Dear BSWJBJ,

It's hard to believe that it's been ten years since BSWJBJ went into business but, they say time flies . . . Actually, I'm flying right now. I'm somewhere over the Atlantic on my way to Modena, Italy to sing with Pavarotti at his annual benefit for orphans of war. This year, as you may have heard, I will perform, as will Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Spice Girls (4 of them anyhow), Vanessa Williams and others. Though I'm only performing two songs, JANIE, DON'T TAKE YOUR LOVE TO TOWN and a new one called LET IT RAIN which I've
written to sing with Luciano and a 70-piece orchestra, I think it will be . . . interesting? We'll see.

There are so many things to say and yet I don't know where to start. 1998 is a year of transition. It's a year that has been spent writing a record, not releasing one and promoting movies, not doing one. So let's talk about records first. Now that I can look back on DESTINATION ANYWHERE objectively, I have to say I really do like the chances I took in production and even the more subtle approach to the songwriting. You see, that record was meant to be performed in a small theatre, not an arena, so it filled a creative void for me. Lately, I've been writing (or co-writing) rock songs, some that would be just right for the band, some that are better suited for a solo record and some for a soundtrack or two.

I know you all want to know when the band will record again. Well, the truth is . . . probably not this year. And the truth is it's not because I don't want to or they don't want to. It's just that Richie's record was released in March and the promotion and touring will keep him busy for a while. In the meantime, I'm doing another record for release in '99 simply because I'm writing a lot. So far, I've got 17 songs. Three or four you may have heard or heard about. HUGH was performed at several shows in Europe on that 8 show mini-tour the Big Dogs did in late/April/early May. LIFE'S TOO SHORT could end up a band song. It's very BAD MEDICINE-like. And my favorite of the bunch: OLDER, I co-wrote this with an old friend, Billy Falcon, in Nashville.  The lyrics are real and honest, and the chorus goes:

I like the bed I'm sleeping in
Just like me, it's broken in
It's not old, Just Older
Like a faded pair of torn blue jeans
This skin I'm in it's alright with me
That's not old, Just Older . . .

These lyrics sum up my feelings as of late. You see, this album will be my 10th and since 1983 I've seen five presidents, two CEO's, two owners and countless executives come and go from Polygram. I've been there now for 15 years and just like most people, I want stability, the relationships and the loyalty to remain intact. But as Marlon Brando said in THE GODFATHER, "It's not personal. It's business." I guess you've just got to roll with the
punches.

And as far as the sound and song style, I think it's taking shape and it's something you're gonna be more familiar with sonically. Now, to bridge the gap between music and the movies, let's talk soundtracks . . . First, I've already mentioned Pavarotti and LET IT RAIN. Next, it's ARMAGEDDON, the July 4th movie starring Bruce Willis. It's a big movie that needed a big song so . . . I wrote MR. BIG TIME. It's an out and out rock song recorded in my studio with the Big Dogs and help from Steve Lironi and Aldo Nova, who were in NJ
working on demos for the upcoming album. This project came together when veteran A & R guru John Kalodner called and said we need a rock song with the dialogue "big time" in it for the opening scene. I asked for a script and bang! They used the song. Also on the soundtrack are four Aerosmith songs, one Journey song (with a new singer) and some old Bob Seger and old ZZ Top. It's a good album. Check it out if you can and tell your favorite radio station to play it!

Now onto the movie world. As you probably know, THE LEADING MAN, NO LOOKING
BACK and HOMEGROWN have all been released, though in somewhat of a limited fashion. The only comfort I have is that the films really did come out and it seems the critics liked them. Peter Travers from Rolling Stone told me he wanted to stand on a street corner with LEADING MAN posters to get people to see the film. I have to say that made me feel pretty good.

Another highlight this year was being interviewed by Barbara Walters. She was as classy as they come before, during and after the interview. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did.

There have been several movie offers this year but none were taken. Now it's a matter of patience (which is something I don't have too much of). (Hey, I interrupt this insight with some good gossip! I just stood up in the aisle of the plan and Jenny McCarthy is sitting two rows behind me . . . sleeping. Oh, well . . . .) Now, back to the story. I can't concentrate. Jenny must have sucked my brains out . . . Ah! June and July are gonna be for writing and
recording demos, reading scripts and readying our new house. I've even been working as painter. It looks like the sequel to MOONLIGHT AND VALENTINO. Paint all over me and some even gets on the house. Then two final shows in Austria, June 20th & 21st I believe. Southside Johnny is gonna come and open for me that weekend and I may play guitar with the Jukes on some dates this summer.

Tico has been busy with his artwork. He just called me yesterday to say that he was doing a bronze hand sculpture and Jack Nicklaus' hands with a golf club. Dave has been in therapy for a finger injury that's kept him from playing for over a year but, he is on the way to a full recovery. He's also writing songs for a play. He'd like to have as many options open to him as possible and I'm sure that will go well. Richie lives full-time in California so no one sees him too much but he's busy establishing his solo career and talking about more kids.

So, as you can see, our lives are busy and busy is good. I want to thank you all for your support through the years and for allowing me to be the guest editor to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. Obviously, this wouldn't have been possible without my Mom, Polly and Rhoda, who care about this fan club 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and the loyal Bon Jovi fans who made it all possible.

Have a great summer. Look out for Richie's tour and records. And know we're still here.

Always,

Jon Bon Jovi

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