int6

Interview
Q:They say it's best to keep dreaming about reaching the top, cause once you get there it's bound to be a disappointment (except for the money), what do you think about that?
A:I've always liked the race more than the finish line. The creative process can be frustrating but when it comes together there is nothing like it. Sure success is never going to be everything you thought it would, you have to take the ups with the downs, it's just a part of life. But i wouldn't trade the last 20 years for anything, except maybe another 20.
Q:When it's all said and done, what do you want people to remember about you?
A:As far as entertainment is concerned I'd like the band to be remembered as a bunch of guys who dreamed they would and did accomplish what every kid dreams.
Q:Does the business end of Rock 'n Roll ever interfere with your creative attitude?
A:It's called the music business .It's a job. But thinking of a song that's going to get on the radio or MTV to fit a current fad is wrong, I didn't write Runaway because radio was going to love it. I just
wrote it for me, fortunally, people liked it. I know that there have been songs we've written to please other people but we've either never released them or we didn't enjoy playing them year after year. They just don't feel as good.
Q: If you could give awards for the best invention and most important person of this millenium, what and who would they be??
A:Without Thomas Edison there would be no records, no movies and no light bulb for me to be writing these answers at 4:00 in the morning.
Q:How has being 12 or so years older changed your thinking about music, if at all?
A:I've come full circle with this new album. We're not trying to write we're just writing. The album was meant to be fun.
Q:How do you feel when you hear something about you that isn't true? Do you ever feel you'd like to set the record straight in public or simply let people talk knowing that the truth will come out sooner or later?
A:I usually let it go and know that the truth will come out sooner or later. There's too much energy wasted on anything else.
Q:Does the record company push for new material and do they have any influence on the final selection of songs or do they pretty much leave you alone?
A:I haven't involved the company in the making of this record. the new regime doesn't know us well enough to understand the process. I still rely on out instincts.
Q:You've done so many interviews, is there a question that no one has ever asked and you wish someone would?
A:NO
Q:How did you come to write "Sometimes It's a Bitch" for Stevie Nicks?
A: Billy Falcon and I wrote that trying to put ourselves in her shoes. We just tried to say something about Stevie that may not have been said in such a direct manner before.
Q:During an interview you said that the notebook you wrote the songs from Destination Anywhere in was misplaced during travel. Was it ever found? Were the final songs on the CD the original songs or did you have to rewrite them?
A: My book was misplaced and yet it was found. i was so grateful cause I had no back-up and couldn't remember all the lyrics.
Q:Do you have any aspirations to direct and produce movies as well as act in them?
A:Dorothea says it's only a matter of time but not right now. I'm just trying to get acting jobs and make records. That's difficult enough.
Q:Cosmopolitan named you one of the sexiest men the world recently and a few years ago you were on people's "50 most beautiful people in the world" list. Does it bother you that sometimes people seem to think more of your looks than your music?
A:It used to bother me back in the Slippery era when i felt that the music wasn't being paid enough attention to. Now, we've been around forever and the body of work speaks for itself.
Q:What's the best thing that music gives you?
A:Freedom, I can create something, have control of every aspect of it and can get paid for it.
Q:What does the future hold for Bon Jovi?
A:Other than probably release date of May 2000 I really don't know. I imagine we'll tour at least for the second halve of the year then, who knows.
Q:While listening to Slippery When Wet, I noticed that the song Pink Flamingos precedes Let it Rock and although it appears on the album musically, it doesn't appear on the song listening on the album sleeve/CD insert. Why is that?
A: It's not really a song it's just a musical interlude.
Q:If you could arrange a concert anywhere at all, where would it be and who'd be on the playing list?
A: The ultimate show took place in Red Bank almost 2 years ago. As a benefit for Patrick King, a police officer who was killed on duty. It was called Jon Bon Jovi and Friends which was really Bruce Southside, Little Steven and Bon Jovi.
Q:What advice would you give to an aspiring musician who hopes to be successful?
