Some Great News for Our Aching Soul

Over the last couple of days, there has been more and more talk about the return of the AFL in 2010. It was announced that an agreement had been made with the players association, which is certainly a big step. There is still a lot of work to do, but, damn this was some good news!

I try to keep in mind that Jaws is ALWAYS positive - he's one of the most optimistic people I have ever met. He can instantly put a smile on your face and has one of the best hugs in the business.

Soul president Jaworski: AFL returning in 2010
by Brian VanOchten The Grand Rapids Press
Saturday March 14, 2009, 1:45 PM

There is a 99.9-percent chance the Arena Football League is returning for the 2010 season, according to comments Philadelphia Soul team president Ron Jaworski made at a public speaking appearance in Portsmouth, Va., this week.

He told the Virginia-Pilot newspaper Web site there is a one-tenth of 1 percent chance the league would not resume play next year.

"We had a board meeting in Chicago a couple weeks ago and we ratified the new collective bargaining agreement," said Jaworski, who also serves as an ESPN "Monday Night Football" commentator. "The players association is going through it now. We have a plan in place, we're going to open up next year again."

Jaworski's comments are the first by any AFL team executive painting such an optimistic future.

"We're very close to getting a deal done," said Grand Rapids Rampage kicker Brian Gowins, the team's AFL Players Association alternate representative.

"I've always been optimistic about the two sides coming to an agreement. I think it is overwhelmingly likely we will come to a finalized agreement soon," he added.

AFL acting commissioner Ed Policy told The Press last month the league would issue an official statement regarding plans for 2010 by the end of March. The league earlier had set a self-imposed March 1 deadline for announcing whether it would return or fold.

It canceled the 2009 season due to deep financial losses.

Jaworski, keynote speaker Wednesday night at the Portsmouth Sports Club Jamboree banquet, said an expansion team is planned for the Pittsburgh market and the New Orleans VooDoo franchise, which folded following the 2008 season, might return to the revamped league.

"There's a lot at stake. I mean, ESPN is a 10-percent partner with us, we've got an expansion team coming in in Pittsburgh. So we left the meeting with incredible excitement. The only question mark is New Orleans right now," he said. "They were going to drop, but under the new business model, they're likely to come back. But I don't want to say definitively yet we're gonna have New Orleans next year."

He said that shutting down for the 2009 season "was disappointing for us, because obviously (the Soul) were Arena League champions last year, our season-ticket sales were through the roof coming into this season, our partnerships were through the roof. We were all excited.

"But the model needed to be fixed. We were doing well, San Jose was doing well, but some teams weren't doing very well. So the business model needed to be fixed."

Between this article and the oh-so-careful comment Jon Bon Jovi made at the Sayreville show, maybe ... just maybe ... this time next year, we will be exactly where we want to be: Screaming and yelling at the referees, cheering for our boys, eating crab fries from C&P and complaining about parking costs at the Wachovia Center.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUNNYNIGHT!

So, I feel awful that I completely forgot my friend Sunnynight's birthday. I'm really horrible about remembering birthdays - I know that's not an excuse.

Sunnynight is a Richie girl all the way so I thought I'd do a little Richie tribute today in honor of her.



(Richie - you were definitely missed at the Starland during Wanted ...)

And I could listen to him sing this all day long ....



So, happy birthday my dear friend ... from your NYC girl.

Here's a little Harlem Rain ...



We had such a great time when you were here, S. I can't wait for you to return!

PS I gotta say ... for a Richie girl, she takes REALLY great Jonny photos. This is one of my all-time favorites. (I know, S, you'll take them both right?!)

Wanted Dead or (preferably) Alive

So, my RL friends know that I recently returned back to work. I'm actually working at my old investment banking firm located down on Wall Street (read: lots of time to catch up on The New Yorker magazine while on the subway.)

Anyway, I had worked for this firm about 10 years ago and when I returned there last week, all that kept going thru my head was "It's all the same ... only the names will change ..."

But, there's another reason why the song has stuck in my head.

"Everyday, it seems we're wastin' away.."

I think its because I remembered what a rat race that industry (and others like it) can be - especially in New York City, where it seems the norm to stumble into the office at 8:30am, work all day, order dinner at the office around 8pm, call a car to take you home to your overpriced apartment that you spend no time in anyway, and then wake up the next morning and do it all over again.

The image of the Bon Jovi boys exhausted at the end of the Wanted Dead or Alive original video came to mind instantly. In any case, I don't plan on adopting that lifestyle any time soon (once in a lifetime is plenty.)

So anyway, I'm back at my old company but with a new approach ... a bit reminiscent of This Left Feels Right. Now, I know that some of you out there don't like it so much and that Jon Bon Jovi has called the record self-indulgent. But, I gotta tell you ... I think it's BRILLIANT.



I love the groove of this version. I love the different sounds. I love the cool, calm delivery.

