Queenie's Corner: 2009

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Jon Bon in St. Bart's

It seems our favorite frontman is spending some quality time in the sun this week. Wish I was. Damn snow and cold...

Monday, December 28, 2009

Born this day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was our favorite bass player and member-but-not of Bon Jovi, Hugh McDonald!

Happy Birthday Hugh! And look, I didn't even tell anyone how old you are. :)

Saturday, December 26, 2009

About a week and a half ago Richie played the KLOS Christmas Party. Here he is singing We Weren't Born to Follow... we don't care that he messes up the words, do we? :)

Friday, December 25, 2009

Hugs and happiness to you and yours...

Merry Christmas...

I hope you got everything you wished for...

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Peace, love, health, happiness and friendship I wish for you and yours this holiday season.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Yes my friends, there is a Santa Claus. Your present? Another chapter of Sweet Dreams. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Obscure Songs on the Circle Tour?

After 25 years of crafting rock anthems and stadium hits, Bon Jovi could fill a two-hour show with nothing but the obvious choices. But Jon Bon Jovi tells Spinner when the group hits the road this February in support of their new album, 'The Circle,' things might be different this time.

"I had a conversation just the other night with a reporter who came to a television broadcast and her thinking was maybe [play] some more of the obscure tracks, maybe some more of these album tracks you either play when you're in Europe or you don't play that often," he says. " I said, 'Gee, aren't I supposed to satisfy the needs and not be the selfish artist who wants to play these album tracks because you paid to hear me sing all the ones you hear on the radio, the hits?' And she's saying, 'No, you guys have also been around so long that most people in this audience have in fact seen you a bunch of times. So feel free -- believe me they know how 'Bad Name,' 'Prayer' and 'Wanted' go. You don't have to do them all the time every day.'"

That conversation obviously resonated with the frontman. "Granted, we're always gonna want to do those ones, but what if we don't play 'Always' and that was a monster hit ballad? What if you don't feel like playing ballads that night, so you don't do any of them? I think we've earned the right to have that freedom," he says.

That freedom could stretch to 'The Circle.' "This new album, I feel like it could be a great opportunity to do the album in its entirety. We've done that before when we did 'Lost Highway.' Because of the Nashville influence, it allows for that," he says. "The [new songs] were just made to be played in a stadium venue."

Guitarist Richie Sambora says whatever rarities his frontman wants to bust out, the band will be ready. "Jon's the quarterback, he's gonna call the set list and there are gonna be audibles and that happens all the time," Sambora says. "A lot of times we'll be sitting in the dressing room and Jon will say, 'Hey, let's just pick this song up, play 'These Days' or 'Keep the Faith' or something like that that we haven't played in 10 years.' Then we'll learn it on the spot, and take it on the stage that evening and play it. It's really gonna depend on the feeling of where we're at and what's going on."

source

Short David Bryan Interview...

From Z100's Jingle Ball on December 18...

Rockin' Art Star Comeback: Tico Torres

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

With the recent release of Bon Jovi's eleventh studio album and his first solo exhibit in 12 years, Tico Torres is riding the comeback wave to South Florida.

Tico Torres, drummer of New Jersey’s finest band, Bon Jovi, has been painting for longer than he’s been playing music. For his first show in 12 years, Torres teamed with the MAC Art Group during Art Basel week for a spectacular showing of his latest collection entitled “Many Faces,” of which proceeds benefit the Tico Torres Children Foundation. Before his “Many Faces” premiere, Tico, looking fly in all black, chatted with MIAMI about his art, his music and the combination therein.

On his art: [I started painting when I was] five-years-old. My mother bought me some clay and the first thing I made was a caveman. And then I had a little paint set and just started painting.

On the Cuban influences in his art: If there is, it’s only what I got from my family, there was always Latin music being played [at home]. But as for the colors I use in my art: TV was in black and white, so colors were something special to me. I don’t know if that has something to do subliminally, but I always wanted to paint everything in a lot of colors.

On living in South Florida: I like it. It’s a better quality of life—you wake up and there are palm trees everywhere. New York City is great, but you miss that. The Wynwood district reminds me of Soho… it’s got that grit to it. It’s special, how Soho used to be.

