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Hey, the Bird Show.
Bird Show Host
I got some emails yesterday from people that thought that Jon Bon Jovi was aloof with us or just like I did too. You did too? Uh huh.
Melissa
I thought so.
Bird Show Host
I didn't feel that. I just thought he was like cool rock star.
Jeff Dollar
I thought he was so I thought.
Commercial Announcer
He was either tired or aloof.
Bird Show Host
You thought?
Melissa
Uh huh.
Bird Show Host
Well, how about you, Melissa? What'd you think?
Melissa
Yeah, I can say I thought he just seemed like he was tired, you know, like he wasn't. Yeah. As connected with us as I kind of expected.
Bird Show Host
Well, he felt connected after Jeff asked him out for sure. That's an interview that he'll never forget. Never. Jon Bon Jovi yesterday on the Bird show on all the hits. Q100. You almost forget how many damn great songs Bon Jovi has. Let's go ahead and just list some of them here. Runaway, shot through the heart Always bad medicine Bed of roses, blaze of glory I'll be there for you I'm starting to get tired Lay your hands on me Living on a prayer Run away Wanted dead or alive. You give love a bad name, never say goodbye. Jon Bon Jovi joining the Bird show now on all the hits. Q100. How was that for a big intro? How'd we do?
Jon Bon Jovi
Very good Burn.
Bird Show Host
That was a cool big intro.
Jon Bon Jovi
Yeah, it was pretty hot.
Bird Show Host
Thanks.
Jon Bon Jovi
You didn't even get to the 90s. You know you forgot about it's my life and everything.
Melissa
Yeah, not bad. There's 30 somethings in the room. So we're just going back to our, you know, 80s days, dunking.
Jon Bon Jovi
I see everybody's puffing their hair up really big in this area right now. Lots of hairspray.
Melissa
I'm ripping my jeans right now.
Jon Bon Jovi
Right on.
Bird Show Host
You know, John, as I was going through this list of incredible songs that you guys have had like over the last three decades, at one point or another you kind of have to look at your success and you've had to say, why me and why us every day? Have you ever been able to answer it?
Jon Bon Jovi
Yeah, I lie to myself, you know, I have the applause track playing in my house when I pat myself on the back, you know, I have. The truth of the matter is you wrote songs that people liked and you continue to try to do that. And even at this point, you call radio and you talk to friends and you do what you gotta do. You tour, you pack up the suitcase and you get out there. That's what it's all about, really.
Bird Show Host
Are there days that you guys are still insecure by your success?
Jon Bon Jovi
Every single day.
Bird Show Host
Really?
Melissa
Really.
Jon Bon Jovi
I was on the stage getting the ama. And I'll tell you an honest to God story as I sat up there on that stage and went, wow, why me? And is anybody going to care? And you know, when you see all your peers give you a big standing ovation and you know, do all that kind of stuff, you think that's incredible. You sort of look over your shoulder and expect them to want to have given it to Bono, not Bon Jovi.
Bird Show Host
You know, so after all these years, you still get nervous by perform in front of all those people?
Jon Bon Jovi
Not nervous, but it's more of a, you know, is it deserved? Is it. Is do people really like it or are they just jiving?
Melissa
You see, I think, I think that humility is part of your charm. Because the question I have for you is I know that throughout your career, I mean, you've hung with the same friends, you've been in the same relationship. And I'm curious now that you're a veteran of the music industry and look at the people coming up who were, you know, a little overwhelmed by all their exposure. I mean, how did you protect your family, you know, and your friends from that?
Jon Bon Jovi
There comes a time in a, in a career and some others that are looked as being around now are five year careers, but when the exposure is too much, and that's a very difficult time for any Artist and someone like me couldn't tell someone like that. Here's how you get over it. Because each and every one of these artists has to go through it on his own terms. But the truth is, you wish somebody would sit you down and say, hey, you'll get through this. Here's how you do it. It just doesn't happen, unfortunately. And then it's a character builder. There's some bands that got through it. Ask what happened to Guns N Roses. They could have been the Rolling Stones. It didn't work.
