What's Wrong With His Voice?!
Vložit
- čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
- Bon Jovi has been on tour this year but unfortunately fans and critics have noticed that his performances are...lacking? Some are concerned about his voice and his ability to continue singing live. Is it over for him now? It's never nice watching any singer or performer struggle live, so let's see what's going on with his in voice in these clips to see if we can understand what's happened. What do you think? Should he continue to tour? I have the utmost respect for Jon Bon Jovi and everything I'm saying here is just speculation - I wish him nothing but love.
My Patreon (it's excellent): / jushawk
- Group Zoom Calls
- Live Stream Podcast
- One-on-One Lessons or Chat
- My private demos and music no one else is allowed to hear
Merch Store: thejawsofvictory.com/
Cameo: www.cameo.com/justinhawkins
#BonJovi #ReactionVideo - Zábava
Absolutely no hate for the legendary Jon Bon Jovi, only love! In the mean time, if you fancy going over here for subscriber only content feel free: www.patreon.com/jushawk
Considering the pot shots Jon has taken at your band from the get-go, I’d say your video critique is pretty fair.
Yes very kind considering..........Jon Bon Jovi has lashed out at rock group The Darkness, likening them to spoof group Spinal Tap.
The singer said that he is always surprised that the band take themselves seriously - he thinks of them as only a fake glam rock band.
He complained: "I hate The Darkness. F****n' hate 'em.
"I don't understand it. I know they are huge, but I never really got it.
"It's just Spinal Tap isn't it? It's just a lark. I'm not sure they think so, though. I think they take it seriously. They made a little splash in the US but, man... I don't get it at all."
Anway saw you in LA recently. You've definitely still got it.
I think his new teeth haven't helped. If you check out the lockdown Mr Brightside cover you can see him over-pronouncing words and really struggling with it. And also getting a lot of lyrics wrong.
@@shannonbiggers3312 Sadly, yes! It’s a running joke between one of my friends and I. Sad as we are big fans of both bands. But one clearly went off the rails years... errr... decades ago...
Sorry Justin I cannot afford to sign up for another subscription, I have already adopted a North Pole Penguin who writes to me 4 times a year and I have a sub for a 50% share in a Bactrian Camel in Morocco who would seriously take the hump if I cancelled. Sadly I will have to do with YT until the others expire.
What people don't realize before is how much Ritchie sambora sang on this songs..he was that magic touch of sound to alot of the songs.
Bingo, and when he left Jon had to do it all, and while his voice was already on a down spiral, this just pushed it too far. Sad really.
Ritchie, IMO, was a better singer than Bon Jovi. He often sang behind Jon to boost Jon’s vocal presence. Ritchie’s absence is very noticeable.
So true, I agree 100%!
Who tf cares about “richy samborea” lmao hella cringe
Yeah Ritchie has a great voice. John has a very recognisable voice but Ritchie is probably the better vocalist in terms of technical control. That's also the case with Bono and The Edge I'd say.
Great video, Justin. You're really good at providing criticism of other artists without coming across as disrespectful or arrogant. A fantastic skill to have for these sorts of videos.
Especially as whatever Justin sings or plays in these videos sounds hilariously the same no matter who’s music he is emulating (or not). 😂
As the age is getting older, the voice is change. No question about that
Dude you're fucking hilarious
Poor Jon, I feel bad for him. I’m sure he’s aware of it, and it pains him constantly. Something must’ve happened to him. I wish this truly great man all the best.
Jon’s a millionaire many, many times over. Don’t feel bad for Jon
@@BC08 That’d still suck if you love to sing and aren’t able to at the same level anymore.
Age happened to him. Everyone ages differently. Some people age and still have a really good voice. Others don't.
Maybe the magic injections are messing with his vocal ability
@@austinneveau9387 indeed, but of course he could reinvent his singing and let go of his old hits, which might mean needing to find a new audience
I love Jon Bon Jovi's performances. However, for ticket prices today, this is not good enough. I prefer to keep my memories of prior shows that were superb. I think he's got some more hit songs left to write though and I look forward to that. Maybe it's a temporary problem. Maybe he needs to have a good long rest.
"more hits left to write".. bahahaha.. what ?? He hasnt written a hit in well over 15 years. What makes you think he's going to start now in old age?
Yeah, very true. Surprised that in Australia standard tickets for very famous artists start at about 400-500 dollars, yet TOOL only charged $180 for gold seating. 8 rows from stage.
That's any band these days
Jon was very vocal about the 💉🩸and it's got to his lungs and voice. That 🐍bite attacks the immune system and Jon uses his voice the most needing it protected but ironically the safe & effective has got to him. I've heard him struggle to draw breath so I truly hope he lives long enough to heal from the damage. That darn safe & effective...💔
Oh no...don't say good long rest. He had that from 2019-2022 then saw he couldn't sing. The next rest is the deep long now...remember his lyric "I'll sleep when I'm dead.." and it gets to everyone that jibby jabb
I've always dreamed of being able to sing like Jon bon jovi. I can now say that finally I can!
😆 Ouch.
But seriously, he used to be my favourite singer back in the 80s/90s. This sucks. But that's life I guess.
And you have as many Tour de France wins as Lance Armstrong. Congratulations!
Better even!
Thanks , best laugh i've had in ages . Wish I had written that !!
@@accuratealloys 🤣🤣🤣
Oh man, literally hurts my heart to watch him sing like that.
Really it breaks your heart? He always sucked!
@@jamesmatthews5639 kek
@James Matthews Excuse me? Jon used to be a great singer in the past - he’s just lost his voice in recent years. You may not like Bon Jovi’s music, but saying JBJ has always sucked is simply ignorant.
@@villesivonen8693
Totally agree 👍
@@villesivonen8693 Yeah save your wrath for artists who genuinely cannot sing like Ed Sheeran or Wayne Coyne
I saw Bon Jovi in 87 on Slipper When Wet Tour. His voice was shot to bits then from the brutal world tour (4 or 5 nights each city) and the previous hard 3 or 4 years leading up to that point. Then he matured and his voice, as we know became world class over the next decade. However as for all of us, we age and can't maintain that ability.
I saw them in 87 too and thought exactly the same thing. The band's backing vocals carried him through a bit. I remember he said in an interview a few years later that he knew how to sing live but not for 200+ shows, and a lot of them back to back.
They over worker him. Let’s appreciate he is still here singing
@@main2333 I cannot appreciate them (him)spending hundreds of dollars scamming me out of my money knowing the show is going to be absolutely terrible.
