The New Jersey Rat Race - Part 1

Though its good to be back home, I'm sad that my time with the International Jovi Chaos Committee is coming to an end ... the girls fly back tomorrow. :-(

Oh, but what a time we have had. Music, laughter, shopping, food, more laughter, more food, pictures, drinks ... and much, much more shopping. And, amidst all that there was the Bon Jovi New Jersey Tour.

Yes, that litany of sites that you MUST see while in Jersey ... you know, the ones that after visiting them all make you feel intimately familiar with the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.

As you know, Tico Torres has an incredible line of clothing, jewelry, baby stuff, etc. called Rock Star Baby. Well, I just LOVE his stuff and its hard to get here in the States (umm... Tico, you really need to work on that!) Anyway, you can imagine my incredible glee when the girls brought me a stuffed animal from his collection.

So ... here is the story of Rat's journey thru New Jersey ... Welcome to Wherever You Are ...

disclaimer: this is not necessarily in the order we saw them, some pics are on different people's cameras, etc. but I wanted to at least start posting something ;-)

The first stop of the day was the Roadside Diner ... the location for the cover art for Bon Jovi's Crossroads album.

























(Speaking of greatest hits albums, seems we will need to wait a bit longer maybe for another one from BJ ... Jon said they are 20 songs in on the new record. I personally loved the look on poor Obie's face when Jon was rattling off the list of projects ... guess Obie ain't gonna be sleeping for a while ... LOL)

Deciding on what to eat ... not too hard ... BREAKFAST!!!

I have to say ... I've had a lot of pancakes in my day ... and these rank up there in the top three along with the pancake house on LBI and this little hole in the wall place in Cincinnati.

Damn, that was a good breakfast! And we had the nicest waitress - a Jersey girl named Tiffany. She got a kick out of us ...

Of course, we had to take a picture of the guys ... that's Tiffany holding the picture ... LOL

So, then back in the Jovimobile (a six passenger blue mini-van ... our home for four days.)

And the journey continues ... Jon's old house ... (I love the clearly displayed security sign ... perhaps that is for all the Jovinuts benefit ... LOL

One of my friends shared a story about this place. Her Italian friend had been looking for it back in 1990s. She got all turned around, completely lost and decided to stop and ask for help. Finding two guys on a motorcycle, she thought maybe they would be able to assist her so she asked them if they knew where Jon Bon Jovi's house was. The one sitting behind proceeded to tell her how exactly to get there. So, without much effort she ended up finding the place. You can imagine her suprise when the two guys on the motorcyle pulled up to the house and the one on the back took his helmet off. It was Jon, himself. She'd actually asked for directions to HIS house ... and he gave them to her ... LOL


I actually really love this house. What a great family place. Wonderful neighborhood -- really a place where you can just be normal and the kids could just play. I understand why that had to change, but still ...


Then, back in the car...
Of course, we had to go back to Jon's roots ... where it all started ...





















Jon's childhood home ... (the poor current occupants, hopefully someone had warned them that lots of Jovi fans would be in town for the show ... they probably just sat inside and watched all us crazies get in and out, picture picture picture, etc.)

And then off to where Jon spent his days - perhaps not studying as hard as he should have ... LOL

Okay, there's a lot more to come ... watch Rat tackle Atlantic City and brave the winds in Asbury Park. There's also pizza on the menu (lots of pizza) and a little shopping (okay, a whole helluva lot of shopping!)

So, stay tuned ......................................

Just a Quickie - Much MUCH More to Come

Greetings Jovi friends. I will apologize in advance for any funny typos now ... a German keyboard is quite different than my American one ... the good thing is I am learning more German by trying to figure out the damn commands...LOL

I have so much to share with you that I don't even know just where to start. I guess the first thing is that my European girls arrived safely ... a little late, but safe nonetheless.

I will give a full report later on all our Jovi-related activities but for now, I'll jump straight to the fan club show on Monday. I would like to thank Rike for letting me use some of her photos right away ... we still need to go thru the pics and video but wanted to give you some quick shots.

We were happy to be all together right behind the soundboard (Obie) on a raised platform with a nearly perfect view.






















