Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story

I'm a huge Bon Jovi fan, have been listening to them since my teens, almost had a cover band, and was highly excited to watch this. Oh, well...Such a bummer, feel like the band (and honestly, Sambora) deserved something better. Had to force myself to watch it, waiting for it to improve. And what did I get after all that time? A bit more of respect for JBJ work ethic and a lot more dislike for his narcissistic personality. It felt like watching an artist fade and a CEO rise... anything but a phenomenal band documentary / legacy. The footage is also very disappointing, decades of materials and the director seems to prioritize all the self indulgent blablabla from JBJ. Sorry for the sad review, it's just a disappointment from a fan that could not wait to watch it. Hope there's another one in the future that does justice to the band, really don't understand all the ratings of nines and tens here.

Starting point - I am not a big fan of the Bon Jovi band. Yeah I know some of their songs, and do like some of them. But they were a bit too "pop" for my musical tastes.

Speaking of which, I did chuckle when, early in the series, the band are described as "Heavy Metal".

This series is not really a story of the Band "Bon Jovi", but more the story of Jon Bon Jovi (John Bongiovi Jr). So series title is a bit misleading. Of course the band is a focus in the story, but really it is all about Jon Bon Jovi's story and his struggles as he got older.

Anyway, loved the first episode. Showed his and the bands origins etc.. Thought that was all interesting. 9 out of 10 for that episode.

But the rest of the episodes were just too long and I became bored. Yes there was some interesting things in there, but there was too much unnecessary content. They needed a good edit!

It was all a bit self indulgent I felt.

Worth watching if you are a big fan of him or the band, but otherwise....meh.

I was never much of a fan but as a DJ back in the late 80's - early 90's I had to play A LOT of "Slippery When Wet."

Sure, it was generic hair rock of the time (love those smiles, boys!) but the tunes did their jobs and did indeed fill the dance floor (it's so much fun to watch awkward White people dance).

But when people started attempting to attribute "deeper meanings" to Bon Jovi's lyrics, I had to draw the line.

Sorry, no matter how much John fan-boys Springsteen, "Living On a Prayer" will never be "Thunder Road" or "Born In the USA." And, "Wanted Dead or Alive" will never be Bob Seger ("Turn The Page") or CCR ("Travelin' Band"), both of whom cornered the market on 'band on the road" songs.

And, riddle me this:

When "Wanted Dead or Alive" came out, I misheard the lyric as "...I been a million places, and I rocked them all." Now, a band can definitely "rock" place by "rocking the house." In other words, they "rocked the Casbah" or rocked the club, etc. Banal, but it makes sense.

But when I learned the actual lyric was "...I seen a million FACES, and I rocked them all" Yeah, I don't get it. How does one "rock a face" (other than smashing a hunk of granite into it? Banal is one thing - just plain dumb is another.

Oh well. He still seems like a nice enough guy but musically he get on his "steel horse" and ride off into the sunset.

In all fairness, I'm only 1/3 of the way through E2. I'll be 53 this year. My FIRST rock concert was Bon Jovi in Alexandria, LA. It was the SWW tour. I think I was in the 10th grade. I had all the albums, I knew all the words to all the songs. I had posters on my wall. I'm just sort of understanding that Jon's voice and stamina was affected by COVID? Still trying to understand it. He keeps talking as if he still has to prove himself. Dude - you did it. A long time ago. It looks to me like you're doing too much. It's ok to retire and enjoy the success that YOU achieved. For yourself and for so many others. Your fans, especially your earliest fans, have the most amazing memories and respect for you and your band. You were the best. One of my most favorite songs was not one that was extremely popular, "Edge of a Broken Heart". It was on the soundtrack of an Ali Sheedy movie, I think. I didn't care for her or the movie, but I STILL love that song. Maybe when I get to the end of this documentary I'll see that you've lightened up on yourself? And maybe give more credit of the legacy you so desperately want to leave behind to your fans that will never forget the way your music changed our lives. I get that you made it big. You said yourself - there was no alternative. But there are still a bunch of littles out here who crank up your music and we've passed it down to our own children. I can't tell you the money I've spent owning YOUR music! The media changed so much! Cassette tapes, vinyl albums, CDs, mp3s, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music. It's insane how many times I've paid for your music. All worth it. Across decades and platforms. I wish you all well and you will always hold a special place in my heart. In MY life. I hope that means something to you. Godspeed.

Huge fan but was hesitant about the series since they had been vocal in the past about keeping things private within the organization. This did not disappoint however with tons of never seen before archival footage, interviews and emotional moments. I will be watching it again to see all of the poignant moments shared from the inception of the band, through the struggles and onto the triumphs that are happy to be witnessed in present day. Jon Bon Jovi and band lay it all out there- the good, the bad and the legacy this band will endure. Personally, it left me wanting more, but the anticipation for what's next for this band (new album, possible tour, 40th anniversary) outweighs it. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a great origin story of what becomes a legendary and an iconic band.