Jon Bon Jovi - In Melbourne Tonight - Australia - 27/10/1997

Frankie J Holden (FJH) I missed the first few words. IMT was pre-recorded earlier in the week.

FJH: And the lead singer of that band has also established himself as an actor and he’s very good. He’s been in Australia doing some gigs and promoting his new solo album called Destination Anywhere. Please welcome Jon Bon Jovi. (Audience screams... Jon enters wearing blue jeans, tan shirt and a cream jacket. He looks a little tired. Jon waves and nods to the audience who are still screaming). In a little while we’ll be letting some Bon Jovi fans in. These guys are mostly here to see me.

JBJ: Oh good... I see.

FJH: How have you found the audiences out here?

JBJ: Wonderful as usual.. You know everybody is so kind to me when I come here. I really do look forward to coming back to Australia. That’s no lie, I have a great time here.

FJH: And have you found they’ve accepted the new material and the fact that you aren’t here with the old band.

JBJ: Yeah, you know I’m not touring anywhere. These were the only shows I really did and anything that’s even resembling the size venues that I would usually do, so I think it’s been responded to very well

FJH: I understand in Sydney Jimmy Barnes got up with you.

JBJ: Yes he did.

FJH: You can’t tour Australia unless Jimmy Barnes gets up with you.

JBJ: Is that true? (laughs)

FJH: Did you know Jimmy?

JBJ: I’ve known Jimmy a long time, a good ten years now. It’s always good to see him. He came out to the hotel to meet me when we got into town and obviously I said, why don’t you come and play.

FJH: Oh cool, so he was invited (Jon laughs) Cause usually it’s just this drunken Scotsman that says ‘I wanna sing’. (Jon laughs).... Now, your current single, Queen Of New Orleans is going great. Was there an inspiration behind that?

JBJ: That song in particular was fiction. I was down in New Orleans for the Superbowl last year. American Rules Football you know? (Jon laughs) But it’s purely fictional. (Shows Queen clip and talks over it). There’s Mardi Gras every day on the streets down there. So much on this record is ‘real’ and written about various experiences I’ve had in the last year but that song in particular was just meant to be fun.

FJH: I told you when I spoke to you via satellite last time that I have been playing it in my car all the time. And it’s very honest, the lyrical approach.

JBJ: Thank you. Yeah.

FJH: Did you find it was time to open up?

JBJ: You know, it’s the kinda thing, when Richie and I collaborate on band records, we have to find common ground so typically we’re writing broader social topics or what have you and this record, written by yourself, for yourself, gave me the opportunity to be more introspective.

FJH: Now acting has become a new career direction for you.

JBJ: I enjoy it.

FJH: And most of this album was written while you were going a film in England with an Australian connection.

JBJ: Correct.

FJH: A film called The Leading Man, with Australian Director John Duigan and Barry Humphries. How did you find working with them?

JBJ: Wonderful, kept the crew and the cast on their toes at all times with their humour as well as being a great director and a good actor.

FJH: What would be your ideal film role?

JBJ: Oh I don’t know....

FJH: Would you like to break away.......

JBJ: Just wear a dress and dance around like Gene Kelly would be nice (laughing)... I don’t know. Anything shy of wearing the dress and the wig.. I don’t know... Umm.. I find myself drawn to the more independent film makers for some reason.

FJH: Why’s that?

JBJ: I think I am more attracted to the great story than the bang for the buck.. If that makes any sense.

FJH: Yes, absolutely

JBJ: The big blockbusters... I haven’t seen too many of them that have a great storyline and I find myself drawn to these great ‘indi’ film... Look at ‘The Full Monty’, the number one movie in the country. It’s hysterical.

FJH: I was disappointed cause I thought that would have made a great Australian film. Even though it’s sent in England the men in it are what we call ‘blokes’.... Your average bloke and I was disappointed it wasn’t made here... What about you.. Would you do that??? Would you go the full monty for a film role?

JBJ: Sure!

FJH: (To the audience) Well would we like to see that?? (Audience screams and claps.. of course we would like to see that... silly question)

JBJ: If it called for it and if it was done properly... Sure I don’t have any problems with that..... Sure..... Acting is interesting, it’s a good outlet for me from making records.

FJH: Now you’ve mentioned everything you do. You’re a very successful musician. I think a really promising actor, you’re a good looking guy. Is there anything that you’re not good at, is there something you’re bad at.

JBJ: There’s everything else. They’re just the things I do good.

FJH: Well just tell me one, so I feel better.

JBJ: See, if there’s a light bulb out in my house, I throw the light away, cause I’m not capable..... If the car would seeze up without oil in it, cause I don’t know where it goes (audience laughs) I don’t know how to do anything mechanical. I can’t cook, I don’t make the bed ....... (laughs)

FJH: Well all of a sudden I feel a lot better now..... Any plans to get back with the boys in Bon Jovi.

JBJ: Oh yeah. Everybody’s very anxious I think at this point. Richie’s just completed a solo album of his own and just had a baby, his wife just had their first baby and so as soon as he gets on his feet again. I’m figuring we’ll go back to work early next year.

FJH: Well, we look forward to that.... Destination Anywhere is the CD and the movie that accompanies it and I can recommend it to you highly, it’s available from all good record stores near you and some not near you... It’s been a great pleasure to meet you and to talk to you in person.

JBJ: Thank you.

FJH: Ladies and gentlemen, please thank Jon Bon Jovi.