NewsBLITZ: BON JOVI DOCUMENTARY HITS TRIBECA FILM FEST

Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful, a documentary about the much-loved rock band, will premiere as a work in progress screening at this year's Tribeca Film Festival. The initial screening will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Two additional screenings will take place on Thursday, April 30, and Saturday, May 2, 2009.

The documentary, directed by filmmaker and photographer Phil Griffin and produced by Academy Award and Emmy-winning producers @radical.media, captures the band on the road and behind-the-scenes during their 2008 Lost Highway World Tour, including Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres and David Bryan's historic concert in New York City’s Central Park and their two sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden.

“Nothing says rock ‘n’ roll more than Bon Jovi,” says Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal. “This compelling documentary gives you a glimpse behind-the-scenes of one of the great rock bands and unveils how they have stayed on top for the past 25 years. Jon has been a stalwart supporter and remarkable friend to our Festival, making it incredibly exciting to premier the Bon Jovi Story at Tribeca.”

Adds director Griffin: “Throughout the process of working with Bon Jovi, I was amazed at the candor and humility Jon and his band showed me. The result is not a neatly wrapped up bundle of staged interviews and musical interludes, but rather a series of open and sometimes difficult conversations, explored against a backdrop of music spanning 25 years. It is a film about the peace of Tico, the complexity of Richie, the drive of Jon and the brutal honesty of Dave. It is their willingness to share their stories that gives us what I hope is a very human story—that humanity is what I believe has seen this band stand the test of time.”

Visit the Tribeca Film Festival's website for more details.

NewsBLITZ: BON JOVI BOOK COMING NEXT FALL!

To celebrate Bon Jovi’s 25th anniversary, HarperCollins will release the first-ever official book on the band, Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful.

The book, which comes out next fall, will contain never-before-seen photos and exclusive text from the group (Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan and Tico Torres). Says HarperCollins: "From intimate moments to basking in the limelight, the book offers fans an honest, unposed and unscripted portrait of this legendary band at work and at home."

"We are honored to be collaborating with one of the most successful bands in rock history," explains Marta Schooler, Publisher of Collins Design. "Bon Jovi's continuing success has been no less than remarkable and we are thrilled to be publishing the must-have book for all their fans."

REVIEW: JON BON JOVI PERFORMS AT HILLARY CLINTON BENEFIT

Before he took the stage in Washington, D.C., to perform for the brand new President, Jon Bon Jovi helped out Hillary Clinton on Jan. 15 by performing at a fundraiser for the newly-appointed Secretary Of State at New York City’s Town Hall.

Democrats were abuzz as they filled up the venue, getting louder as time passed on as the event started a half an hour later than expected (apparently Hillary was on an Amtrak from D.C. back to NYC).

New York State government officials Sheldon Silver and David Patterson spoke and then a PowerPoint presentation was shown featuring all of Ms. Clinton’s achievements. Then Jon Bon Jovi took the stage.

Bon Jovi opened his set with a slow, almost unrecognizable cover of The Beatles’ classic “Help” that was simply brilliant. He was joined onstage by on-and-off members of Bon Jovi’s touring entourage—guitarist Bobby Bandiera, keyboardist Jeff Kazee and violinist Lorenza Ponce.

Jon said he was there for Hillary as “friends helping friends.” He then went on to perform Bon Jovi staples “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” and “Livin’ On A Prayer.” Next, Jon showed off his blue-eyed soul side with an amazing rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” which you can see below.



The 25-minute set closed with another Beatles cover: “Here Comes The Sun.”

Jon then introduced former President Bill Clinton via this touching speech:



Bill then thanked Jon and his family profusely for all of the help they've given the Clinton family over the years. “He never quits and I admire that,” Bill said of Jon.

After the remainder of Bill’s speech, Chuck Schumer spoke and then Chelsea Clinton.

Finally, Hillary arrived. Of Jon, she said that he’s proof that “good guys can finish first.”

I agree with that!!!

NewsBLITZ: BON JOVI’S THE TOP TOURING ACT OF 2008

Bon Jovi has been named the top touring act in the world for 2008 by Billboard magazine. The rock group’s international jaunt, in support of latest release Lost Highway, grossed $210.6 million and drew 2,157,675 fans.

“The foundation of our success was and is touring,” says frontman Jon Bon Jovi. “Whether it was a nightclub or a stadium, we played each show like it was our biggest show. Our fans have been the reason why a second generation now share in this great honor. We thank you all.”

MusikBLITZ witnessed multiple Bon Jovi shows this past year and thinks the band rightfully deserves this title!