Share this
Twitter
Myspace
Digg
Del.icio.us
Reddit
Slashdot
Furl
Yahoo
Technorati
Newsvine
Facebook
Export PDF
Print
E-mail
Tags
BY JILLIAN RISBERG
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
Bon Jovi isn't living on a prayer anymore, now that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has beckoned the hometown boys.
On Sept. 28, the once ‘80s hair band got the first-time nomination that puts them in the running for the esteemed honor.
"I don't think they're absolutely automatic to get into the hall," Billboard editor Craig Marks told nj.com, "but they fill an important niche among the nominees and, by far, they're the one with the largest contemporary following."
Singer Jon Bon Jovi started the group in 1983. With guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan and drummer Tico Torres, the foursome has poured 30 years of sweat and tears into gritty songwriting and music, reflecting the struggles of a working class upbringing in the Garden State.
The global sensation has sold more than 120 million records worldwide, performed over 2,600 concerts in more than 50 countries, received the Award of Merit at the 2004 American Music Awards, were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and had the highest grossing tour of 2008 with ‘Lost Highway.' Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were 2009 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees, David Bryan won three Tony Awards for his "Memphis" score and the group is currently on the road in support of ‘The Circle World Tour' of 2010.Other inaugural contenders include Alice Cooper, Neil Diamond, Donovan and Dr. John. Also on the ballot are the Beastie Boys, Chic, J. Geils Band, LL Cool J, Darlene Love, Laura Nyro, Donna Summer, Joe Tex, Tom Waits and Chuck Willis.
Such mixed musical company is certain to elicit personal favorites. Tell me, how do you feel about Jersey's own getting nominated?
Artists are eligible 25 years after the release of their first record. More than 500 industry voters will choose their top picks, which will be announced in December and New York's Waldorf-Astoria is hosting the festivities on March 14.
Jon Bon Jovi has got to be so excited, Marks told nj.com. "Throughout his career, he's always felt that he's been denied access to that rock elite VIP area. This gets him into the inner circle, regardless of what the critics might say."
This group is superb , I will get to see them live one of these days,by then they should have won this award hands down. Carry on rocking ............................
In my opinion, a lot of the people/bands in the ROCK&ROLL HOF are not really ROCK&ROLL at all!!! Neil Diamond and Donna Summer on a ballot for Rock???? Really people!!!! If they do not get in over who they are against on the ballot, it will be a real shame and a laughable joke in my opinion! Regardless, they are an awesome band loved by millions and still going stronger than ever 27 years after their first album, how many can or will be able to say that in their career??? NOT MANY!!!! GO BON JOVI!!!!!!!