THIS is the most PAINFUL video request I've ever received! It's Bon Jovi!?!

As a Bon Jovi fan this is a difficult one! But here it is, we're taking a look at what happened to Bon Jovi's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction performance!

TIME STAMPS -
0:00 Start
0:28 Request Background
3:53 Isolated Vocal Analysis
5:28 Layering for Comparison
7:09 Pre-Chorus Comparison
9:55 Why Did it Happen? Vocal Fatigue at Event
13:39 Miming Not an Option
14:01 Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game
15:52 Comparisons and Use of Samples

[Erny_Module]

I met him once, entirely by accident. I was waiting for a dinner date in the piano bar of the Mariott Hotel in Hamburg. Outside, for no reason I knew of, were loads of screaming young girls, faces pressed against the glass! Well, I was just sat there, waiting, and spotted this guy at the bar. So I went over, sat on the stool next to him. I asked him "Any idea what all this is outside"? "Oh, don't ask... " he says, looking very gloomy and staring into his drink. Short guy. So I get him and me another drink, and chat about this and that in typically bloke-ish fashion.
"You here for work?"
"Yeah, sort of"
"Me too."
That type of thing. Anyway, after about ten minutes, my date arrives, waves at me from the door and I bid my sombre drinking buddy good evening. "Sorry I'm late" she says, "Client call went on a bit. Who was that at the bar?"
"Dunno. Just some bar guy. Seemed a bit sad and lonely"
She had a look and said "You know who that is? That's Jon Bon Jovi!"
Suddenly all the screaming girls outside made sense, but I felt a bit sorry for him. If I'd asked him if he'd like to come along I'll bet he'd have said yes. He seemed really sad and lonely, and relieved to talk to someone who didn't know him and didn't want anything from him.
And that's my Jon Bon Jovi story!

[RJ-qvku]

I think we should all recognize what a good guy Fil actually is. He went out of his way to explain the less than stellar vocals in this video. I've never cared much for Bon Jovi, but I recognize the real issue of vocal fatigue in artists now that Fil explained it. Good job and thanks for the work.

[shawnmaginness]

When Pink Floyd reunited for the live 8 show, I waited all day and watched it live online. During the original stream, Dave and Roger were off multiple times. At some points, it sounded terrible, they were so off vocally. That same night, when I went to rewatch the performance, everything sounded perfect! I searched, but could never find the true live audio from that night. That was my first time noticing the pitch correction thing. Blew my mind.

[Incomudro]

Unfortunately, rest or not - Jon's voice is permanently damaged.
There really isn't a good night for him anymore.

[BradYaeger]

Very much agree, but thought I'd share a personal story that i think is also common for vocal issues that few people are aware of. About 15 years ago ( I'm 57) i started losing my singing and talking voice. I had trouble swallowing, was always hoarse, ears popped, and my range, pitch and tone were declining fast despite being trained on proper technique. I was scoped and no damage was found. Speech therapy didn't help. In the end it turned out to be an issue with my NECK that had to do with misalignment with the atlas bone . In short I wasn't getting proper nerve flow to my throat and ears. The muscles had bound up as well and were squeezing my throat and adams apple. I had the atlas bone adjusted and some deep tissue massage done to loosen things up and all the issues cleared up . I have seen this same thing happen to friends that sing and they had the same great result with the same treatment. So don't forget to get your neck looked at if you are a vocalist .

[brettcooper]

That's why Alice Cooper has always made sure his band and studio musicians don't make the music they're recording so complex and difficult that it's virtually impossible to replicate live. It has to be able to be played live, and played well, he's always said.

[Redipstick]

Fil thank you for your kindness. Rather than just trashing him you explain what he was going through on that night and why he struggled. And for helping those of us listening to understand why and how the voice ages.

[tproudboomer]

Fil, you are a “musician’s musician” and a terrific human being! Never stop doing what you do. The world needs you bro!

[veredben-avraham]

Is it just me or does any else like "real" live music. No miming, no auto tune, no pitch correct. Just raw music imperfections and all. If I want to listen to musicians sounding like their studio albums than I will just stay home, instead of spending loads of money on tickets, parking, food, & drink. Having to get the day off of work etc...

[davemills]

Fil, I want to address this to you. I've been a subscriber of yours for awhile now. I have learned much while watching your videos. You make music assessable to people like me. I really appreciate your honesty and integrity and background with all the artists you analyze with all types of music. Please keep up the great work.

[oriolesandravens]

"That's exactly how I intend to keep things on this channel". I applaud your honesty and integrity and consistency. Plus you strive to be positive about each artist/act. That's why I keep watching your channel. Although I would like to see you occasionally rip into a bad performance and point out the mistakes in a "not so positive" way.

[robinkoenig]

Such a clear and concise explanation of vocal fatigue! Fil has the ability to explain what’s happening so well. The explanation of pitch correction was also excellent.

[rayc]

With this explanation I'm even more impressed with performers like Elvis & Janis & so many other "classic" or "old" musicians. Elvis performed 2 or 3 shows a night for WEEKS in Vegas. No auto tune, no sweetening, just pure raw talent. I'm more in awe of real talent as time goes by. We all have "off" days. Jon just had an "off" night! Love the video.

[vsee]

I went to an Eagle's concert at Lake Tahoe. It was great. When they sang "In the City" Joe Walsh and someone else both missed their high note twice. They looked at each other and started laughing. On the third round, they nailed it!

[wendygould]

Your insight into the challenges that vocalists face during a gruelling tour is an eye opener! I saw Bon Jovi live back in 1987 at Castle Donnington. He was, of course, superb. He even excelled while clambering up the lighting rig!! A great performance by a brilliant band. Thanks Fil for flexing your expertise. Always enjoy your videos. 😊

[drewpall]

What You said in the intro of this analysis video what set you apart from others on YouTube. You are an excellent music appreciation teacher of all genre and era of music. 👍🤘 Thanks Fil

[rickmac]

As a Monitor Sound Engineer for live sound I would also like to add that his pitch problem may have been related a monitor mix problem. It is critical that singers hear themselves at a comfortable level and that they can hear the band mix well for pitch cues. A poor monitor mix can ruin a singers performance. That may be in part what happened at this performance. In addition, as singers get older and have fried their ears from years of listening to loud monitors it can be difficult for them to sing on pitch even with a great monitor mix. Not saying the Bon Jovi has hearing problems but if I were a betting man I would bet that his ears are compromised.

[danr]

Steve Miller's comments about the RRHOF (2016 induction) Give him a listen. A cut and paste. When asked to elaborate on his criticisms, he revealed that the whole induction process is "unpleasant" and said "they need to respect the artists they say they’re honoring, which they don't."

[swineinny]

Ah, you really are such a thoughtful, nice guy, Fil! This could easily have gone to a nasty place. Instead, you’re sympathetic & very informative here. Well done, Fil! Btw, I’ve met Jon & he’s also an extremely nice guy. 👍

[williamg]

In Bon Jovi's defense; it is now learned that he had an issue with his vocal chords after years of singing. He needed sugery. I know this was probably posted years before anyone knew....