A: Be True
Q:What other bands do you like?
A:The Wallflowers, Everlast, AC/DC, and all the old stuff I grew up on.
Q:Now that you're busy in the studio again, what parts of the recording process so you enjoy (and dislike) the most, and why?
A:I'd have to say that the process in the studio has been a blast. nobody knows how the record will be accepted but the process has been so easy and productive i don't remember anything other than maybe Slippery being this easy. Preparation has been the key element.
Q: So many people would like to meet you; is there someone you'd like to meet who you've never met before?
A:Frank Sinatra, because the guy really was the ultimate in cool. He did 60 movies and toured till he was 80. he also helped elect a president and did wonders to so many of his friends.
Q: Do you ever wish you were anonymous?
A:Rarely, being me is good job.
Q:Can a song meant to be a ballad at first end up a rock song? Or the other way around?
A:It's possible. Say it isn't so on the new record was a mid tempo, Sheryl Crow sounding, mellower track, it Rocks now!
Q:What is the best advice about life you've ever received?
A:Be true, be loyal, forgive but don't forget and don't order anything on the menu you can pronounce.
Q:Have you ever had a creative block? If so ,how did you overcome it?
A:Don't push it. It might be a week or a month maybe a year. It happens. I've realized it's OK, so I'll wait it out and start reading scripts or different books or sometimes listen to other records. Sometimes it's as simple as watching a movie. One line of dialogue can bring on a whole song.
Q:Can you describe the different stages in he process of recording a song in the studio? What really comes first, and what has to be done last?
A:Considering the song is written and arranged, we'll record the basic tracks which are drums and bass with a scratch guitar, keyboard and vocal. Then you re-do the guitars, keyboards and lead vocals. Finally it's background vocals, percussion and any strings if necessary. lastly it's mixed and mastered.
Q:Do you think the current music scene is moving away from real musicians and into anyone who can get a studio sound but are unable to recreate it live?
A:Yes and No. Some of the pop songs on the radio as well as the rap stuff are product of the studio environment but then the Chili peppers and us o in and record an organic rock record.
Q:We all know you loved the Godfather I and II. if you had the opportunity to be in either of them, what character would you have liked to play and why?
A:I'm part Michael and part Sonny. I take cae of a lo of people and sometimes I need people to take care of me.
Q: Will the band ever release a collection of B sides, which, up till now, are only available on imports?
A: B sides are plentiful around here and it might be a good idea as a part of a box set or something.
Q:Do you feel that the critical acclaim you've been given as an actor will in any way affect public reaction to your music? If so, why?
A: Recently I've been told that a hit record would help me get bigger, better roles in movies. But for the last five years it was the opposite in Hollywood. Those guys said "we don't believe a rock
star can be believable as an actor." It goes to show that they're clueless.
Q:The life of a rock star can be trying with the loss of privacy and rigid touring schedules, if either of your children wanted to pursue a career in rock music would you encourage or discourage them based on your experiences?
A:No, I'd encourage my kids if they go into music but only if they did it because they loved it, not because dad does it.
Q:Who has been the greatest influence in your music career? Do you ever regret choosing music as your career?
A: Bruce and Southside were, of course, my greatest influences. And I have never regretted choosing music as a career, it's been an honor.
Q:You've said you don't like to make video's, but what's the difference between making a video and acting in a movie?
A:Videos are difficult because you're not really singing or playing. Movies are similar to collaborating on stage live because each take is always going to be different no matter how many times you do it.
Q: Aside from the other members of Bon Jovi ,what 4 musicians would you love to play with on stage?
A:The Big Dogs. Sean, Bobby, Jerry and Everett are a great band for my solo work.
Q:In the last issue you wrote that you had 60 songs but you and Richie narrowed it down to 18. How can you be sure you pick the right ones? For example,I like Fields of fire and Let's make it baby very much and they were both demo's.
