Jon Bon Jovi is a “snowbird,” a term for people who leave their northern homes in winter for warmer places. In late April, he was in Palm Beach, Florida.
“My license still says New Jersey,” he said on the “Just for Variety” podcast. “I’m there when it’s not cold. But when it is, I’m on the beach.”
At 62, Bon Jovi often thinks about his age. His Hulu docuseries, “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” follows the band’s rise to fame and his struggle with vocal issues before their 40th anniversary tour.
Bon Jovi mentioned that he might return to touring next year, though it’s not certain. He was 20 minutes late for the interview because of vocal therapy. “It’s a range of emotions daily,” he said. “Yesterday was great. Today, not so much. It’s frustrating. I strive for excellence, not perfection.”
He added, “I don’t want to pretend to be the person I was years ago. I aim to be the best version of myself now.”
Bon Jovi, formed in 1983, included guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, and bassist Alec John Such. Their success came with challenges: Such was removed in 1994 due to drug issues, and Sambora left in 2013 to seek help for substance abuse.
Bon Jovi avoided hard partying and drugs, but he admits he wasn’t perfect. Married to Dorothea for 35 years, he acknowledges the temptations of being a rock star. “Did a girl ever throw herself at me? Yes. I’m Jon Bon Jovi,” he said. Despite this, he and Dorothea, high school sweethearts with four children, are “madly in love.”
In 1995, Bon Jovi acted in “Moonlight and Valentino” with Gwyneth Paltrow and had a role in “Ally McBeal” in 2002, but a Hollywood career eluded him. He recalls nearly landing roles in “Heat” and “The Perfect Storm.”
Bon Jovi has turned down offers for a Broadway musical about the band, believing their story isn’t unique enough. “Jersey Boys” and “Mamma Mia” have already told similar stories.
Although he allowed filming for “Thank You, Goodnight,” he has no plans for a reality show. “Never,” he said. He’s not a fan of reality TV but enjoyed “Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans” and “Franklin.”
Bon Jovi listens to new music from the Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Zach Bryan, Inhaler, Noah Kahan, and Olivia Rodrigo. He praises Taylor Swift as “absolutely incredible” for her unique connection with her audience.
In the late ’90s, Bon Jovi was featured in a Versace ad campaign by Richard Avedon. He humorously recalls Gianni Versace asking him to pose in just a blanket and Elton John later telling him he had the outtakes.