I am always impressed by your music theory knowledge! I took music theory in high school, but never turned in my work - although it turns out I learned a lot, even being high most days. It started coming back to me when I began playing Bebop and Cool Jazz guitar. I would be surprised if you aren't formally educated in music theory. It makes your videos awesome, because you always know what you're speaking about!
I'm a guitarist, not a vocalist, but I know that the vocalist has the toughest job in the band when it comes to touring. Those vocals chords take a beating night after night, and it gets worse and worse as we age.I recently read Rob Halford's autobiography, and in it he mentioned that as he got older he wouldn''t talk to anyone at all on the tour bus and would in between shows as little as possible just to give his voice as much of a break as he could. Look at Geddy Lee from Rush....in the last 10-15 years of Rush's career his ability to hit those high note declined sharply and noticeably. He almost looked like he was in pain when singing sometimes.
Older singers have a tough gig, man. No joke.
Not to mention when a gig is cancelled over a cold... Fans piss and moan "really over a cold"? Anyone that sings or has before knows a head cold can throw your pitch off in certain registers . As Justin eluded, that's not the case here but yes so many factors can inhibit a voice
@Klaus Wigsmith Yeah, ok Maynard from TOOL is getting much older yet he's been protective of his voice for MANY years now. I can tell you though, I'm a professional multi-instrumentalist and vocalist of 42 years, and have done so many tours with people... believe me, whatever instrument I'm hired for (or vocals) are equally difficult depending on the musical content. It's called "Warming Up". A singer who sits at the back seat of a bus, not talking to anyone, is not going to perform as well.
@Klaus Wigsmith Yeah, ok Maynard from TOOL is getting much older yet he's been protective of his voice for MANY years now. I can tell you though, I'm a professional multi-instrumentalist and vocalist of 42 years, and have done so many tours with people... believe me, whatever instrument I'm hired for (or vocals) are equally difficult depending on the musical content. It's called "Warming Up". A singer who sits at the back seat of a bus, not talking to anyone, is not going to perform as well.
@@Parrish_Muhoberac Imagine being some guy nobody's ever heard of and thinking you know more about taking care of your voice than Rob fucking Halford.
Yes, a body always changes with time, to expect mature men to have the high range as a young man is unjust. Doesn't mean they are less talented. Besides the beating of years of unnatural throaty pushing. Yes, singers have it rough.
You approach this with such respect and empathy. As a long time big Bon Jovi fan I thank you for the approach you have taken. I'm glad to see your bring this up in a sensitive way. Love the channel as always.
Great, well balanced video Justin. It’s sad to see such a good performer not being able to do what they used to. I saw Bon Jovi in ‘06 in Manchester and, to be fair, Richie used to hide a myriad of live vocal problems when he was in the band. There’s talk of him rejoining, but whether that helps with the issues that Jon is having, only time will tell? Cracking porno shorts by the way 👍🏻
I've always thought Richie had the better voice anyway! His solo albums are amazing!
Justin - this is the first video of yours that I've watched. Very good, informed analysis from another vocalist. Came here after a recommendation by Bukovac.
I've also noticed that this era of performer is really amping up the background vocals in an attempt to that the focus off of the lead. Maybe we will all start to gravitate to instrumental groups. Or the symphony (not).
I experienced this at a Whitesnake gig. Coverdale's voice was completely shot and the band were covering for him most of the time. Mixed emotions, firstly it was sad to witness and secondly, it was a huge disappointment. If your voice becomes shit, it's time to quit...Confucius.
At a Red Rocks show in Colorado with Whitesnake opening for Judas Priest in 2009, Coverdale and Whitesnake stopped after four songs as Coverdale apologized to the crowd he was having vocal issues.
Confucius also went downhill at the end of his career. His advice on boils was terrible, "If in doubt... squeeze it out."
I have seen Bon Jovi live twice. The first was on the Slippery tour and the second was for Keep the Faith in '93. Both times Jon's performance leaved a lot to be desired. I love the band anyway ever since I was 13 and figured it was just bad luck.
It’s going to be even worse for the tour this month. Especially as Sir David of Coverdale has brought in Dino Jelusick as a multi-instrumentalist (yeah, right). His day job is a singer, so I think Dino will be doing all of the heavy lifting
There are so many vocalists this applies to. It is very sad when they were amazing in their prime, but I guess if you're still able to make money touring, it's hard for a lot of these groups and artists to stop even if the voice is gone.
Loved the Boston show! Final one on the US tour! You guys killed! We did the VIP EXPERIENCE and loved it. Very nice of you to provide that! Cheers mate, Matt Street
PS...Bon Jovi's career was over years ago, unfortunately.
The Boston show was Awesome. Loved it!
Used to be a HUGE Bon Jovi fan. Saw an interview once where he said, "I'll never be the fat Elvis". My immediate reaction was one of disgust. I remember thinking that no one should ever be too cocky bc you never know what life may throw at you and if you'll be able to overcome it, whether it's self inflicted or not. I take no pleasure in hearing that he's having a hard time bc like I thought back then, life catches up to us all and if you have empathy for the plight of others when they're down, hopefully they will do the same for you one day.
At least Fat Elvis could still sing.
@@SeattleScotty Exactly!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This is terribly sad. I was backstage during a show of his less than 6 years ago and he was flawless. He has (or had) an amazing voice. It must be absolutely crushing for him.
I went watching Bon Jovi in like 2008 and even back then he seemed to struggle a lot. Sambora seemed to be carrying a lot of the weight vocally and it’s upsetting to see just as much now as it was back then
It was bad then, but a lot worse now
in the europe leg of 2008 he did really well
Classic! Really appreciate your thoughts on this. As a singer too, I totally feel for him. But your comments are spot on. He’s tired. It sucks to become a shadow of your music. But it happens. Just so hard to accept it, we all want to perform and sing forever. It can happen, but like an old rubber band, things just don’t snap back as quickly and though as they once did. Healing take a bit more time. Sucks getting old. He’s still iconic though. Thumbs up for getting out there in the trenches Jon. We don’t ever retire from music or performing, its kinda like being in the Mob, only one way out…. Love someday to hear you perform Justin, get to Hawai’i! Aloha.
@Robert Moderow Yeah, that is very much a shame, I totally agree.. I think about all the artists I grew up listening to and some just end their careers on a high note rather than fade away... Yeah, that's kind of a normal CLICHE, but a lot of truth to it. Can't wait until Tool put out their DVD within the next 30 years.