A:It's though but we try to look at it like a movie or a book. the final songs need a beginning, a middle and an end.
Q:You sing with such emotion. What do you think has more power emotionally, melody or lyrics?
A:It's about the lyrics to me.
Q: My absolutely favorite time of the year is Christmas. iId like to know how do you enjoy spending you holidays and what is it you love the most about Christmas?
A:Christmas is about kids and family. The time we spend together is precious now that everyone is so busy the rest of the year. It's also a time to catch up with friends. Tomorrow is New Year's Day and this year had been a great holiday in our new home with everyone and the band.
Q:If you were to give a one sentence message to your fans, what would it be?
A:Thanks for still being there.
Q:My son is an aspiring rock star. So far the opportunities that have come their way seem to be luck. How would you describe Bon Jovi's rise to fame?
A:Luck plays a part, but it's about songs. Whitout a good song you might make a record but probably not a career.
Q:How did you feel when Bon Jovi was named band of the 90's and Band of the Millennium?
A: I thought the interviewer was lying, but it made us feel really great. we were flying for a week. I know this record won't let you guys down. the only bad news is next year when all the fair weather fans come back around and say "Oh, I've always loved Bon Jovi" you're gonna be sick.
Those were all the winning questions!!

ONLINE CHAT WITH JON, FEB 1st 2000

Have you ever met Tim couch of the Cleveland browns?
Jon: no
Jon: Kon Chauvie sure I'll say hi to you guys.. You guys did a very
good version of our songs.
Will there be a new stage?
Jon: yes
Are you hung over jon?
Jon: no I'm not ;)
Do you like the Black Crows?
Jon: yes
Is there gonna be a democratic fund raiser?
Jon: no fund raiser but I did see the president last weekend.
Will there be the Disney movie?
Jon: no (thank god)
Will there be a fan club screening for U571?
Jon: don't know but not a bad idea.
Have you heard Jimmy Barnes' new album?
Jon: no I haven't heard it.
Do you have any Tico's paintings?
Jon: many
Will this be the last Bon Jovi album?
Jon: not sure... (laughing) hey call me on that.
Do you know Hanoi Rocks?
Jon: yea I remember them.
Are you an Axl Rose fan?
Jon: yes
Do you like Savage Garden?
Jon: no not my type of thing.
How is Snake?
Jon: just saw Snake in LA. He's doing good...
Is there gonna be any videos?
Jon: the video is not done yet and hopefully there will be 4 videos
for this album.
Will you come back to Portland?
Jon: yea I would like to come back to Portland.
Where is Richie?
Jon: Richie is in NY. He just got back from LA.
Will you work with Wayne Ishman again?
Jon: yea I will work with Wayne. He is doing our videos.
Will you guys do a "behind the music"?
Jon: no I hate those things, they are stupid and I'm tired of hearing
people whining all the time.
Are there any ballads on the album?
Jon: yea 3; Thank you for loving me, She's a mystery, and Save the world.
What kind of aftershave do you use?
Jon: who cares what my after shave is .. Settle down.. Geeshh
Why did you decide on Pay it forward?
Jon: I decided on that because it's a big movie, great cast.
What type of role are you gonna be doing?
Jon:   well its a kind of an abusive family part. The kid from the Sixth
Sense will act son.
Will you be doing any comedies?
Jon: no comedy movies.
How many songs will be on the album?
Jon: 12 songs for USA, 13 for Asia, and 13 for Europe.
Will you be doing a Hard Rock live?
Jon: no we already passed on that.. I don-t like them, I think they are goofy.
Is the album done yet?
Jon: no the album is not done and probably won't be until the first of March.
Have you ever experienced writer's block?
Jon: all the time.
How come you don't like the Dutch fan club?
Jon: we like the Dutch fan club, it's just not an official fan club.
Will you do a story tellers?
Jon: yea maybe we could do that one.. Its pretty cool
How come America doesn't get bonus tracks?
