duo discusses Jon's songwriting approach, particularly focusing on the song "Hollow Man." Jon describes how personal emotions and experiences inspire his lyrics, allowing him to convey authenticity and depth in his music.

Notable Quote:

• Jon Bon Jovi (14:06): “When you sit to write a record, you're thinking thematically and not just a collection of songs.”

Personal Reflections and Family

Jon shares heartfelt anecdotes about his daughter and the emotional process of writing "Kiss the Bride," a song dedicated to her upcoming marriage. He highlights the profound personal connections that influence his music.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Bon Jovi (17:23): “'Kiss the Bride' was about your daughter Stephanie... Was that a difficult song to write?”
• Jon Bon Jovi (19:01): “I was crying in the studio singing it, and she is the last person on earth to have heard it.”

The Recording Studio Tour

Willie and Jon tour the home studio, a cornerstone for Bon Jovi's creative process. Jon showcases his first electric guitar, sharing the sentimental story of how it returned to him after decades.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Bon Jovi (40:30): “That is my first electric guitar.”
• Jon Bon Jovi (41:09): “That's so. I'm so happy you got that back. What are the odds, right?”

Sustaining Success Over Decades

Jon attributes the band's longevity to forward-thinking strategies, self-management, and a cohesive support system. He contrasts Bon Jovi's resilience with other 80s bands that didn't sustain their success through changing musical landscapes.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Bon Jovi (30:22): “Self management is the way to go. That was unheard of when, after I'd written that soundtrack for Young Guns.”
• Jon Bon Jovi (32:12): “We kept the faith... we're not trying to be something we're not.”

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Jon expresses a desire to continue making music and potentially touring in a more controlled manner, acknowledging the physical demands of past extensive tours. He remains optimistic about creating more music and cherishes the memories made along the way.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Bon Jovi (33:55): “If I could just continue to make music the way I do, I'd be quite content.”
• Jon Bon Jovi (34:36): “I enjoyed it immensely.”

Conclusion

Willie wraps up the conversation by thanking Jon for his openness and sharing valuable insights into his life and career. He encourages listeners to check out Jon's latest album, "Forever," and the accompanying Hulu docu-series, "The Bon Jovi Story."

Notable Quote:

• Willie Geist (44:42): “One of my favorite dudes. You can check out his latest album, Forever, wherever you stream your music.”

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience and Recovery: Jon Bon Jovi's journey to regaining his voice underscores his dedication to his craft and his refusal to let personal setbacks hinder his musical legacy.

• Legacy and Longevity: The album "Forever" symbolizes the timeless nature of Bon Jovi's music, aiming to create songs that endure beyond their lifetimes.

• Personal Connections: Jon's deep ties to his family and friends significantly influence his songwriting, adding layers of authenticity and emotion to his work.

• Sustaining Success: Strategic self-management and a strong support system have been pivotal in Bon Jovi's ability to navigate the evolving music industry and maintain relevance over decades.

Listen to the full conversation on the Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist podcast and explore Jon Bon Jovi's new album "Forever" on your preferred streaming platform.