Bird Show Host
Do you see any band now? Or do you think music taste has changed so much that can have a career like you guys in three decades?
Jon Bon Jovi
Or I don't know if there'll be another band that sells 100 million records from the next generation of band, but because of the downloading and the file sharing and the burning and retail being what it is, I don't know. I really don't know. And honestly, we talk on, you know, top 40 stations and hot AC stations and rock stations too, but what of those formats is going to play the next Bob Dylan? It's. It's not easy.
Bird Show Host
Jon Bon Jovi on the Bird show, on all the hits Q100, you said.
Melissa
That you guys have made it through all these generations. Has Bon Jovi ever been close to breaking up for good?
Jon Bon Jovi
We were tired, but we never did. There was never a reason to break up. There was never I hate you or you stole my money or you slept with my sister or something like that. It was after the fourth album when we were at that crossroads as I describe other artists go to. I certainly had to take a two year hiatus to the Young Guns record, figure out what in the world did I want to get into this for. And with the help of others, we got through that hump. But there was never a discussion about breaking up or I hate you or anything. It was just, let's clear our heads and do other things and then refocus on a new direction for the band. And fortunately for us, that new direction was keep the faith in a different record stylistically. So that when our peers were being pushed out by the Seattle movement, we continued on another road and were, you know, as successful.
Bird Show Host
Jon Bon Jovi on the Burt Show.
Melissa
Okay, you're still such a sex symbol for so many women. I want to know how you've stayed so good looking throughout the years. What are your beauty secrets?
Jon Bon Jovi
How do you answer while you say things like that? I'm gagging. So that can be interpreted as being bulimic. I Guess.
Bird Show Host
Do you not see yourself as a good looking guy?
Jon Bon Jovi
I don't know. Christ, I'm Dorian Gray. I've got the painting in my attic. What I really look like.
Melissa
I get it.
Bird Show Host
Yeah. It's over my head. I barely even got my ged, you.
Jon Bon Jovi
Know, you guys don't know that story, but, you know, thanks, I guess. You know, again, who knows? Good jeans. Thank my father and mother, I guess.
Melissa
Good jeans and good hair care products.
Jon Bon Jovi
And good jeans, Levi's, you know, whatever it is, right?
Bird Show Host
John, before I turn it over to Jeff Dollar here, who very well could be your biggest fan ever, I just want to ask you one thing about the relationship with your wife. Because as I understand it, the story goes something like, you guys dated in high school, the band starts to do really well, then you and at that point your girlfriend, I guess, decide to go different ways. And I think the assumption is that you wanted to kind of live that rock and roll lifestyle for a while, then you decided it wasn't for you. And you get back with what will be your current wife. Is that simplifying it too much?
Jon Bon Jovi
No, that's about it.
Bird Show Host
Yeah.
Jon Bon Jovi
Yeah. It was about a six month period in my life. Yeah.
Bird Show Host
And what did you find out about yourself and about the world in those six months?
Jon Bon Jovi
It was a lot of fun. Too much fun for me.
Bird Show Host
So why go back then?
Jon Bon Jovi
I knew a good deal when I had one. This was a lot better than playing that Hollyweird game. That's not. It wasn't for me. I didn't feel comfortable in that setting.
Bird Show Host
Are you amazed by guys in your industry that can do that for 30 years?
Jon Bon Jovi
You know, no. It is different strokes, I guess, but, you know, it just wasn't me. It's not that unique a story, but I'd rather get up and see the same wife and the four kids and the life I have than just the other way. It's got a little old quick.
Jeff Dollar
Hey, John, I just have a question for you and it's gonna. They've been talking about this all morning on the show and they're making a big deal about it. And I don't think it's that big of a deal. So I made some notes because they got me very nervous. So if you don't mind. You guys said you wouldn't laugh.
Melissa
Clearing my throat.
Jeff Dollar
John, I'm a longtime fan and I respect your talent and your dedication to your career. I'm happily married, I've got a stable job, I've got lots of friends who could vouch for me. As a normal person, stable job.
Jon Bon Jovi
I question it's radio.
