Springsteen rocks with Jon Bon Jovi at pre-Grammys tribute

Bruce Springsteen and different music stars paid tribute to rocker Jon Bon Jovi on Friday at an annual pre-Grammys fundraiser, placing their spin on hits equivalent to “Blaze of Glory” from the singer’s intensive rock catalogue.

Bon Jovi based a band of the identical identify in 1983 in New Jersey and helped outline the guitar-heavy rock of the Nineteen Eighties. The 61-year-old was chosen as this yr’s Person of the Year by MusiCares, a charitable arm of the Recording Academy that raises funds to assist musicians with well being care and different wants.

Springsteen, additionally from New Jersey, joined Bon Jovi on stage in downtown Los Angeles for a duet of “Who Says You Can’t Go Home?” Both performed guitar and sang. Former Beatle Paul McCartney stood within the viewers and clapped his arms above his head.

Springsteen’s mom, Adele Springsteen, died on Wednesday at age 98. Bon Jovi mentioned he would have understood if Springsteen, whom he referred to as a good friend and mentor, had cancelled his look.

“But he wanted to be here tonight for MusiCares, and he wanted to be here tonight for me, and I’m forever grateful,” Bon Jovi mentioned.

Bon Jovi additionally talked in regards to the significance of music in his life. “Every time I strum my guitar, I’m reminded that I have a best friend for life. That instrument will never let you down,” he mentioned.

During a three-hour tribute, fellow ’80s rocker Sammy Hagar belted “You Give Love a Bad Name,” folk-rock musician Melissa Etheridge sang “Blaze of Glory”, and singer-songwriter Jason Isbell carried out “Wanted Dead or Alive.”

Other performers included nation singer Jelly Roll and husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty, two acts competing for greatest new artist at Sunday’s Grammys.

Bon Jovi applauded the performances and laughed at jabs from host Jim Gaffigan in regards to the singer’s massive hair and over-the-top clothes of the Nineteen Eighties. Gaffigan joked that Bon Jovi and his band seemed like “a gang of aerobics instructors” on the time.

The night time ended with the all-star lineup gathering on stage with Bon Jovi for the rock anthem “Livin’ On a Prayer.”

Past MusiCares honorees have included Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, Tony Bennett, Billy Joel and Fleetwood Mac.

“It’s humbling,” Bon Jovi instructed Reuters earlier than Friday’s occasion. “I’m touched to be even mentioned in that group of people who have received this before.”