Jon Bon Jovi was honored as MusiCares Person of the Year Friday night in L.A. The award is given to artists for their charitable work, and he has certainly done that with his JBJ Foundation and JBJ Soup Kitchen, which is dedicated to feeding those in need.
He told us before the event that when he launched his charities, getting an award for it was the furthest thing from his mind.
Bon Jovi himself started the evening off with a bang, performing "Legendary," the not-yet-released first single off his band's upcoming album, then calling up Bruce Springsteen to join him on "Who Says You Can't Go Home," which segued into The Boss's "The Promised Land."
Many wondered if Springsteen would perform, since his mother, Adele, passed last Wednesday at age 98. Bon Jovi explained to the audience that when he first got the news Bruce "was already on the airplane here. I certainly would’ve understood if he’d said he couldn’t make it. But he wanted to be here tonight for MusiCares and he wanted to be here tonight for me, and I am forever grateful to you for everything.”
A succession of artists then performed Bon Jovi songs, before the evening ended on a high note with an ensemble version of "Living on a Prayer."
Among the attendees was Paul McCartney, who sat at Bon Jovi's table with wife Nancy Shevell, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.
On the red carpet preceding the event, Bon Jovi told People magazine that he will "definitely" perform at his son Jake Bogiovi's upcoming wedding to Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown.
Former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora was reportedly supposed to attend but was back in New Jersey looking after his 89-year old mother Joan who tripped on a carpet and broke her hip.
Richie is an only child.
The Performances:
Jon Bon Jovi - “Legendary”
Bruce Springsteen & Jon Bon Jovi – “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”/ “Promised Land”
Melissa Etheridge – “Blaze of Glory”
Jelly Roll – “Bad Medicine”
Lainey Wilson – “We Weren’t Born To Follow”
Pat Monahan (Train) – “It’s My Life”
Shania Twain – “Bed of Roses”
Jason Isbell – “Wanted Dead or Alive”
Damiano David (Maneskin) – “Keep the Faith”
Goo Goo Dolls – “This House Is Not For Sale”
The War And Treaty – “I’ll Be There for You”
Mammoth WVH – “Have a Nice Day”
Marcus King – “Born To Be My Baby”
Sammy Hagar – “You Give Love a Bad Name”
Brandy Clark – “(You Want To) Make A Memory”
Ensemble – “Livin’ on a Prayer”