“Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story” is a four-part, all access docuseries chronicling the past and uncertain future of one of the most recognizable bands in the world and its front-man Jon Bon Jovi. A 40-year career of rock and roll idolatry on the precipice as a vocal injury threatens to bring everything to a screeching halt. The docuseries will premiere on April 26 on Hulu.
“Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story” joins the band in February 2022 and follows their real time journey with its fits and starts as they attempt to chart out their future. As thrilling as the story of a once-in-a-lifetime talent is, it is even more rare that a legend like Jon Bon Jovi lets the world into his most vulnerable moments, while he’s still living them. 40 years of personal videos, unreleased early demos, original lyrics, and never before seen photos that chronicle the journey from Jersey Shore Clubs to the biggest stages on the planet. The series relives the triumphs and setbacks, greatest hits, biggest disappointments, and most public moments of friction.
The docuseries features interviews with Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Tico Torres, Richie Sambora, David Bryan, Phil X, John Shanks, Obie O’Brien, Hugh McDonald, Everett Bradley, Doc McGhee, Dorothea Bongiovi, Matt Bongiovi, Paul Korsilius, Dean Grillo and Desmond Child.
“Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story” is directed and executive produced by multiple Emmy-Award winner Gotham Chopra (“Kobe Bryant’s Muse,” “Man in the Arena,” “Tom vs. Time”). The film is also executive produced by Giselle Parets and Ameeth Sankaran for ROS, and it is produced and edited by Alex Trudeau Viriato.
Bon Jovi Story: 10 Things We Learned from the Docuseries:
By the end of The Slippery When Wet tour everyone was exhausted and tired of each other. Alec and Tico were drinking and losing the theme.
Jon said that there was never a fight within the band. Everyone was burned out. He feels that the press created the feud, and everyone was reading it within the band. Tico said he went back home to focus on doing artwork. David said there was no mention of a breakup, they just went their separate ways after the tour. Richie said they were all sick of each other.
Jon wrote “Blaze of Glory” for the “Young Guns” movie. Emilio Estevez wanted to use “Wanted Dead or Alive” for the movie. Jon said that he would write him a brand-new song for the movie.
Doc Mc Ghee, the band’s early manager, said there was always a competition between Jon and Richie. Jon and Richie both had solo projects out in the early 90s. They were the perfect balance for each other cause they both could sing and write songs apart and together. They were the perfect pair compared to the partnerships of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
Richie missed a leg of tour in 2013 due to personal reasons. He never returned to the group. Jon says it was never discussed and he still hasn’t come to terms with it. Bon Jovi does remain and he commits to the band as it was his band going back to when he was the only member. Jon states that Richie didn’t agree with several recording sessions during the “What About Now” album.
Alec John Such is shown in archived footage. The band members discuss what a great person he was and how his drinking and drug use affected him remaining in the band. Hugh McDonald (a session musician who played on previous Bon Jovi CDs) took his place in the band in the 90s. Alec passed away in 2022 which is discussed in the series.
After the show in Nashville, Tennessee in 2022, Jon came off the stage feeling good. His wife Dorethea told him that his performance wasn’t good, and she has seen him be good. Jon starts thinking that it might be time to retire.
Jon finds a lost song in his archives and premieres an unreleased song “Cadillac Man” that he and Richie originally wrote for a Robin Williams movie. He feels that it could have been a big hit.
Jon has a series of vocal issues which is displayed throughout the series. He consults with a doctor and other medical evaluations before a decision of surgery is made
The band rehearsed for three weeks at The Meadowlands in New Jersey to prepare for their tour in 2022. Jon Bon Jovi learns in preparation that his speed ball wasn’t there. He gives 100% of everything but felt that he was only giving 80% which for him is unacceptable.
Jon used to tell the band to trust him. He feels that his legacy matters. There is no BS with him. He is responsible for a 120 person organization.
Bruce Springsteen has become close friends with Jon. They often go on drives together without their cell phones.
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