The thing is that Richie used to carry his voice on the high notes and the blending of their voices was magic. And now Richie is not there and its very obvious.
Richie was so amazing but, Bon Jovi was still good after he left and yes they sounded awesome together but it was not richie that did it it was bon jovi
Was going to say the same. Richie took the pressure off JBJ’s voice. They sounded ok after he left, but the decline came quicker after Richie left
Richie was always far and away the strongest vocalist in that band
They should mend fences with Richie, get him back in the band, and let him sing the songs.
I think thats exactly why Richie left... he knew he couldnt carry them through
He was always on the edge of his range back in the day. I worked on their gigs a few times in the 80's and the power of the band and their harmonies got him over the line.
I always thought Ritchie Sambora had the best voice in the band, just my opinion 👍🏻
@@moose6676 He deffo did. Listening to Father Time by Sambora really highlights his capabilities tbh. Magic!
I always thought that Richie's a bit more melodic than Jon, but Jon voice was more powerful. He really belts. I like his deep, gravely vocals on the New Jersey album and Edge of a Broken Heart.
Go get lost in space JA.
I've wondered for about 20 yrs how anyone could sustain that level of vocals for so many years
Some artists deal with this better than others. Jon's in a tough position because he always recorded songs that were right on the edge of his physical ability. Clearly damaged his voice early on during tours, and this was still early days as far as contemporary singing technique. Guys like Jon were really pioneering what we copy now and with raw intuition and talent. There weren't thousands of qualified coaches ready to jump in and save them from themselves. Given all that, I can give him a pass for being pretty rough these days.
Just wish he'd do something more artistic with his 'new' more limited voice instead of demonstrating just how far short it is of his old glory days. Maybe if he tried a new approach there'd be some interesting colours in there and some new perspectives.
But hey, I have no idea about the realities of his life.
I have thought the same thing about Mariah Carey in recent years. Don't try to endlessly revisit those whistle notes that the voice was capable of in youth, try something new! Do something different and the shortcomings won't be so obvious because she'd be growing as an artist, people appreciate that!
You’re right, an example is “ Runaway” remember that really high note he hit? He wasn’t even able to do that in the later 80’s.
Great vid Justin and analysis.
I've loved Bon Jovi since I first heard their SWW album in 1986. They were my band after that. I was obsessed. One thing I have always loved to do is find live versions of as many songs as I can of every band I listen to), because for me that's where bands, singers etc. really show us what they can do. Warts and all. Even as recent as 20 years ago(if we can call 2000 recent) I was that guy that would say 'no matter what, I will always love anything Bon Jovi does' to now being that guy that says I truly don't care anymore. The songs have gotten progressively worse (still a million miles better than I can ever do) in the last 10 to 15 years with an occasional really good song thrown in the works.
The last time I saw them was December 2013, the year Richie left (I don't blame him as I would have as well) and, although some of the songs were great they were usually the slower ones. In my opinion with regards to the great booming rock anthems, Jon hasn't been able to sing them well since about 2008, consistently. The 2007 Lost Highway concert DVD they released highlights that big time. Even when my wife and I saw them in 2010 he was really struggling.
The trouble is that Jon is a workaholic and he is indisputably the boss. He yells and the band jump (watch the When We Were Beautiful documentary, it's all in there. Even Richie and clues why he was going to leave anyway). Folk may remember the band saying they were overworked between 1985 - 1990. But since 2000 Bon Jovi has been on a constant pattern of 2-year cycle of tour-album, tour-album and tour-album which was worse than the 80s touring and one of the reasons I don't blame Richie for leaving (I'm not going there further than I already have. End of). It was and is relentless.
They really need to stop now. Because it is just terrible. Actually beyond terrible. This is where I agree with you when you say it is sad. It really is sad. But when I can sing these songs better than Jon Bon Jovi can then I know he really has problems. I'm not a bad singer, just no Jon Bon Jovi at his peak kind of singer. I can't stand listening to any recent live audio or videos of Bon Jovi and instead listen only to shows pre 2013. Which would make that 12 year old me from 1986 very sad to accept.
Can his vocals be fixed? Well, if Tom Kiefer can, so can Jon. Will he ever sing as he did 20 years or more ago? No. Those days are gone. That's life.
tldr
Nobody read your book report
@@freedomisslavery6840 I just read the whole thing effortlessly in about 1.5 minutes.
JUST realized who you are! It escaped me but then I realized.... I can't believe all the feelings that you're makin' me FEEEEEL! My hearts in overdrive and you're behind the steering wheel! OMG I LOVE The Darkness so much. I am pleased to have stumbled across your channel!
If you listen to live concerts in the 80's Jon was screaming his way through concerts and it was terrible. It seems he finally got vocal coaching in the 90's. He really has an amazing voice. I think what's happened is that the years of touring and the damage he did in the 80's has caught up to him. Check it out if you can. See what you think????
Really enjoying your channel Justin. Like the way you look for the positive in things. Great work.
I don't care for the warbly vibrato he, and many old people do. I'm 54 and a singer I notice I'm beginning to do it now. It's almost inevitable once you get to a certain age. Elton John is the worst. sounds like Anthony Newley.
Dude gave his all when performing live over the years … many times he over did it, during too many tour dates, especially when promoting Slippery When Wet annnd what we have now, along with aging … is the result.
Jon’s version of Elton John’s “Levon”, is still one of my all time favorites from him.
Dude was a powerhouse with scorching vocals at one time.
Another great break down video. Very thoughtful. I enjoy the sincere approach to music and appreciate the sentiment.
Jon has always had a harder job than most think. His catalog is HARD. His range is also, way bigger than one would assume. Having said that: My theory ( as a singer) is its all psychological. Richie left, he lost his musical partner and muse. Notice his timing is also way, way off. He 's hesitant, not committing to notes and not attempting to power through. ( which is what we all do when having a bad night) His vocal problems have been happening since Richie left. It's just now at the point where he's damaging his reputation.He needs to see a shrink AND Don Lawrence.( vocal coach to the stars)
Yeah, it’s really difficult to sing when your mentally not there, your throat and neck tightens up and add the two facts that Jon’s getting on in age and some of his songs are downright impossible to sing for the average singer even on a good day, it’s not hard to see why he struggles with it
Worked with Don. Helped me immensely!
