Why does Bon Jovi make me want to flick my Bic?

Because their music is amazing. The Bic-flicking tracks like Never Say Goodbye, Always, Bitter Wine, I’ll Be There For You, (It’s Hard) Letting You Go, Dry County... move me in a way that other so-called power ballads don’t. Chalk it up to being a child of the 80’s, and growing up with these songs as THE soundtrack to my memories (uh, hello, Senior Prom 1987 — NSG — need I say more?)

There are so many things I admire about this band…

... The fact that they’re not afraid to reach outside their comfort zone (TLFR) and not give a rat’s patootie what the critics say.

... The fact that the members of the band have other interests besides “being in Bon Jovi”. Have you SEEN Tico’s art? Laughed your butt off at Toxie? Enjoyed Richie’s line of guitars and solo career? Watched any of Jon’s movies?

... The fact that they GIVE BACK when they don’t have to. If you look in Wikipedia under “philanthropy” I think there’s a JonBon photo somewhere on the page. The money that the Tico Torres Golf Classic raises, the events Richie does for the Midnight Mission, the work David does for Only Make Believe, Save The Music, Music for All… come ON!

... The fact that they’re all great dads, and love and protect their kids

Bon Jovi is so much more than just “a hair-band from the 80’s who is still making music”. They are real men with real families, real problems, and a real talent for making me smile. They inspire me in so many ways (some family friendly, some not lol) and have led me to meet so many wonderful people through a joint love of this band that I wouldn’t otherwise know.

When I flick my Bic, it isn’t just because the tune demands it.

It’s in celebration of the wonderful things the band does, on and off the stage.

It’s in celebration of the myriad of emotions they can evoke and emote with just a fingertip or a long-held note.

It’s in celebration of the fellow members of the Sisterhood of the Brotherhood who have joined my extended family.

It’s in celebration of the joy that is, and God willing, will for many more years be, Bon Jovi.

~ Hath