Jon: cause America gets the actual album and you have to give the
other countries B-sides. I dont know why that is the way it is.
Have you still been jogging?
Jon: no I have done that in a while and probably won't - I need to have
knee surgery.
Hugh said its not a pretty sight to see you naked.
Jon: (laughing) "fuck Huey"
Could your knee effect the tour?
Jon: maybe I need to get on having that operation done.
Are you excited about the tour as much as we are?
Jon: I will be when I show up for it, but until then I don't think about it much.
Are there any support bands as of yet?
Jon: no support bands decided yet, dont know what's going on with
the tour dates yet.
Have you seen Interview with a vampire?
Jon: yea
Jon: Australia you get the same bonus track as a
Asia.
Are there any plans for a live album?
Jon: we have been talking about that for 10 years now.
Is there gonna be a box set?
Jon: eventually we will get around to a box set.
Are you gonna still do solo's?
Jon: yea we are still gonna keep making records..

Online chat with RICHIE & JON from Friday the 7th, 2000

Well it started.. with Richie saying hello folks this is Jon and Richie..
RICHIE: what the hell do you want to know.. ( Jon laughing lots)
Well this was a short chat this time it was only about 15 mins long
and started at a little after 8 pm eastern time.
First someone said Loan me some money and the guys were laughing.
RICHIE: answering the lend me some money question.. NO!!!! laughing....
Will you guys come to Finland?
JON: YES
Who do you want to go to the Superbowl?
JON: who cares... ( snickering to himself)
RICHIE: : well I would like to see....
Hey Jon Alanis wants to do a duet with you guys..
JON: That's fine with me.
Richie will there be any songs for Spin City?
RICHIE: No .. no songs. they usually just have that (beep beep next
scene) and he was making sounds also..
Jon where is the tour gonna start?
JON: we want it to start in Japan.
Where's Tico?
JON: Tico is in Florida.. so if you live in Florida go look for
him... (Richie giggling)
Richie did you audition for Kiss at one time?
RICHIE: Yes I think back in 83 "when I was 7" (laughing hysterically)
Jon talking and trying to answer questions and Richie saying I can't
read them they are too fast...
Hey Jon no "Jack" tonight?
JON: laughing no not tonight ..
RICHIE: what are you talking about?
JON: we had a few drinks the other night... and got on here...
(both laughing)
Hey Richie how are you doing?
RICHIE: HUH? Fine thanx.
JON: we told them you were sick (JON laughing)
RICHIE: ohhh yea I was very sick.....
When is the new album due out?
JON: May 30th in the States...
Richie do you have any New guitars?
RICHIE: Yes. and I also have a new acoustic which will be available
right around the same time as the album on Taylor guitars.
Where is Dave?
JON: I don't know where he is if you see him send him here..
Are you the only ones doing this web cast thing?
JON: Yes!!!!!! we are one of the more famous bands doing it..
Still saying things were going too fast.. and trying to slow things down..
RICHIE: we are trying to slow things down but we don't know how..
(looks at Jon) ???
JON: don't look at me I don't know how to use these things..
JON: blaze of glory in the UK tribute band.. that is ok with us..
Richie I have the same tattoo with the wings and guitar. Do I have to
pay infringement?
RICHIE: No.. its cool with me...I wont charge you this time..
and they guys are still saying send all pics to Mlnr32@aol.com.. and
they are still waiting on a few pics.. and laughing ..
Jon also mentioned that this was Spank-o-Vision.. and Richie is
cracking up at this point..
Are film or concert Critics nicer?
JON: Film critics are definitely nicer.
Richie what do you think of Metallica's cover album?
RICHIE: I think they should do a cover of one of our songs.. ;)
(Jon and guys laughing)
Richie I like your hat.
RICHIE: thanx. me too.
Richie can I give you a Massage ill go topless?
RICHIE: (laughing and looking a little surprised)
well send your resume to BON JOVI.Com.. (then the guys in the back are
yelling send it to mlnr32@aol.com.)