On his music: [I started] drumming when I was 14-years-old quite by accident. My cousin was a classical guitarist and we’d jam together. When I was about 16-years-old, I was hanging out with a horn band and some friends of mine, it was show time and there were about 300 people waiting and he said, “get up there and play.” I had half a drumstick and a pair of pliers, and I played three songs with a 16-piece band. I was like, “this is awesome!”

On Bon Jovi’s new album, The Circle: I love it; it’s one of our best pieces. We did it in eight or nine months. We were really supposed to do a greatest-hits [album] and add three songs… but there was a lot to talk about. I can listen to it from beginning to end and not say, “that song shouldn’t be there.” This is the best record we could make at the time.

On the connection between art and music: It’s pretty much like when you’re playing in a jazz band, you play the head and then everyone kind of goes in their own direction. Well, art is totally that—there are no confines except for the actual canvas or piece size, and there’s every color. You should never set a limit, like “you can never use these colors because they don’t work with this.” That’s wrong. You know, if you make a mistake as a musician and you do it twice, it’s not a mistake.

source

Story Update...

Friday, December 18, 2009

I apologize for the delay in posting, but real life does tend to get in the way of things sometimes, especially this time of year.

Now, without further delay, a new chapter of Sweet Dreams is up for your reading pleasure. Read on my friends!

Friday Funnies, and Some Changes...

I'm trying out a new layout, what do ya'll think? I like it, but I'm not sure about the banner. It's okay for now, but if anyone is in the giving mood I'd welcome something new. I'm not very adept with any of the banner making programs, as you can probably tell.

I thank you in advance for anything that you might send my way.

Now, a little Calvin & Hobbes to brighten your day...

It's the 12 Guido Days of Christmas...

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

I hope this doesn't offend anyone of Italian descent (being half Italian myself I found this hysterical), but I just had to share...

How About...

A little eye candy to jump start your Tuesday?!

SNL Goodies...

Monday, December 14, 2009

A few promo shots...

Superman Tonight...

When We Were Beautiful...

I had hoped to spot our guys in a skit or two, but alas, that was not to be.

I only have one comment/criticism for our favorite guitarist. Richie, lay off the guy-liner, just a little... LOL

It's Time...

Friday, December 11, 2009

for the Friday Funnies... here is your weekly installment of Calvin & Hobbes...

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

Thursday, December 10, 2009

somewhere else.

Please.

It's been snowing here pretty much all afternoon and the wind isn't helping matters any. I can hardly wait to drive home tonight. That should be almost as fun as my drive in was this morning. I really hate the snow. I don't mind winter, I deal, as well as anyone, with the cold, but I could do without the icky white stuff mucking everything up.

That picture up there, that's just one of the main thoroughfares in my area. Nice, right? See why I can't wait to drive home?

Normally that trip takes approximately 20 minutes. Tonight I estimate doubling that travel time, maybe tripling, depending on how many of the drivers out there decide to be idiots. I got behind one this morning that thought doing 10 MPH was the smart thing to do. I understand slowing down when the weather is bad, but that was just ridiculous. You're just asking to have an accident that way.

My other peeve with the weather this time of year, having to clean off the car. I have a garage that sits behind my house and it is near to impossible to get the car into it. Consequently, I park in the driveway and the car gets covered with snow. So, I have to drag my ass outside in the frigid morning air most days from December to April, start the car so it gets close to warm by the time I leave and start brushing off the inches of accumulated snow and sometimes ice that encases my vehicle.

And I'm a bit OCD about it too. Ask my hub. I'm not lying.

I get every speck of snow off my car. I like to be able to see out all of my windows when I drive down the road. I also like to be able to see out my side view mirrors.

There are people, though, who find it perfectly acceptable to drive down the road without having cleared off the car at all.

And there are those who think the defroster will do the work for them.

And we wonder why there are so many accidents this time of year.

At least I don't have to worry about that tonight. I park in a garage where I work. I don't even have to leave my building to get to my car. Which is a good thing considering the wind has been howling all afternoon too.

Yay, winter's here. Whooo and hooo.

I am not amused.

Bon Jovi on Jimmy Fallon...

A couple of snippets from Jimmy Fallon last night (these came from the show's website)the guys were too funny...

Wanna See Bon Jovi on Tour?

BACKSTAGE JBJ FAN CLUB TRAVEL PACKAGES!