I could not have said it better - I think its probably psycological as we doubt ourselves more as we get older.- and he is singing songs that are an impossible range. Once he realizes that its still there, unleash the kracken!!
Jon's been cruel to his voice. The Slippery When Wet tour was when it really started to become apparent. He's got a great voice, but his technique has always been terrible for it. Most of those big hair singers just don't have the pipes anymore. There are a few exceptions to the rule, but most of his contemporaries either got vocal help, or they're getting a similar reception that he is getting.
As a recording engineer in Nashville for 33 years I can assure you it's NOT psychological. His vocal cords are mincemeat. They're muscles and they atrophy just like other parts of your body as you age. For every person like Paul Rodgers who maintain most of their ability there are a hundred who don't. This really shouldn't be shocking. The only shocking part is the denial by Jon and the managerial team of parasites around him who agreed to put this charade on the road. The band sounds amazing, btw. Maybe they have Jon on mute in their in-ear monitors? That's certainly what I'd do. I suppose the checks are nice.
Thank you Justin for sharing your wide knowledge on these topics. Love your take on Bon Jovi!
New subscriber and only discovered you and how awesome your personality is from an old episode of top gear and I figured I'd give your channel a shot. I LOVE IT , Thanks for your insight and looking forward to what's coming up
Great breakdown, Justin.
Too many people can't see it and it needs explaining. This is 100% neurological, because there's too much going wrong. It's a combination of timing and pitch that has NOTHING to do with 'losing his voice'. I agree with you: his voice is actually unbelievably clean, all things considered. Timing and being able to hold out of tune notes actually speaks to something far more sinister, and it's a shame that nothing got resolved in the supposedly gruelling rehearsals for this tour.
Also, anyone who says he was never a good singer can get straight in the bin.
Agree 110%. When I first saw this clip of Wanted, what really struck me wasn't pitch or dropping the key, but rather that Jon seemed almost disoriented. Scary actually.
i agree something is definitely going on besides declining vocals... yet i have to respectfully disagree on the fact he was a good singer.. well...a good studio singer yes.. but he never really did well live. there are many videos from back in the day supporting that. im a huge bon jovi fan from back in the day . vince neil is another example.. rocked the albums but not so good live.
One bad performance does not a bad singer make. People still harp on about Mariah Carey’s infamous new year’s performance years later claiming she’s a fraud. The general public are clueless about how gruelling performance can be.
@@Dukkyjames200 I agree, but also we're talking about quite a lot of bad performances in this instance, but it's just the massive mis diagnosis of 'shot' that's doing the biggest disservice here!
It's incredible how many people are saying "he was never a good singer". That's just ludicrous.Guy has always been incredible and I wish he comes back and kicks ass.
He lost his voice in the late 90's and then compensated by singing in that nasal style which he did for his later albums. It looks as though he has lost it completely now.
Right around Crush, he started singing almost through his teeth, mouthing words differently...you know what I mean?
Largely agree with this and the comment from Jay. Sad but true.
@@jayhodson1660 yep. That’s the exact time; still made it work but it was a change.
The most depressing voice loss I ever heard was from Glenn Danzig. He really wore out his voice but was amazing up into the late 90's. I have no idea how he still sings to be honest.
These Days was the last album with great vocals. Many songs ended with screaming. The show at Wembley from that era was the band at their best, IMO, and as I always try to remember them.
Good to see you still kicking ass. All the best.. Stilly 🤟
Very good. I’ve followed you both for decades. And you know your stuff. Subscribed.
Man, these videos always make the days pass a little easier. Excellent as always!
Glad to hear it!
@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain Justin's great, but this makes me fucking sad... Ageing is bad enough, but losing your ability to sing to this degree, when singing is what you fucking do, is Chris Cornell territory :(
realy good honest analysis with the correct amount of respect. i wish him all the best and hope he recovers
Great points, Justin. Another unintended side effect that downtuning classic songs has, is that it inevitably gives a darker, sludgier, moodier thing, which isn't that bad on minor key songs, but for pop rock stadium anthems, it gives the songs a downer feel that were never intended. Tuning down a half step is not so bad, but like you mention with "Dead or Alive", being played in a C gives it a different feel, and, in my opinion, not for the better of the song. In the key of D, it has an almost desperate but majestic feel that suits the lyrics and theme of the song (the storyteller is not yet caught and can still write their own narrative.....they may live, they may die); in C, it has a safer and more resigned, accepting feel that would be better titled "I Know I'm Dead And Accept It". :) When the song used the F chord in the original version, something about its usage in the song punctuates the story well.......it only appears for a bit in the verses to drive the point home. There is a lot about a key that a song is written in that gives more validation to the subject matter, and when the key changes, the song doesn't often have the same weight anymore.
Absolutely! I transpose songs to suit my voice, but never as good as original key.
Hi Justin. Cards on the table, I was never (and probably still not!) a huge Darkness fan, but I stumbled across your channel the other day and have had loads of fun and entertainment watching your videos over the last couple of days. You seem like a proper decent geezer. Subbed, and huge respect.
Wow. His concerts have turned into karaoke from hell.
I was a Bon Jovi fan for yrs up until Ritchie left the band. Jon was blessed to have a bunch of guys ( especially Ritchie ) that could sing backup and harmonies really well. Jon was never the best singer but nevertheless a great frontman. I would say his voice was best on record and live from maybe 1988-1993 or 94. Since then it has been going downhill. I must say Justin that you always are very respectful and understanding when talking about the other singers. You are definitely a class act!
But Ritchie was replaced with Phil X, who can sing better than all of them...., I suggest checking him out...
💯, this was a classy way of being like, … dude…
I would say he was awesome from there debut album to early 2000s
But I always preferred Ritchie's voice and loved his harmonies.
@@MickH60 Phil is amazing BUT the blend of Jon and Ritchie's voice IS bon Jovi.
Or was.......
Best example is the MTV awards from 89 , just Jon and Ritchie with acoustic guitars and it's incredible.
I haven't even been a fan of Bon Jovi since New Jersey came out but those first 4 albums kick ass !!!
I would even say his best years were from 1983-2011, he was good at the start of 2013, when Richie left he took Jon’s voice with him. It’s been going downhill since March 2013 and it’ll not get better. It’ll get worse, that’s a fact not a guess.
Justin, always love your videos. I'd love to see or hear what his or other singers options (singing options) are to still delivered a song when the original version is now beyond their abilities? Much love 🙏
also, he could just be sick, as in rundown and unwell?