By now, you have seen the setlist so you know just how amazing the show was. And to the MANY of you who have texted and e-mailed about how happy I must have been about hearing "Every Word..." -- I can't begin to tell you the emotions that went thru me for that entire song, including awe, disbelief, and then eventually just completely crying my eyes out.

As I said above, there will be much, much, MUCH more to come (when I can get home and can write on a familiar computer.) But, in the meantime, a few thoughts ...

I love to see Jon Bon Jovi happy. Cuz when he is happy, he has the innate ability to take you to a whole other world.

And DAMN, Jonny was frickin' happy on Monday ... it was like he was in his element, having a blast and the rest of us were just incredibly blessed to be able to go along for the ride.

See the look on his face in this picture ... that genuine, happy smile we like to see ... that's what the whole night was.



















Between the rarely done solo works, covers of Jukes songs and a smattering of Bon Jovi songs, the night really could not have been more perfect. The "and friends" band he assembled completely rocked. Bobby Bandiera was on fire.



















The fact that this concert gave Jon the opportunity to use a horn section ... FABULOUS. I always said, if I didn't play bassoon, I would have loved to play bari sax in the Jukes ... well, correction ... now, I'd love to play bari sax with either of the Jersey Johns.

Okay ... I have to go for now ... must get ready for the big Jovifest tonight at Chickie & Pete's in Philly.

But, don't worry because
Though I'll blow away
You know I'll be back soon ...

Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog ... The New Jersey Rat Race ... I PROMISE you will love it!

PS If there are misspelled words in here, forgive me ... the German computer thinks ALL my words are wrong ... LOL

Bon Jovi: Just a Little Thank You

I have been having a really bad couple of days so excuse me if I get a little mushy here today ...

Actually, as hard as they are, these are the times I thank the heavens above that I'm a Bon Jovi fan. But, its not just the music that I'm grateful for ... I'm also grateful for the people that have come into my life because of this band ... friends I have made that make me stronger, make me smarter and make me feel valued.

Maybe its the overriding optimism of their songs that attracts a certain kind of person to this band.

Now, don't get me wrong - its not always flowers and sunshine - I have seen some pretty crazy stuff go down when Jon walks into a roomful of women. But, those momentary lapses aside, I have met amazingly loyal and caring ladies (and even a few men!)

Perhaps its an example set by the band itself? So ... here's a little dedication to the friendships that have been made and will continue to grow for years to come ...



For those of you at this show, did you not hold your breath the entire time Jon was standing on that railing?! I know I did. I mean, really Jon ... love the spontaneity and all ... but it would not have been a pretty sight to have you falling off that thing. On the other hand, I'd be happy to rub whatever hurt afterwards. Oh, lordy, did I say that out loud? *blushes ever-so-slightly*

Well, friends ... I will try to post as much as I can over the next week, but as you know, my European friends arrive tomorrow so all hell is gonna break loose! Woo hoo!

If you're coming to the fan club show, please be sure to try to stop by and say hi ... I'll be the one in the Bon Jovi shirt. LOL

A quick note: A couple of the girls will be collecting gently used blankets on Monday for Project H.O.M.E. in Philadelphia.

So, if you're planning to bring things to help you stay warm in line while waiting for entrance to the venue, please consider donating it at the end of the day for use by this incredible organization.

Bon Jovi LP #5: NFL Kick-Off in Times Square

The latest induction into Legendary Performances: Another Bon Jovi Gift to NYC

Damn, what a day THAT was! Ok ... I know some of you reading this were there too, so I expect to hear your memories of that show.

I remember the stage being so incredibly high -- Jonny, you looked really tall up there ;-) -- and the energy was like nothing else. That's saying a lot for Times Square.

Sure, they did a great set with new songs from Bounce, as well as all the hits we know and love (and a kick-ass Shout), but it was the end of the show that cemented this performance's place in history ...



Seriously, how absolutely gorgeous is that?! And the flag on Richie's jeans blowing in the breeze ... I still get choked up when I see this.

Okay ... and I just had to include the clip below as well.



The Bounce record has a lot of significance for people - most of it having to do with the need to heal after 9/11.

