The Difference Between Jon Bon Jovi and Vince Neil Live

Bon Jovi is on tour right now. By all accounts, a lot of the shows are sounding rough. Looking through YouTube, it is hard to disagree with this. Jon Bon Jovi has been pretty upfront, talking about how hard Covid-19 hit him and it messed up his voice and stamina. Bon Jovi is doing live songs in a lower key these days and that is good.

Now, Jon does not sound as rough as Vince Neil but I have seen some comparisons online. That isn't fair because there is a major difference here: it is pretty clear Jon is still trying as hard as he can and Vince... doesn't. I have seen Motley Crue live in concert more than a dozen times and Vince Neil solo a whole bunch too, so it isn't like I'm not a big fan. I'm just calling a spade a spade here. For my money in 2022, I would choose Bon Jovi over Motley Crue live, even knowing both singers are struggling these days. What do you think?

Bon Jovi Raises Money For Ukraine

Like Pink Floyd (see yesterday's post), Bon Jovi is using their name and collective fame to raise money to help the people of Ukraine. The band recently performed “We Don’t Run” while on tour. The performance is part of Global Citizen's humanitarian efforts. You can donate through the Global Citizen link. You can also help by donating through Impact Your World.

82.4 million people globally have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict, violence, persecution, or human rights violations. #StandUpForUkraine and ensure that they get the support that they need now. @glblctzn

Full Performance & Info: https://t.co/JOyqnC3YIV

— Bon Jovi (@BonJovi) April 8, 2022

The #StandUpForUkraine Social Media Rally STARTS NOW!

Join artists, athletes, advocates, & Global Citizens all around the world as we use our voices to fight for refugees in Ukraine and in conflict areas globally.

Here's how you can join 👇 https://t.co/PFlIykunOj

— Global Citizen ⭕ (@GlblCtzn) April 8, 2022

This Is Not A Drill: Pink Floyd Releases New Track

Pink Floyd, featuring David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Guy Pratt (bass) and Nitin Sawhney (keyoboard) created a new song "Hey Hey Rise Up" to benefit the people of Ukraine. The track features Andriy Khlyvnyuk of Ukraine on vocals and Khlyvnyuk is in a band called BoomBox.

This is the first new Pink Floyd music in forever. Endless River came out in 2014 but that was mostly from The Division Bell sessions. I was in junior high when my beloved Division Bell was released!

Bourbon and Beyond Festival Lineup

The Bourbon and Beyond Festival is set for September 15-18 in Louisville, KY.

The lineup was announced yesterday and overall it is pretty good. The band mix is interesting, featuring folks like The Doobie Brothers, Kings of Leon to Brandi Carlile, Alanis Morissette and Greta Van Fleet. Tickets are on sale now. Looks like four-day wristbands are under $300 at this time. Like most festivals, the price increases as more folks buy passes.

The 'American Idol' - Honeymoon Suite Connection

Honeymoon Suite guitarist Derry Grahan has a very talented daughter. Her name is Leah Marlene and she made it through to the Top 24 on American Idol last night.

It is pretty clear that Derry taught his daughter how to play guitar at an early age. She is very good! Of course Honeymoon Suite was mentioned in the package about Leah. Honeymoon Suite is more AOR than Glam but we've talked about them here occasionally. I was mildly amused and wondered how many people had to Google the band after hearing the name mentioned on American Idol. It would be wild to hear Leah sing a Honeymoon Suite song during the competition.

Honeymoon Suite - "New Girl Now"

The New Crashdiet Single Is A Banger

Crashdiet just released a new song called "Together Whatever." The band gives credit where it is due - and the video uses clips of all singers past and present, including Dave Lepard who we lost in 2006. The song is on the upcoming album Automation. It comes out April 29 and I am very excited for it - and can't wait to add the new songs to my collection. The song is a party anthem and the track reminds us it is okay to have fun, even while remembering the past that might be a little bittersweet.

Sunday's Best: Week 13, 2022

H/T to our beloved Metalboy! for linking the article below to me. It's a great New York Times opinion piece about the importance of the guitar solo and how music has evolved without them in modern songs (mostly). The article has special graphics and musical snippets. The piece notes that the nominated songs for the Grammy Awards - airing tonight - do not feature guitar solos.

“It’s easy to dismiss the guitar solo as an outdated, macho institution,” writes @nabilayers. “But the emotional power of the form endures.” https://t.co/3TY2qm90IJ pic.twitter.com/fZSBEDGQ7q

— New York Times Opinion (@nytopinion) April 2, 2022

Sharing one of the best live guitar solos of all time is our Sunday's Best for this week. Here's Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads, "Suicide Solution" from the album Tribute.