I've been such a big fan of Bon Jovi for so long, I'm sorry to say this is definitely not something that went wrong on this tour. His voice has been heading in this direction for about 30 years now. You can hear it in the Wembley Stadium concert in 1995. If I remember right, he had at least one vocal surgery in the early '90s that left his voice permanently changed. No matter how good he sounded in the studio, in concert he had a lock-jawed delivery based on trying to wrestle his voice into place and a thin, I remember thinking almost grandma-ish tone. It got worse and worse all through the 2000s until he couldn't even enunciate lyrics anymore. Now in 2022, his voice wants to go down all the time, and he goes out of key when he raises it up, even for a middle C. It's definitely hard to watch---but it's been hard to watch for a really long time.
Thanks for this explanation.
Hé started smoking in 1994. That definitely affected his voice.
@@lumenpierce8583 no no no, so many people get his vocal information wrong. He started smoking during the set of The Leading Man in early 96. You can hear how thin his voice became during the 96 tour compared to the 95 tour.
He didn’t have a vocal surgery in the early 90s. His vocals peaked in 91-96 and didn’t struggle at all with singing anything. He sang incredibly challenging songs for 2.5-3 hours. Anyway after he started smoking in 96 it caught up with him quickly
@Erik Simonsen I guess I can't speak to what was normal for him in that period, but in the 95' Wembley Stadium concert he was struggling. Watch "Keep The Faith" at that show, and you can not only hear the struggle, you can see it on his face.
Freddie Mercury's voice was seriously strained throughout the 'Works' tour, he had a cold during Live Aid (but was STILL astonishingly good) and he was pretty good throughout the 'Magic' tour (especially in Lieden).
But never overlook Roger Taylor's immense backing vocals (while drumming his arse off btw), especially when Freddie struggled with high notes from time to time.
What’s wild about Mercury is that when he recorded The Miracle and especially Innuendo his voice seemed to improve. He had regained a lot of his higher chest voice, maybe due to quitting cigarettes. It’s really too bad that he passed away.
Freddie Mercury performed at Live AID against the advise of his doctor. His vocal problems then and during the Magic tour were because of his HIV advancing to full blown AIDS. Such a tragic sad thing. Talk about talent. RIP Freddie, your music and voice are missed every single day. 😢 Roger and Brian's back up vocals, especially Rogers were really well suited.
@@josephinejensen7747 I've heard that. Although I'm not sure that it was actually entirely because of aids. He seemed to have a problem with vocal nodules. He was diagnosed with them in 75. I'm sure the aids didn't help things though.
@@josephinejensen7747 that's not 100% true. He wasn't diagnosed until 1987. The movie played with the facts a little bit. It's more likely that he suffered from nodules given where the gaps in his voice where.
jon bon mercury he is not.
It's *rough* when your voice ages. That's why singers that maintain or figure out how to navigate the changes are so impressive.
I'll always be floored at videos like Aretha Franklin at the Kennedy Center Honors for Carol King or Jon Anderson at the RRHF for Yes.
No matter how he sounds now, he deserves all the respect for giving us YEARS of awesome music! I’m from the 80’s and his music played a huge part of my high school years! I give him a 10 for showing up and trying his very best to entertain his fans.
years of cheesy schlock you mean
you're from the 80s?! did you ride here in the DeLorean with Doc Brown?!
But he knows he is not able to bring his best... so him and his "machine" are just milking every last dollar from fans.
@@TheNavarro6767 Unfortunately true. Band members were not able to tell Jon. So they got Dorothea at the gig & for her to tell him. It's the safe & effective that he was ironically very vocal about to fans & whoever listened to him..those ppl are now gone..💔
Love the new haircut Justin! I have a feeling he had a stroke or something and kept it quiet, that or onset dementia or similar due to the fact that not only is he singing out of key most of the time in recent years, but also completely out of time in some concerts (nearly a second behind what it should be in extreme cases). Lots of love for Jon and his anthems (they encapsulated my early years).
It’s nice to hear someone who knows what they’re talking about chiming in on this. Well done!
They were a big part of my youth with New Jersey in particular being one of those albums which takes me right back to a moment in time, but I never got to see them live until a few years ago. As much as I enjoyed the show, it was really sad to hear just how much he was struggling with his vocals. The second clip you showed was more representative of what was happening - he just didn’t seem to have any power or range at all - like he just had nothing to give. They’ve always loved their harmonies and layered vocals, but the rest of the band were doing all of the heavy lifting for him.
Absolutely agreed
That has to be one of the most intuitive, insightful questions and concepts into his voice issues, plastic surgery screwing with his ability to stretch and make the note.
Thank you for your take on this. I think your analysis makes more sense then other people saying he forgot to sing.
Enjoying your show, I don’t follow many. I now follow you.
you are very interesting, intelligent, intellectual , funny, genuine, on top of musically talented.
Thanks for keeping it real.
I saw Bon Jovi in 2001 and it was one of the most engaging performances ever. Sad to see the great man can't do what I suspect he really loves doing. I don't think I'd pay money to go see him sing now, it just wouldn't be the same.
I just paid $1000 on April 5th for 2 seats and I can`t wait to see them again
He now looks and sounds like Mick Jagger. Actually Mick sounds a little bit better.
Jon's voice has been shot for years
He did a live show on Facebook during the lockdown days, it was rough listening to him but it has been for a good while with his live shows. A singer I would have loved to have seen live at a gig but when he can't deliver the performance as good as I'd like to hear I just couldn't bring myself to go and see him, I'd feel so disappointed :/
I like hearing these perspectives from a guy who has been in the industry. Thank you for these videos.
Also, nice style. 😂 Reminds me of my style. Light and breezy here in Florida.
You nailed it when you said: lack of preparation.
By my estimation he’s several months of work away from getting his voice prepared for touring or performing but it’s hard to tell if his voice is permanently damaged. I suspect it’s just severely strained from acute abuse, and that’s something you can prepare for with time. When you are well prepared for a tour, your voice is conditioned to handle this type of work load.
Another way of saying this is poor work ethic. He knew that he had these performances scheduled, but he didn’t do the work to prepare for it.
I appreciate your honest and kind take. It also acknowledges age and time, something we need to normalize. You’re a good human.