"I've seen a million faces ...
I've seen an awful lot of faces."
(this line actually makes me laugh ... did he mean an awful lot in terms of numbers or an awful lot in terms of a bad-lookin' bunch ... inquiring minds want to know! LOL)

One thing I will concede is that perhaps they should have maybe released JUST the dvd. I mean - this is a band that is known for its amazing live performances and I think that seeing them perform these versions (and damn, those Borgata shows were awesome) is what could have sold it better.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Whenever Jovi fans discuss this album, its always interesting (and I'm always in the minority.)

One Wild Night ... okay, actually TWO wild nights

My head is still spinning from my last two nights with the Jukes. Holy cow!

Saturday's show was absolutely amazing ... one of the best shows of theirs I think I've ever seen. Trumpet player Mark Pender rejoined the Jukes for these two shows and he was just fantastic.

No suprise visit from Jon Bon Jovi ... BUT we did have an awesome guest appearance by none other than Little Steven van Zandt. The place went crazy. And, of course, that meant that the show went longer. The setlist, in typical Southside fashion, was abandoned somewhere after the third song I think.

If you know the Jukes, then you can appreciate that we got ALL the hits - Talk to Me, Without Love, Trapped Again, Love on the Wrong Side of Town, Hearts of Stone (with Little Steven), The Fever, I Don't Want to Go Home ... just too many to name them all. But they also did some wonderful album tracks, including a few great songs from "Into the Harbor."

One thing I love about seeing the Jukes is that you are RIGHT there. No barriers. No distance between you and what's happening on stage. I was lucky enough to have a front row spot between Southside and Jeff Kazee - seriously, close enough to tickle Jeff's feet in his yellow sneakers if I wanted to.

I will try to post some videos of the shows soon, but in the meantime, enjoy this clip of "Its Been A Long Time" from way back - they all look so young. They did this song Sunday night, but I don't think anyone knew Little Steven was there yet.

I'll Be Rockin' with Southside Tonight

Y'all know of my love for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes ... so you can imagine how excited I am that they are doing not one, but TWO nights back-to-back here in the city at BB King's.

The last time I saw them was at the Agora Theatre and Ballroom in Cleveland (umm...I think "theatre" is a stretch ... picture Starland, but dirtier ...) and it took me three days to recover ... LOL ... so who knows how I'll be after two nights in a row, but whatever the cost - its totally worth it! And maybe I'll get a bonus ... perhaps a quick visit from Jon Bon Jovi ....?

If you missed my little tribute to SSJ ... here's the link.

And here they are doing one of my favorite tracks from the "Better Days" record.



Okay ... I had to come back and add this one.

Legendary Performance #6: The Return of Richie Sambora

edited on 3/9 ... I guess this was actually #6 ... oops

Okay, now that the fan club show/European invasion/NJ Rat Race is over (wahhhhh), time to pick up where we left off.

From the moment I started this list, this was a performance that came up constantly in all your requests -- Richie's solo during "Any Other Day" at the O2 concert.

Just watching this gives me chills - remember, I was AT that concert in Puerto Rico where Richie's absence was sorely felt(nothing against Bobby who actually did a fantabulous job) ... but you know what I mean.

I can't imagine the relief Jon felt ... not just because he had his great bandmate back ... but because his dear friend was getting better.



"Welcome back my brother!" Welcome back, indeed.

A Sign of Things to Come....?

So, I'm embarrassed to say that I ... usually knower of most everything Philadelphia Soul-related ... was not aware that the organization has put up a new store website. I'd like to thank one of my crazy shopaholic German friends for letting me know (especially as I am the mailing address for all their stuff ... LOL.)

Here's the LINK

In my defense, I did get something later via Twitter. I recently signed up for that so if any of you can explain exactly what I'm supposed to do with it now, I'd be a happy camper.

Anyway, in celebration of the store's grand opening ... and thus our hopes for next season getting back on track ... here's some eye candy (and not just Jonny.)

I just LOVE Jaws!!! You always know exactly how he feels. The man wears his heart on his sleeve. :-)

And now for our fearless leader, Jon Bon Jovi ....

And, my personal favorite ...

Rat Race: Who Says You Can't Go Home

So, this is the final installment of Rat's journey thru New Jersey. If you missed the earlier entries, check out Part1 and Part 2.

The last we saw Rat, he was making his way down the Atlantic City Expressway towards some surf and sand. But, first we needed to stop and do a little shopping ... who knew that rats liked Crocs so much?!? (As you can see, he pimped them out with Bon Jovi-inspired Superman "bling.")




















With all that gambling, eating and drinking at the Taj Mahal the night before, Rat had a hard time getting up the next day and needed copious amounts of coffee (or maybe that was me?!?)

























It was such a beautiful day, we decided to hang out for a bit on the boardwalk outside our hotel.




















Ahhh .. the Jersey shore ...



