What do you think about bootlegs?
RICHIE: was saying something but could hardly hear him do to Jon talking....
JON: don't care...
The phone Rings also.. and Richie answers it and says Hello... then
well HI!!! he was very excited.. then he said We are on TV. and
laughing.. then he hands the phone to JON and he said ohh is it for
me? then he said hello and yea ill be home soon...
There were a few other things going on in the room also...
Someone also asked what about Box sets?
RICHIE: we will do one sometime.
JON: yea maybe one day.

One of the question was..
Is there gonna be a "Behind the Music"?
JON: NO
Why?
JON: Because we will never tell the truth... ( him laughing)
Will you guys do a "Storytellers"?
JON: Yea we could do that one..
When will the new album be out?
JON: in may
Will there be a single?
JON: : yes! it will be out in march .. "Say It Ain't So" is the single.
He was also saying the names of ppl coming in and out of the room and
saying hi to some of them..
I had asked if the other guys will be doing the same thing as in
coming in and doing a question answer thing like he did..
JON: : yea all the guys will be in here doing this also... (very
enthusiastic)..
Then he was also reading and mostly saying (blah blah blah) ..lol..
allot of the questions were the same ones.. and ppl telling him that
they loved him... ok back to the questions..
Someone had asked ...
Do you regret not playing a millenium show?
JON: NO! not at all..
How come we cant hear you singing?
JON: because of bootleggers and they would put the album out 4 months
before us...
Will Richie sing any lead on the album?
JON: NO!!!! because he is too good and I would be out of a job.. He
is only going to be doing background vocals..
Where is Richie?
JON: In California and is sick..
but I told him that he better be bak in the studio Friday.. (laughs)
will there be another episode of "Sex in The City"?
JON: NO!
These were answered at random.. just what he could catch... he answered..
Will Hush or Older be on the album?
JON: Older will... Hush no...
that is the only song from the bash that will be on the album..
They were doing allot of laughing and goofing off..
Iceman asked....
"Drinking Jack?"
JON: Yes Iceman...
Jon, any plans for a solo album?
JON: Definetly
Then there was a point where everyone was telling Jon how much they
loved him and wanted to have sex with him..Then Iceman said..
"I love you guys too in a male-bondage kinda thing you know? :)"
JON: (laughing with Obie) Calm down Iceman, Calm down!
Ice then said "I'm trying"..lol..    then Obie was happy..lol.
Ice also asked.. the last song that was played was that "One Wild Night"?
JON: no..
What about the vocals?
JON: vocals are done just a few backups to do
Then they started talking about pictures and sending them in.. and
Ice asked what kind of pics do you guys want..
OBIE: well we dont want any pics of you Iceman.. unless it is a pic
of your girlfriend... (everyone laughing)
Then someone asked if they could work for them...like cleaning the studio
JON: yea sure you can.. but only if you are topless
Soo what about the tour?
JON: it will only be 6 months and will start in the far east.. and
the summer months will be over seas.
Will you do a Wembley show?
JON: well we are hoping to be the last band to perform there before
it is knocked down... we have a few dates on hold for Wembley.
Will there be any ballads on the album?
JON: yea 2 of them...
With them being silly.. someone asked what's the craziest thing you
ever done for a woman..
JON: (laughing) got an extension.
Then someone asked.
How long have you been married?
JON: 10 years
then he was also reading at the same time and said boring.. so I
assume he was talking about the questions.. :)
Marylynn had asked several questions also..
Did the Yankees get a hit today?
JON: (everyone laughing hysterically) not really answered..lol.
Jon can you type?
JON: NO!
Then more questions from others
Is this the end of the Christmas shows?
JON: there are no plans in the future but maybe sometime..
Will there be a fan club trip?
JON: Yea Probably
Shari (blackvelvet)had also asked..
will there be a fan club trip for Europe finally?
JON: No unfortunately
Can I have an interview for blackvelvet mag.?