For me, its also very personal. The album came out after my cancer had relapsed the first time. I used to listen to it every time I went for chemo (and yes, I was that girl who would yell "Is there a doctor in the house?!" when I arrived at the hospital ... LOL) If I'd had the money, I would have bought a copy of the album for every person ever diagnosed.

P.S. The only bad thing that day ... the Giants lost. :-(

Today's ASA ... Four Days and Counting ...

Greetings readers! Happy Monday to you! (...argh)

Actually, its not so bad for a Monday ... its sunny and bright out. A little chilly, but not bad. I'm hoping the weather will hold out thru "the invasion" ... between the Europeans and the Aussies all coming for the fan club show, its gonna be a hot time in the tri-state area.

Per Rike's request, today's ASA will be non-food related so that y'all can go back home and say you did more than just eat and drink your way thru NYC .... LOL

Lets talk about museums ...

No matter what kind of art you like ... or if you're not the well-versed when it comes to art ... there's a place for you in New York.

Of course, the top two places are The Metropolitan Museum of Art (one of the modern wonders of the world, in my opinion) and the Museum of Modern Art (aka MOMA ... my personal favorite and the place where I could - and have - spent countless hours!)

But, lets talk the Met because it really can fulfill most of your art needs. Though there is a stated entrance fee, it is only a "suggested donation" ... so don't feel guilty about not paying the whole thing. Of course, if you can, please do ...

Make sure you stop by the most spectacular place in the Museum, the Temple of Dendur. (For those reading my sad excuse for a fan fic, you know this is where Madison held her fundraiser.) Whether its sunny or raining or snowing, this space is just gorgeous.

There are places to eat (ooops, sorry Rike!) inside the Museum and they aren't completely overpriced (only a little.)

But, keep in mind that if you're not into the big, sometimes noisy museums, there are A TON of galleries around NYC (and no, I haven't found any of Tico's art in them yet.) If you are a gallery person, be sure to pick up a copy of TimeOut New York when you get to town or visit them online. Actually, no matter what ... you should visit the site. Luckily, Fashion Week will be over by the time you all get here ... its fabulous .. but the city is crazed then.

Okay ... that's all for today or I'll never end up posting this!

But, before I go, I thought perhaps we needed a little reminder of what is bringing us all together in the first place ...



They really need to re-release this on DVD. I have 3 copies of this on VHS because I never, ever want to be without one for the rest of my life and tapes do wear out.

Wowow - Thank You for Loving US

I swear that I'm going to send a basket of bagels (well, I am a NYer!!) to Wowow TV in Japan as a thank you gift. I'm sure they'd taste great with a little sashimi and wasabi.

I was lamenting that it has been so long since I heard "Thank You for Loving Me" ... and there aren't that many good videos of it live.

Oh, Jonny ... please work this back into the setlist ... any setlist ... anywhere. We really do love you, ya know!





Well ... and since I'm posting ... here's ASA#5 ...

NEW YORK BAGELS
While visiting New York City, you must have a bagel. It would be sacrilegious not to! Now, there are many options -- H&H, Murray's, Kossar's, Bagelfellers, Zabars ... deciding which is the best can get just about as heated a discussion as whether you put ketchup or mustard on your pork roll sandwich (you Jersey people know what I mean, right?)

But, my favorite is Ess-A-Bagel. There's just something about their nice, hot, doughy bagels with cream cheese. And they freeze well, too ... so feel free to buy half a dozen and bring them home with you. The people sitting near you on the plane will hate you, but you will get brownie points for helping boost the NYC economy. :-)

Saturday: Jon Bon Jovi ASA#4

Ok ... I can't believe that a week from now, the entire New York/New Jersey area is going to be overrun by crazed Bon Jovi fans. As such, here are a few more NYC-related things ....

Everybody is asking about the Hard Rock Cafe so they can get pins and t-shirts and generally just gawk at the beautiful signage in the store ....



Location: Times Square.
Subway: Just about every train stops on 42nd Street, but my recommendation is the 1, 2 or 3 which drops you off RIGHT there at the HRC.