We now have hotel and ticket packages available for Hawaii, NYC, and Las Vegas exclusively for fan club members! The packages offer a range of services and perks such as hotel accommodations, concert tickets, food and drinks, exclusive parties, escorts at the shows, guided tours, special tour credentials, Bon Jovi memorabilia and more! These packages are going fast so sign up now to take the trip of a lifetime with Bon Jovi! Learn more about all of these packages on our Travel Package Page. To be eligible to purchase these exclusive, once in a lifetime packages you need to sign up for Backstage JBJ here or log in, then click here.

WIN A TRIP FOR 4 TO A BON JOVI U.S. SHOW OF YOUR CHOICE!

Attention all US Facebook users! Bon Jovi just launched a new Facebook app that could help you win 4 lower-bowl tickets to any US date on The Circle Tour, plus $2000 for travel and spending money! Simply go to Bon Jovi’s Facebook page and become a fan. Then, click on the tab called “Promotions.” Add the app to your profile and get as many friends as you can to do the same. The person who gets the most people to add the app to their profiles will win!

This sweepstakes is open to US residents only and ends on January 20th. Good luck!

Only Three More Weeks...

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Toxie is hitting the road to clean up America, but you can still see him in New York for only
$35!*
Click Here for tickets!

UPGRADE to the best seats
in the house for only $10 more!
Click Here to upgrade!

Don’t miss your chance to see this award-winning, hysterically funny musical!

3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER:

1. Click Here or visit www.broadwayoffers.com
and use code TOFINAL11.

2. Call (212) 947-8844 and use code TOFINAL11.

3. Bring this page to the New World Stages Box Office
340 West 50th Street (Between 8th and 9th Aves).

*$1.50 dollar facility fee included. This offer is valid for select performances thru 1/3/10 and is subject to availability. Not valid on prior purchase. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions; blackout dates and restrictions may apply. Limit eight (8) tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Offer may be revoked at any time.

FOR MORE TOXIC INFO VISIT THETOXICAVENGERMUSICAL.COM

Bon Jovi on Jimmy Fallon...

Bon Jovi Fans: The Band Will Answer Your Video Questions On Air Tomorrow Night!
Posted by Sara Schaefer December 8, 2009 3:00 PM

Attention all Bon Jovi fans!!! The entire band is on the show tomorrow night, and they'll be answering some of your video questions! Don't miss this chance to sort of make eye contact with Bon Jovi through your television/computer screen.

Click here for log in and uploading information.

FYI: This information was posted on the show's website yesterday (Tuesday, Dec. 8) the boys will be on tonight, set your DVRs and send in your questions. Who knows, they just might answer yours!

Yes my Followers...

Jonny was at the Giants v. Dallas game this past Sunday!

Someone please buy the man a new hat... I'm willing to ante up my share of the cost! :)

And a big thanks to my favorite Kiwi for sending this pic along.

Jon Bon in Newark Today...

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Jon Bon Jovi helps open HELP Genesis JBJ Soul Homes in Newark
Posted by Shawn Simons/ The Star-Ledger on December 8, 2009 at 05:19 PM

Mayor Cory Booker and Jon Bon Jovi cut the ribbon to open HELP Genesis JBJ Soul Homes in Newark's North Ward. This 51 unit apartment building provides community computer labs, art gallery, graphics facility and an environmentally-friendly "green" roof to its residents many of whom will have some special need. The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation and HELP USA provided most of the funding for this development.(Video by Shawn Simons/The Star-Ledger)

Jon Bon Jovi helps open HELP Genesis JBJ Soul Homes in Newark

Toxic Avenger Found his Bard in Bon Jovi...

Sunday, December 6, 2009

David Bryan just wants people to sing the songs he writes

You can take the guy out of New Jersey, but it doesn't necessarily work the other way around.

That's something you clue into pretty quickly after meeting David Bryan.

Most of the world knows the guy with the mane of curly blond hair as the awesomely skilled keyboard player of Bon Jovi.

But these days, he's also enjoying his career as a songwriter for Broadway musicals, most notably The Toxic Avenger (now on stage in a Dancap Production at the Danforth Music Hall) and Memphis (packing them in on the Great White Way in a show choreographed by Toronto's Sergio Trujillo). And no matter what he's doing, he's proud of his roots in Edison, N.J.