I think one of the reasons they were so great is Jon really forced his vocal out with so much power, real rock n roll but there is wear and tear. Saw them twice on these days tour and once on crush tour. Fabulous. One of the great live bands of the past and some cracking albums in Slippery Jersey and Faith.
one of the coolest frontmen, guitarists, impeccable singers, youtubers, perfect analyzers of these videos and we have the same first name. love the channel bud. my main guitar is ironically a black les paul custom
I've never been a huge Bon Jovi fan, but I feel sorry for him. I agree with others, it's time to hang it up unless he's able to fix the issues. I love your gentle, but honest approach to this topic, Justin.
Unfortunately, his voice has been like this for a number of years. It's also something he's well aware of as he sings about it in one of the tracks on the "This House Is Not For Sale" album, there's a lyric "my voice is shot".
Not like this, not even close!
Money grabber sells tickets for crap singing and robs people of their hard earned cash he should quit he’s had it but he won’t as he’s greedy
@@timetraveller9321 hes not a money grabber he has made his fortune 410 million or around that further more he doesn't make people buy his tickets they choose to buy them and as for being greedy he is far from he gives a lot of his time and money to help feed the homeless and people a lot less fortunate than him I would gather some facts before you voice your opinion
@@timetraveller9321 Or you know because he just likes making music 😑😑
So he admits it, his-bloody-self then!
I don't know what to say or think about this. Although not my tops, I love everything I've heard of Bon Jovi. This is just very sad.
I was classically trained and have done vocal coaching and I am really unsure about what's going on, I would say there's something that doesn't much have to do with his vocal apparatus. Some other type taxing ailment that's hindering his performance.
Sending good vibes for him to overcome whatever is going on.
Much love to you Mr. Hawkins!
It's my first time on the channel, and I appreciate your humorous but kind and reasonable take here. Unvarnished and Frank. Subbed!
Great vlog and so sympathetically made from someone who really knows. More respect to you Justin
Yeah, it's not a big deal when your older not to sounds as good (or sing the high notes the same way).....but you got to be able to still put on a respectable performance. Especially when the tickets are a probably 150-200 bucks!
Even nosebleed seats cost 150 minimum. If you wanna be somewhere in the front you can expect to pay a couple of thousand
try floor seats unlocked
Can be as high as $4,000.00 for one ticket.
And idiots are paying it.
Usually female. And they even claim his voice
Was still really good. They are either tone deaf or in denial.
Ticket Prices are now closer to $350-400. It's ridiculous. Khruangbin is playing a gig at Martha's Vineyard this summer where the minimum price is $325 per ticket, and the "front of stage" price is $1000.
But if it has already been sold and you literally _can't..._ It's a tough one
There is a series of videos called something like ageing metal bands, where a couple of dudes who have grown up as metal heads compare certain singers in bands live from the start and through the years up to now and it’s often painful to watch. Robert Plant and Chris Cornell as well as Tom Keifer both recovered a great deal of their past skill after proper vocal training. Hope he gets some help.
Chris Cornell really got his groove and range back once he rejoined Soundgarden. By the end of Audioslave he sounded very tired but just before he died he was doing all the high notes and sounding much more relaxed. Shame he killed himself just as he got his voice in shape again.
Plant really put in some legitimate work to learn proper technique after losing his voice in the 80s. It's commendable that he sounds as good as he does now. I wish every singer took a page out of his book.
I’m a longtime voice teacher, and this one is really interesting. You’re spot on about the polyp thing- we would hear unpredictable cracking, the voice giving out, etc. We don’t hear that here. I’ve had students come through my studio with both nodes and vocal hemorrhages, and you can really hear that distinct rasp and damage. I don’t hear any of that here. I actually hear a full, core voice, though lower than we’re used to. I wonder if there’s something neurological, respiratory, or aural going on. He did have Covid, so it really may have kicked him in the butt.
Sadly it was happening pre-covid
It was smoking that did it. Whitney had problems too. I used to smoke and now can't sing in head voice. My speaking voice deepened as well.
@@tbiz8459 Wow, I never knew that JBJ ever smoked! But then, you could just transpose songs down to a lower key, right? He's having trouble matching pitch all over the place, and he's not climbing stairs too steadily, either! Neuro? Weakness? Respiratory?
@@tbiz8459 I think the problem is smoking but not his smoking but it`s what you are smoking dude. Give it a rest man. I saw him on April 5th in Milwaukee and was amazed how good he still sounds. Let me know when you`re worth $400 million. Also their new album is really good too
Cara - I am no vocal coach, but I have worked with a lot of singers as an engineer and producer, and to me he sounds like there is either literal pain, he can't breathe, or his hearing is completely gone (which is sadly very possible). I feel like your assessment is fairly on point. Sad to see, I hope he can pull through....
I first heard Wanted Dead or Alive when I was 11 and just fell in love - there's something magical about the actual production of the studio version that I've never heard in any live performance, just epic!
There's nothing wrong with calling it a career, especially one as huge as his was.
But they don't, do they. Just like our politicians who stay in the Senate 30-40+ years. They just keep going and it's embarrassing to watch.
I'm 22, I've listened to Bon Jovi since I was 7. Seen them live twice 2013, 2018.
(In Australia)
Seeing the videos from the recent tour is very heartbreaking. Totally understand how some people feel about never wanting to see them again, and understand the criticism.
For me, I'll still show up to shows (if they come back) as they've been a huge part of my life.
Also a very well made video ✌️
Your critiques are always fair and balanced and done with humility and even humour. I really enjoy your channel.
As an aging relatively unknown rock n roller I have had the option of slowing it down and dictate what I want to do and when. Bon Jovi does not have that option. The band, The crew, The 401K machine must keep going. Justin , you bring it real and unfiltered. Salute !
Hi Justin, This is the best video Ive seen on CZcams regarding the issues with Jon's vocals. I like how you discuss it but remain respectful. A lot of other youtube video have been disrespectful to Jon and are looking for any opputunuty to slag him. Ive been a big Jovi fan since SWW and its just sad to see Jons vocal deterioration. I hate to speculate but I think it might be some sort of vocal paralysis. I think Jon should call on his old mate Tom Keifer for advice as Tom went through big vocal issues himself and had to learn to sing again. I wish Jon all the best.
That’s a really good point, Paul Down. Whatever it was Keif did, his transition back to the mic was nothing short of amazing. Does he sound like he did when he was 25? No, but who does? He does, however, sound good for the point he’s at in his career. Maybe Jon could benefit.