Jeff Dollar
That's true. I know you're very busy, especially with all the promotional stuff for 100 million. And I don't want to take any time away from your family, but I would love to buy you lunch or dinner sometime in the near future. You pick the date. You what?
Jon Bon Jovi
Free food in Atlanta.
Jeff Dollar
Okay, no, I'll come to you.
Jon Bon Jovi
I don't want you in Jersey. But when I'm in Atlanta, we can.
Jeff Dollar
Well, no, because, see, here's the deal. You picked.
Jon Bon Jovi
See, if you were in Jersey, they'd call you a stalker.
Jeff Dollar
I know, but I'm not.
Jon Bon Jovi
Or a relative. One or the other.
Melissa
He said yes in Atlanta, Jeff.
Jeff Dollar
But they're not touring to support 100 million. And then what happens is, by the time you come around here, you're gonna forget about me.
Bird Show Host
You're not making Jeff feel very special.
Jeff Dollar
John, you pick the date, the time, the place, and I will be there for you. These five words.
Jon Bon Jovi
I love Jeff. Jeff, what a good guy. We'll have to work something out, Jeff. We'll have you come and come to a show or something like that. Well, I'll let you buy me a beer. Hell yeah.
Jeff Dollar
Seriously?
Commercial Announcer
Yes.
Yes.
Jon Bon Jovi
Mm.
Jeff Dollar
So you're saying yes?
Jon Bon Jovi
I said yes.
Melissa
Okay. Leave it at that.
Jon Bon Jovi
Jeff, back away from the microphone.
Jeff Dollar
Yeah, exactly.
Bird Show Host
I'm trying not to say anything else.
Jeff Dollar
But I'm over here with Jon Bon Jovi. And you know what? I don't want Richie there hogging any of your time. I want it just to be you.
Jon Bon Jovi
And I. Oh, my goodness. Is there something you want to tell the audience?
Commercial Announcer
For you.
Bird Show Host
You would switch teams, right? For Jon Bon Jovi, you switched teams.
Jon Bon Jovi
No way.
Jeff Dollar
I'm having a beer with him. It's very manly. Okay, thank you, Jon. And I'm going to hold you to that.
Jon Bon Jovi
Okay, not a problem.
Jeff Dollar
Hold on and I'll get your cell.
Bird Show Host
Phone number and your address. Hey, John, tell us about the new album. I looked at I all the cuts on this thing yesterday, and what are there, like, 420 songs on it?
Jon Bon Jovi
Yeah, there's 50 songs, 38 which have never been heard by anybody, and 12 rarities that only Looney Tunes like Jeff would have that are very rare. And so it's a pretty unique set. You know, I've jokingly been saying if, you know, if the plane went down, that'd be my next five albums. So our vaults were really deep, and it was a record I've wanted to put out for a long time because I liked the songs, but they weren't right for certain albums. And so a milestone like the 100 millionth album and the 20 year anniversary was a good opportunity to do it.
Bird Show Host
Is this the case where you can only put so many songs on albums that these are the ones that didn't make the cuts off the first album? I hope it's not doing it any disjustice by saying that?
Jon Bon Jovi
No, there was every album once we really got our bearings about how to make records, to be honest with you. But every album needs a beginning, a middle and an end. And they're supposed to read like stories and thematically stay consistent. And then there's periods in your life where you wrote a song that you said, well, this would have been great for the last record, but I'm past this now. Track one on the first CD is a song called you couldn't live without me so why aren't you dead? And much in the vein of the kinds of songs like you give love a bad name. When we used to write, you know, the real tongue in cheek kind of goofy, goofy rock song. By the time we wrote it, which was Post Young Guns and pre Keep the Faith, things had changed for us. We knew that we were going to have to write songs like Keep the Faith and I Believe after the LA riots and what was going on with the change in the administration, with Clinton being elected into office, we knew that we were changing, America was changing. So we started writing a little more socially conscious song and things like that couldn't make the record, you know, and it was time. But if that was on New Jersey, it probably would have been a big hit.