"I think growing up in the shadow of New York shaped me for life," says Bryan, relaxing in the balcony of the Music Hall, "Hey, you come from Jersey, you get used to being dumped on by the big city.

"We'd go swimming on the shore when I was a kid and we'd have f--king medical waste everywhere. I'm not kidding. Plastic tampon applicators would get stuck on your nose. We called them Jersey Trout."

It's easy to see how life lessons like that might warp a guy's sensibilities to the point that when he returned at the age of 45 to write a musical set in his home state, it would include songs with titles like "Hot Toxic Love," "Kick Your Ass" and "Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore."

What's interesting is how and why musical theatre finally entered the life of a guy with 25 years of rocking and rolling with one of the world's best-known bands under his belt.

"My rite of passage as a white Jewish kid in Edison didn't include growing up on musicals, with the sole exception of being taken to see Fiddler on the Roof for my bar mitzvah.

"When I was growing up, I had more comedy albums than musical ones. George Carlin, Cheech and Chong, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, those were my main men."

He proudly quotes what he calls "the rankest joke of my youth:" "I wanted to kiss a girl where it stinks, so I took her to New Jersey."

While reporting his offbeat comic taste, Bryan modestly leaves out the 13 years he spent studying classical piano at Julliard and the 4.0 GPA he was pulling down in pre-med at Rutgers when John Bon Jovi first came a-calling.

And from the release of 1986's Slippery When Wet, all thoughts of comedy, classical music or medicine went out of Bryan's head.

"But by the time 1998 rolled around, I was writing a lot of songs on my own and placing them with publishing companies, but it took so damned long for anyone to record them. Then one day my publisher said `What about musicals?' `What about them?' I asked right back, deeply suspicious.

"He said, `When you've got a musical, people are singing 20 of your songs eight times a week.' I admitted that sounded good to me, but I had to figure out how to do it."

The difference between composing cuts for a rock CD and compiling a Broadway score at first seemed monumental to Bryan.

"When you write for a band or for yourself, it's like you're writing down all your hopes and dreams, but when you've got a musical, you have a story and a character has to go from point A to point B and have it all make sense."

He got a crash course in how to do it when he met up with Joe DiPietro, another Jersey boy (this one from Teaneck). DiPietro already had a smash off-Broadway musical review to his credit (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change).

They worked out a modus operandi which involved discussing the story, throwing out titles and having Bryan come up with hooky melodies to fit those titles.

"A repeatable title phrase with a melody that sticks in your head," is how Bryan writes his songs and before you mock it, remember that was exactly the same tactic that Cole Porter employed.

DiPetro and Bryan actually started working on another show called Memphis years before The Toxic Avenger. It was about a white DJ in 1950s Tennessee who brought black music to all audiences.

After six years and four out of town productions, it finally opened on Broadway in October to respectable reviews and enthusiastic houses. Its message of tolerance is close to Bryan's heart, even thought colour wasn't the issue in his case.

"I grew up as one of the few Jews in Edison and I had people tell me they hated me because of my religion. And I would say, `Yeah? Well, I'm a big, tall, tough Jew and I'll knock you the f--k out.

So Bryan is wearing two hats on his considerable head of hair: one as a rock musician, one as a Broadway composer – and he doesn't intend to give either up.

"I'm in a very successful band. We all love each other. It ain't ever breaking up. I also have a terrific hobby that became a full-time job.

"My only problem? There's not enough time to sleep in my world."

source

Story Update...

Friday, December 4, 2009

A new chapter of Sweet Dreams has been posted. Read on my friends!

Mark this Date...

Dec. 16, The Mark and Brian Christmas Show.

Headlining the event are Heart, Foreigner and Richie Sambora. The Mark and Brian All-Star Band to be assembled for the gig is now said to include Slash and Bonham with Keith Emerson, Steve Lukather, Marc Bonilla and a "still yet to be named lead singer." Also appearing are William Shatner, Luke Perry, comedian Greg Behrendt and Matt Nathanson. To purchase tickets, try on Ticketmaster or see the KLOS Web site for contests and further details.

Friday Funnies...

So, the comic of the day has become the Friday Funnies... I like the sound of that better. Here's your Calvin & Hobbes for this Friday, December 4. This one seemed appropriate in light of what is going on in the world right now.