A big part of successful aging for a vocalist is for them to be able to realize their limitations, accept reality and work with what you’ve got. Look at Robert Plant. He’s taken his music in different directions and has done so quite successfully. When I hear him sing Can’t Let Go with Alison Krauss I’m not thinking “Damn! That’s no Immigrant Song.” No, I’m enjoying listening to a legend age gracefully, performing within the talent and abilities he has as a 70something vocalist.
Also, it’s cool your recognizing Justin for the class act that he is. Shaka 🤙🏼
I wonder if his jibby and booster is affecting him?
We saw Bon Jovi live at the end of April. His voice is totally shot. Everyone was kind of looking around at each other and shrugging and shaking their heads. The band was great, the performance was high energy, professional…what you would expect. The vocals were comically bad, then he cut the encore short two songs. I have told people that I was glad to see Bon Jovi (it was my first time), but I would never pay to se him again.
i saw him in the early 00s and he was great. Can't believe 20 years have gone by.
@@mutate34 Same for me ... so sad ...
I have a similar experience with Aerosmith. They were playing Hyde Park Calling in 2007 and I got passes through work. I mainly went to see Chris Cornell who was second headliner (or whatever its called) but Steve Tyler spent so long running around that he could breathe and couldn't sing. I know people want a show but they still want to hear the songs too.
@@mattykevlee Steve and Jon are like 80. I don't like old rock bands I think they should do blues or jazz after they turn 60. Mick Jagger is almost 100, or at least look that age... It seems wrong when your granddad acts like a tough rocker.
Paul McCartney and Ringo aged well tho 🙂
@@stefankaiser3354 Jon Bon Jovi is 60 not 80
Hello. Found your channel on accident a few days ago. Don't worry, I knew who you are before finding it, just didn't know you are on CZcams.
Saw your video on Alice Cooper in my recommendations, went "oh no, he's gonna diss Alice, isn't he?" but clicked anyway and were pleased to find that what you had to say is what I think of Alice.
Seen a lot of this series in the past few days, and gotta say, good on you for being honest, fair and not unnecessarily cruel with your words.
great reaction Justin, appreciate your honest approach. I feel bad listening to him and know how he is struggling at this point.But holy shit, I am surprised about some comments about JBJ sounding like shit since day one. Thats so far off and fucked up. Usually comments by someone who is musically inclined , comments on stuff they don't know anything about. As a studio musician in my late 50's, I had the privilege to see Jon sing in the studio a couple of times and he was astonishing. His range and overall control was amazing. Did he get older and is struggling, yes, but what gives some people the right to trash his vocal ability all the way back to his prime. its so sad to see some of these comments and I feel sorry for them being so clueless having to use the anonymity of the internet to voice their opinion.
I lost my upper range after a lot of vocal trauma. Luckily it came back, but was terrifying.
Jon Bon Jovi hasn't been able to sing properly for a few years now. I think he needs specialist help and vocal therapy to try and recover.
Really don't think he should carry on touring when it's just getting worse.
It'll just get worse and any performance anxiety will get worse knowing you're struggling
I noticed this first in a 2019 video of Keep the Faith at Rock Werchter. I was shocked and still shocked that 3 years later he's still out there filling venues this way. Maybe it doesn't matter for the true fan, but still. There's an art in calling it a day gracefully.
As a “singer” in a covers band myself, we do some high range songs, there’s no one else in the band who can take over the vocals, so any Kind of cold or sore throat, I just do my best, and sometimes it sounds awful! All these old bands from the 70’s 80’s etc still doing it, respect to you all, as once that voice is on its way, it’s a tough gig, and hard to enjoy. 👍🏻
Van Morrison still sounds quality and he’s almost 80, he sings from the diaphragm and stomach and saved his vocal chords
Add in Sammy Hagar, Klaus Meine, Dennis DeYoung and Tom Jones.
@MARK ESQUIVEL, yes. I forgot about them.
That's how it is with anything in life. You're always gonna have someone older that still is still good and effective at what they do. I've noticed Mike Reno from Loverboy stills sounds good considering his age.
However, Van also doesn't sound like the young man in Them anymore, and couldn't pull a recreation of that off if he was forced to. This is kinda the difference between Jon and Van.
@@progmeup Vans voice has changed but he can still hold a note and has a good range, the only person I can think of who sounds the exact same after 50+ years is Steve Winwood.
Man that's just painful. I wish old legends would just leave the legend as it is.
Saw him back in 2000(ish) and he sounded great- when he sang. Even hit that high note in “I’ll be there for you”. But Sambora and David Bryan doing heavy lifting for a lot of the show even then.
I sing in a Chris Cornell tribute band and I'm close to the age that Chris was when he passed. I can definitely sympathize. Bon Jovi's issue seems to be a problem sensing the pitch - more an ear issue than voice. Either way I hope he gets it sorted out and can find a way to still do it. Not an easy thing to do at any age
Im a big admirer of Cornell and I checked you out. You’ve got to have balls to try to stand in those shoes and from what I heard, you’re doing good work.
I think that the thing with Jon Bon Jovi is that he sort of always went beyond his limits in the studio recordings and was almost never able to pull it out in live performances. I can't remember listening to a live perfomance where he consitently sounds as good as in the studio. Even from the old days.
They were composing the songs without thinking on touring and how it would be fatiging performing night after night those songs.
Getting worse might have todo with aging. But I think it is more the case of he is being afraid of hurting himself than he is having a real (new) limitation on his voice.
I agree, in the studio he has the time to concentrate and go line by line to get the recording. In a live situation you only get one take. There are lots of singers who have fallen victim to the studio and then can't fully perform the song live and end up having issues later on.
This is a good point actually Diego. If you listen to his isolated vocals on the studio recording of 'Living on a prayer' you can hear him SCREAM the Woa woa Living on a prayer (especially in the key change)... which is NOT good vocal technique! Sure he's hitting the note in that take, but I bet he could hardly talk the next day. Apparently the same with Kurt Cobain, he only had a few good takes in him per day before his voice would blow....this simply isn't sustainable night after night. So really it makes sense trying to sing those types of songs for 40 years is going to ruin the vocal chords.
Having good back up singers you can swap in and out would help
We saw him last month. Absolutely horrible. I was soooo excited to finally see Bon Jovi since they were so huge in my life as a teenager in the 80’s and I was so disappointed. They shouldn’t have made it seem like things were the same and filled arenas for sure. I don’t believe it has anything to do with age. I’ve seen people in their 70-80’s who are still singing the same. Go watch Stevie Nicks, Micky Thomas, Air Supply, Elton John they may have tuned down but they can still sing.