For those who did not know, there's an awesome cat sanctuary outside the Taj Mahal. Things were going fine until Rat got a little too close ... LOL



















"uh oh ... I think I'm gonna be dinner!"





Then, it was back in the van for the last leg of our road tour ....

Of course, we were hungry by that point so we stopped at Umberto's for some pizza ... right across the river from Jon's New Jersey home.



















Once Rat had basically finished ALL the pizza, he was ready for his close-up ... LOL



















I have to say that it was probably one of the best darn pizzas I've had in quite some time. And everyone at the restaurant was awesome ... probably helped that we had an Italian with us ... but nonetheless, what a nice group of people!

But, unfortunately, all good things must come to an end -- even Jon Bon Jovi road trips ...

So, after three days ... numerous miles ... countless laughs ... an incredible number of sites (there are some I didn't even picture here - including Richie's old house, Richie's childhood house, David's old house, Alec's old house, the car wash from the SWW artwork and a few other places) ... it was time for Rat's journey to end.

CREDITS

Stefania - who knows everything there ever was to know about Bon Jovi

Steffi - who did all the driving and got us to each location safe and sound

Rike - who was fearless in taking pictures

Sandy - who videotaped most of everything ... we will probably be blackmailed for years to come ... LOL

On a personal note, I will never forget our trip thru Jon Bon Jovi's New Jersey. With good friends, great music, fantastic food and so many smiles, this is what underlines what the Bon Jovi Sisterhood is all about. And all I can say is ...

Yeah.

Yeah.

Oh .. yeah.

Yeah.

Hallelujah.

Amen.

clip is by Deb308 from Backstage, who takes the most awesome videos!

The New Jersey Rat Race - Part 2

So, today we continue on Rat's journey thru Bonjoviland. (I repeat the disclaimer that this has not been done in actual order. )

Here we go, back in the van ... all for the love of Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan and Tico Torres ....




















Oh, the signs we got to know so well .... (anyone who has ever driven in NJ knows all about the no left turn signs ... LOL)



Continuing in Sayreville, we stopped by the site of the "pizza parlor jury" ... you know the story. It was still early in the day so no pizza this time.




















Then, we saw Century Productions where the Slippery studio demos were done ... (Rat was very cold so you can see him hiding on the ledge near the door)



















And, on the way out of town ... we even stopped by the Amboy Motel where they shot the Only Lonely video (is that right...?) (Rat was too cold to get out of the van ...)




















We made a quick stop at Elements where Rat may have gotten a bit blurry-eyed and tipsy thinking about the cosmos there ... LOL




















We also stopped by the site of MANY a great Bon Jovi show ...



















Of course, no trip thru New Jersey would be complete without a stop in Asbury Park. (It was wicked windy out ... and I was sick, sick, sick. Made for a bit of a nasty combination ... perhaps I became just a wee bit crabby ...)




















First we stopped at The Stone Pony ....




















I have to say that Asbury Park is looking much better than the last time I was thru there. Still a long way to go ... and we all know it will never be what it was ... but still, its great to see that people still care about the history of the place.

And then it was to The Fast Lane ... so sad that the sign is gone, but you can still tell it was "the place" and right between the bowling lanes and the Baronet.

Here's Rat going in the side stage door ... don't you just love the little star on his butt?! LOL Its a pretty darn narrow alley ... good thing Jon is so thin. ;-)


























The front doors ...




















After Asbury Park, we headed further down the shore to spend the night in A.C. As we were driving watching the gorgeous New Jersey sunset, you couldn't help but marvel at the sense of Bon Jovi history we were experiencing.


In my rearview mirror,
My life is getting clearer.
As the sunset sighs and
Slowly disappears.




















And so the journey continues ....

Author's Note: I'm going to post this one now. Next up will be Atlantic City and Jon's New Jersey house.

Happy "Thank Mr. and Mrs. Bongiovi" Day

We take a break from our regularly scheduled blogging to wish our favorite Jersey boy a very happy birthday. How appropriate that I spent some of last week touring Jon Bon Jovi's old stomping grounds. (by the way, The New Jersey Rat Race Part 2 will be posted tomorrow.)

Its been an incredible 25 years for all us fans, so I'm assuming its been a pretty amazing 47 years for Jonny. You've grown into quite a man, Mr. Bongiovi.

Don't ever doubt it ... you have made a difference.

So, we thank you, Mr. and Mrs. B for giving us

an amazing, inspiring and thoughtful human being.

Happy Birthday Jon!

ADDENDUM

Well, it may be HIS birthday today, but it seems we got all the gifts.

I can't believe its already been a week since the fan club show. I would like to express my appreciation to those who actually took pictures and videos, because I didn't. I just stood there and sang and danced and enjoyed. Probably a good thing, because my camera would have been ruined by all my tears during this song...

And to the girls who made it possible for me to be there at all ... you know how I feel about you.