JON: sure Shari I will talk to you any time...
Someone asked about the music sound..
JON: we are in a better mood this time around and this is allot like
slippery.. YOU will LOVE this record.. ( he was very excited when he
was talking about it.)
Someone also asked..
Would you rather do movies or music?
JON: : MOViES!!!!!.. I'd fucking leave this in a minute.. (Jon and
guys laughing) then Jon said That will really PISS them off....
What do you think of the Backstreet Boys?
JON: Those guys are really great..
they were at my charity party I had at my house and they did
something really cool.. they did a meet and greet and had someone
picked up by a limo and everything those boys are alright with me..(
he acted like he really liked those guys)
They also asked...
Obie do you have a girlfriend?
OBIE: No I dont have one.. and was laughing about it...lol..
Hey Jon how's Alec?
JON: I dont know.. I wonder what he is doing now.. I would like to
talk to him. :)
Is Hugh a permanent member of bon Jovi?
JON: Hugh will play with BJ but Alec will always be the bass player of BJ.
Obie has been showing a picture of his car and someone asked
who bought you that car?
OBIE: (looking at Jon) "Can I say?"   Jon said sure.. and he said
Jon did.. "I love this guy!" and then grabbed Jon's head and kissed
him on the cheek. ;))
Hey Jon are the Skid Row guys still alive?
JON: (laughing) yea they are still alive.... I just spoke to Snake
the other day..
Someone asked if Aldo Nova worked on this album.
JON: no Aldo didn't work on this album but he is doing great.
Jon did you have claustrophobia on the set of U571?
JON: there was a fire in the same metal box we were in and no I'm not
a big fan of that...
Ok, now they were also getting more playful and Jon said at one
point "ok, now I want Slut questions.." and laughing at the same
time..
Then Marylynn said she was wearing nothing but a smile...
JON: ok you got our attention Marylynn...
Someone asked about there being a live album..
JON: yea sure someday
Jon is your hair growing back?
JON: YES!! my hair is growing back finally... Jesus Christ!!!!!.. no
further comment.. he was a little irritated with that question and he
also ran his fingers through his hair at the same time..
Is this gonna be an acoustic album?
JON: no.. This is a pure rock record...
More silly questions...
Jon what do you like in a woman?
JON: a pulse...
Marylynn also asked if they needed a bartender..
JON: said sure .. send us your picture Marylynn...
Marylynn also mentioned breaking out the Muff dives.. and mike
repeated it.. and the all laughed..
what do you think of tribute bands?
JON: Kon Chauvi is a really great band (sounding very happy with them)
what do you think of the tribute album Cinderella and others are
doing about you guys?
JON: I didn't know there was one.
It was said in metal edge. Ice: "The Cindrella guys without Tom."
JON: that's real sweet.. I didn't know anything about it..
Someone asked if Jon slept with Kate moss..
JON: laughing and the others laughed also .. and someone said that is
just skin.. just skin...
Jon, are you working on any movie or other projects at the moment?
JON: NO!! just the album nothing but the album...
JON: MTV SUCKS!!!!!
Jon, will you do a Howard stern show?
JON: Definitely....
Obie also kept saying that they will be back Friday at 7pm for more
with OBIE & MIKE..
Someone asked about Milliner being in the studio and they said it was
great he is an awesome man..
The phone rang a couple times also and they were like... is that
yours or mine and Jon said it ain't mine..lol.. he also answered a
phone call too.. then the sound got real crappy and it cut out allot
then the phone call was over..

Jon Bon Jovi / Interview in The Face Magazine / November 1992

You played the London Astoria last night. That's a small venue for you.
I told the kids, "You're so close you could smell me." I was just as happy there as I've been in any arena or stadium. Probably happier, because there's no boundaries.
To write the lyrics of "lf I Was Your Mother" on the new album, did you really put yourself inside the idea of being somebody's mother?