Bird Show Host
I'm such a simpleton because I never assume that this kind of thought goes into which songs are gonna be on an album. I'm so stupid, I guess, about this whole thing that I just assume you guys put together a whole list of songs. It's a very easy cut process. Like, okay, these are the 12 best ones that we've got right now. We all take a vote on it, we'll all say aye. And then they go on the album. No, there's a whole bunch of other thought that goes into it, huh?
Jon Bon Jovi
Yeah, quite a bit. You know, you have to really feel where you are at that point in your life. I still love singing. You give love a bad name But I wouldn't have wanted to do, you know, why aren't you dead? Come the time to keep the faith I was just at a different place in my life.
Bird Show Host
Jon Bon Jovi, great talking to you this morning, Jeff.
Jon Bon Jovi
Thank you all. I appreciate it very much. And Jeff, I owe you that beer.
Jeff Dollar
No, I'm buying it for you.
Jon Bon Jovi
Okay, fair enough. I have expensive tastes.
Jeff Dollar
If we have a good first beer, then you can buy me another one.
Bird Show Host
Nice talking to you, John.
Jon Bon Jovi
All right, all the best, guys.
Bird Show Host
Bye now.
Commercial Announcer
The bird show.
Melissa
Guys. Thanks for helping me carry my Christmas tree, Zoe.
Jon Bon Jovi
This thing weighs a ton. Drew Ski, lift with your legs, man.
Commercial Announcer
Santa.
Bird Show Host
Santa, did you get my letter?
Commercial Announcer
He's talking to you, Bridges.
Jon Bon Jovi
I'm not.
Melissa
Of course he did.
Jon Bon Jovi
Right, Santa, you know my elf, Drew Ski here. He handles the nice list. And elf. I'm six' three. What everyone wants is iPhone 17 and at T Mobile. You can get it on them.
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Bird Show Host
I'm Mrs. Claus's much younger sister.
Melissa
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Jon Bon Jovi
Or give it as a gift.
Bird Show Host
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Melissa
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Jeff Dollar
Nice.
Commercial Announcer
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Bird Show Host
The holidays are better.
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This episode features an interview with rock icon Jon Bon Jovi. The Bert Show cast chats with him about his decades-spanning career, the keys to his longevity in the music industry, the band’s survival through changing musical tastes, his personal life, and the release of a new vault album. The conversation maintains the show’s trademark authenticity and humor, blending thoughtful questions with lighthearted moments.
“I lie to myself, you know, I have the applause track playing in my house when I pat myself on the back…The truth of the matter is you wrote songs that people liked and you continue to try to do that.”
— Jon Bon Jovi [03:04]
“Every single day.” (on whether he’s insecure about success)
— Jon Bon Jovi [03:32]
“There comes a time in a career…when the exposure’s too much, and that’s a very difficult time for any artist…each has to go through it on his own terms.”
— Jon Bon Jovi [04:34]
“I don’t know if there’ll be another band that sells 100 million records from the next generation of bands...because of the downloading…file sharing…”
— Jon Bon Jovi [05:24]
“We were tired, but we never did [break up]...Let’s clear our heads and do other things and then refocus on a new direction…”
— Jon Bon Jovi [06:00]
“I’m Dorian Gray. I’ve got the painting in my attic. What I really look like.”
— Jon Bon Jovi [07:09]
“I knew a good deal when I had one. This was a lot better than playing that Hollyweird game...I'd rather get up and see the same wife and the four kids and the life I have than just the other way. It’s got a little old quick.”
— Jon Bon Jovi [08:23, 08:35]
“John, you pick the date, the time, the place, and I will be there for you. These five words.”
— Jeff Dollar [10:12]
“Jeff, back away from the microphone.”
— Jon Bon Jovi (playfully) [10:33]
True to The Bert Show’s style, the episode is friendly, informal, and peppered with humor—even in serious moments. Jon Bon Jovi responds with trademark wit and self-deprecating charm, making even weighty topics feel approachable for listeners.
This episode is an engaging, well-rounded conversation that covers Bon Jovi’s career highlights, personal philosophy, industry changes, and behind-the-scenes stories, with memorable comedic beats (especially the “beer with Jeff” gag) that will stick with fans and new listeners alike.