Steven tyler is 72 or 73 & his voice is magic still ❤ with all the drugs ,drinken, Smoking but the voice is still 🔥🔥🔥
Never saw him live... I think I would never go now. I just want to remember him when I was a teen.
Stevie Nicks’ range is extremely limited now. I wouldn’t waste the money.
Paul mccartney could've still sang until that age too, until he voice got shot in 2014, but who's voice is better bon jovis voice now or paul mccartney now
DANKE, Justin - you handled that w\ care!
I worked at a festival in '07 or so and Bon Jovi was the headliner, I witnessed the sound check and his voice was super shot even back then. All higher "power" parts were actually sung by the band.
I have some friends (very) connected to Bon Jovi, and it's a well understood rule to not look Jon in the eye, or bother him. So I'm not surprised no one gives him the guidance he needs.
That’s unfortunate. Then maybe this swan song is fitting.
I thought the liner photo of New Jersey was a joke. I guess not. As a kid, I thought it was strange for him to not be with the rest of the band.
@@georgeohwell7428 Well, it isn't actually a band. Jon has always been the sole owner. Everyone else is a hired gun.
What a ponce! I remember him being in town recording Slippery When Wet and he was out with some blonde stripper in a black jeep all the time as he was contending and going on about how his marriage was his 'foundation'. What an insincere fraud!
I'd see him out the corner of my eye in bars and even met him and Ritchie at a club one night. Ritchie was cool and engaging, 'JAHN BAHN' however was all standoffish and Mr. 'Charlie big potatoes' to everyone there. 🙄👍🤣
LOL, I would make it a point to look him directly in the eye and talk to him.
So sad, I've been a Bon Jovi fan for years! Seen them live many times in their hay day, Crossroads tour...
Always been amazing live, Jon doesn't sound well, I hope his health is ok 😔
Just realised who this is! Boom! Epic voice J, huge fan! 🎉❤
Jon Bon Jovi said this about The Darkness in 2006: "I hate The Darkness, fuckin' hate 'em."
The cool thing about Justin is he is not a hater. Hawkins can sing circles around Bon Jovi.
When did he say that lol
so THAT'S why his voice is gone....don't fuck with the darkness!
A lot of Americans thought the Darkness were taking the piss when then came out. Some people couldn't wrap their head around them and maybe neither could JBJ. I worked with one chap who would screw his face up tight and say "are these guys for real?". Yes. They bloody were.
Being a drummer from the age of 9 to 55 years present, I definitely and unequivocally do not have the chops that I had in my 20's 30's and early 40's for that matter. Aging is not fair to anyone. Just like a light bulb......We start out bright and vibrant and slowly burn out. Fact!
You say that, Tico still hammers it out the park!
@@mikekaraoke Tico certainly does kick ass but he didn't serve 4 years in The United States Marine Corps and go into the construction business either. I would say it's my own self destruction and path in life. Everyone breaks down at a different rate due to their work environment. SUCKS
By the by,
Absolutely Love you and this channel Sir~
I saw Meatloaf in Toronto on one of his final tours and it was painful. He talk-sang throughout his entire catalogue. Most of the songs were unrecognizable until the prechorus, or when his backup singers kicked in. Shortly thereafter in the same tour he collapsed onstage in Edmonton. As Justin suggests (for JBJ), it was probably someone or several people in his entourage egging him on to continue, probably for their own gain.
I think that was very respectful. I think I noticed the decline of his voice around the Crush album (around 2000). There's videos of live performances here on CZcams from then, and he's obviously struggling. They tuned down dramatically over the last 20 yrs to try and help. I'd bet he's got fairly moderate hearing loss too. You know as well as I do how hard it is to sing on-key if you can't hear yourself in the mix... but at the end of the day, guy's voice is just shot.
It's OK. JBJ pushed his voice extremely hard in the band's prime. To the limit and beyond. I remember hearing back in the day that he needed steroid injections to keep it up on tour (true or not, no idea). We can see that most everyone here is coming from a place of concern, myself included. The issue really is - Knowing when to hang it up. It's hard to watch our heroes decline.
Those steroid injections sure made a mess of Phil Collins!
Queen adapted their songs for live shows (Brian May) often on the same tour for several reason eg practical and often the sheer electricity of live performing encouraged them to go a bit further, faster etc. . In the same vein Freddie Mercury said that if people wanted to hear studio performances they should stay home and listen to their records. Both comments can be found on CZcams
Justin Hawkins having the best youtube channel in rock and roll is not something I predicted for 2022. Good stuff. Keep it up.
A lot of rock singers started singing without formal vocal training and that strain and angst that goes with it, has become part of the style of rock singing. A few great rock singers have gotten better as they go along, notably Anthony Kedis (originally a rapper), Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell. Some people lose their voices. Actress Glen Close developed her soprano notes for stage later in life. I started out a soprano with the head voice and finally learn to apply that to 3 octaves around the age of 50. Avoiding pain, having range, and still having a voice is very breath support coordination. Breath support depends on muscles for breathing that are dependent on the subconscious mind. So many singers that sing well instinctively/subconsciously lose the ability under stress. The trick of it is the zen of bringing those subconscious breath muscle awarenesses into conscious practice and the ability to summon the spirit that unites it all. Bonjovi does sound pitifully weak in some bits, but other parts seem rather better. Physical things, like heart burn, gallstones, or colic can affect the diaphramtic return, though, too.
It’s hard watching rock stars vocally decline. I always wonder if it’s an Ego thing that makes them keep going or straight up greed. Same thing happened to Paul Stanley. He keeps performing even though he can’t hit notes and it angers me that he is STEALING people’s money. Rock singers need to be told when it is time to retire or they will be made fun of. That being said they were both great once but should learn how to bow out when they can no longer deliver. Don’t u think?
Not sure if it's an age thing. I mean, look at Metallicas Hetfield. He is John's age or older, and still goes hard. Vocal damage, I'm afraid. Plus hearing loss, and even a possible stroke. Singing has a big mental part about it, and John is so obviously not there. Time to pack up, and just call it a day.
Maybe they don't quit because they actually enjoy what they are doing? Ever thought of that?
I saw Bon Jovi at Coventry in 2019 and I went in with realistic expectations and it was much better than I had hoped! Compared to the recent performances it was 100x better. Really sad to see, and oddly it looks like he’s really enjoying himself during the performances! I hope he can decide to give it up or get something to help.