When you're so obsessed with love, regardless of who you are or who you're in love with, if it can become that focused and that unconditional, the only way that you could get any closer is to hove actually bore that person. A father can't actually be even that close. It hit me as an idea because I had become so, not obsessive, but in love. What else can you do? What else can you say?
When you did a motorcycle trip across America, what was the most awe-inspiring thing you saw?
I can't say just one thing. I rediscovered America. I went to places like Prescott, Arizona, where there was a guy playing a Doss mat was like a Droomstick one string and a s oup ketfe and singing his guts out in a bar, twelve noon'n'drunker than a skunk but living life, enjoying life.
Mike Edwards from Jesus Jones did a house remix of "Keep The Faith". What's the story?
Mike was great. I never even spoke to him, actually. We sent him the tapes. He wanted to do it. He did it and I don't even think we're gonna release it. Great idea, great in theory. It just didn't overly excite me. He did a great job. I didn't know how I could go out and do it live.
I heard a rumour that you got to like EMF.
EMF the band? That's not Jesus Jones, that's the other one. No, they both sound alike. Rumours abound in this country. I thought you were gonna tell me that my hair got burned off at a Springsteen barbecue.
So why did you change your hairstyle?
No big deal. Ifs not a case of Samson, I just sat down with a girl who cuts hair and she soys, "Can I cut your hair?" And I say, eah, ok." If anything, I didn't wanna you know, long hair, heavy metal, rock'n'roll band. Now I go to myself, Christ, I can't believe I had that mop for 15 years.
What do you think is the worst heavy metal fashion of all time?
I don't think that there was a worst heavy metal fashion because it just come to mind about how the disco era went through the white suit phase and the gold jewellery. The cowboys with those big belt buckles and mutton chops. I think we've gotten off easy.
Do you think there's ever been a good rock'n' roll movie?
I loved Tommy when I was a kid, but I don't know how it would hold up now. Gimme Shelter, the Rolling Stones movie, I enjoyed that immensely. Than Or Dare [In Bed With Madonna] I didn't get much out of. Rattle And Hum I didn't like at all. All of the Beatles movies were great.
What do you think of Bill Clinton?
This is the first president who's not old enough to be my father. Who understood rock'n'roll, who smoked dope, definitely (. . . .. . . ) that blonde and avoided the draft. He did the things that I can relate to. He called me last week I spoke to him. That's pretty hip.
What's your opinion of his saxophone playing?
Its ok- I wouldn't put him in the band tomorrow but look at that. He understands music. What an amazing thing.
Who invented the power hook, in your opinion?
I did. We were the ones that got it to the big time, that got it to the number ones and the big albums - not a million and two million but five and ten. And Def Leppard. They were before us. In America, there was Joumey before us, and
Foreigner. Those hard rock bonds were becoming radio friendly because there were hooks. There was the Sweet in the Sevenfies. There was Slade. Man, there was a band full of hooks. And Thin Lizzy.
Have you lost any of your New Jersey accent over the years?
I don't think so. There was a girl here interviewing me from the Guardian who claimed to be from New Jersey, but as I said thanks for coming she said, "Oh, cheers." I said, you've lost it, you've completely lost it." And she got so upset with me. She said, "I have not!" I said, you have too! We don't say'cheers' in New Jersey".
If you had two career choices: either a lounge singer in Vegas or a singer in a Florida death metal band, which would you choose?
Whatever song lyrics appealed to me better. I've never been one to preach doom and gloom but I'm not gonna go in there and sing "Feelings". In fact, I once told a good friend of mine, "Listen, if I'm ever in Vegas just get the hook and pull me,
because then we know we've truly exhausted it".
What would you do if you couldn't be in the music business any more?
I'd be really happy doing something as simple as working in an auto body shop.
In the future, do you think relations between women and men will get better or worse?
I think they'll get much better,'cause women are being treated more and more like the equals they should be, I think you'll see a woman president in our lifetime. I'm optimistic