Today's Anti-Stalking Activity is one of my FAVORITE things to do in NYC -- taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. No .. I'm not kidding. The NYC skyline is one of the best in the world - tho severely marred after 9/11, its still impressive and always puts a smile on my face.

The Ferry is a great way to take in the Statue of Liberty and the lower Manhattan skyline for FREE. Take the #1 train all the way down to South Ferry. If its cold, sit inside. But, if you can take the breeze, stand on the back of the boat going to SI and the front coming back. You'll get some great views! In the summer, I like to have my own little mini-picnic on the ferry. :-)

P.S. If they make you get off once you arrive in Staten Island, just take the next boat back.

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Okay ... and just because ... here's a little bit of Jovi to brighten your day. I'm recovering from a late night getting my Jovi fix with Slippery When Wet. More on that later. But, hearing them always puts me in the mood for some "early" Bon Jovi.

Legendary Performance #4: Hallelujah

Today's Legendary Performance isn't just one particular performance ... its the fact that Jon Bon Jovi has taken a legendary song and "made it his own" as he would say.

Now, there are plenty of versions to choose from - the well-known Jeff Buckley or Rufus Wainwright or Alexandra Burke or even by Leonard Cohen himself. But, I truly believe that Jon's version - which I love because its so clean and uncomplicated, almost pure - can hold its own to any of those and more.

The first time I heard him do this live was the Puerto Rico show back in June 2007. I wouldn't say the performance (or the concert for that matter) qualified as "legendary" ... it was the one show I've ever seen, and perhaps the only one they have ever done, without Richie. But, I have to tell you ... when Jon started this song and we all started thinking about Richie and what he was going thru - there were more than a few of us with tears streaming down our faces.

Obviously, there are a ton of clips out there of this. But the one included below is from my dear, dear friend Rike from Germany - who I will get to see in exactly one week! Woo hoo! (yes, I'm just a bit excited.)



Now, I will admit .. as the tour progressed, his gestures and the "acting out" of the song got more and more grandiose. I know there are some that thought it was over the top a la "Right Side of Wrong" ... I choose to simply chalk it up to the fact that he needs to communicate the emotion all the way to the back of the stadium and maybe it works well on the big screens.

Nonetheless, Jon's amazing vocals on this cannot be denied.

I'm Here ... I'm Here

Sorry I haven't posted in the last few days. Just feeling a bit uninspired - I guess Jon Bon Jovi just isn't speaking to me right now.

I've been really digging Sugarland's "Love" lately and have been playing it a bit non-stop. If you don't know the song, here is a clip. I'm so pysched that I will get to see them at JazzFest and even maybe with Urban at Mohegan Sun (my attendance TBD.)



But! The fan club show is just over a week away, so let's see if we can get back into the groove ... maybe a few photos would help ...?

Ahhh...that's what I needed - Jonny and his guitar.

























Or Jonny and the white mic stand ...
























Or maybe this ....?

















Oh yeah .. that helped. A LOT!

























Ok ... I'm feeling much more connected now. So ... next up ... Legendary Performance #4 as well as today's ASA.

Be back in a few minutes ....

Bon Jovi and Cover Songs

I will get back to "Legendary Performances" and ASAs in the next post, but I just wanted to talk about Bon Jovi and cover songs for a moment.

I'm thinking specifically about some of the coupling of cover songs with their own over the years. Jon Bon Jovi is just fantastic when it comes putting songs together. (Of course, one thing is ... once you hear their version of a cover, you never seem to go back and listen to the original version ... i.e. Have a Little Faith in Me.)

Anyway, a few pairings come to mind - including the combos of If Loving You is Wrong/Damned (hot, hot, hot) and my personal favorite -- Tom Petty's I Won't Back Down with BJ's Have A Nice Day ... just BRILLIANT!

But, here's one that was a lot of fun but not performed very often. :-(



So ... what are some of your memorable cover couplings? Sleep When I'm Dead with Dancing in the Streets? Bad Medicine and Shout? Bad Name with Hit the Road Jack? ... damn, that one was so good ...."such a dirty bad girl ... but I like it like that" ... oyyyyy!