Bon Jovi's Bassist

bassguitarist08 · #1 07-08-2006, 10:58 AM

Hey Guys, I'm a huge Bon Jovi Fan..."Livin' on a Prayer" inspired me to play..but I have some questions..

How do you feel about their new bass player--Hugh McDonald, and why isn't he in any of their videos, why don't they do more with him?

And what about Alec John Such, I've heard several reasons why he's no longer with them...like "Jon's a workaholic"--"He was tired of touring"--"Too many onstage and offstage mistakes", but No Definate reason...

And Finally...Which Bassist do you think was better for the band?

Thanks!

ElMon · #2 07-08-2006, 11:55 AM

As far as Hugh being a 'new' player, he actually played on Jon Bonjiovi's demo track, 'Livin on a Prayer'. Been with the guys for some time I hear.

bassguitarist08 · #3 07-08-2006, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElMon

As far as Hugh being a 'new' player, he actually played on Jon Bonjiovi's demo track, 'Livin on a Prayer'. Been with the guys for some time I hear.

I knew he played on Prayer, I read it in Bass Player some time ago..

phxlbrmpf · #4 07-08-2006, 05:19 PM

As far as I know Alec didn't play a single note on any album and all the bass tracks were recorded by Hugh.
I believe he isn't in the videos/doesn't get any camera time because he isn't a full member of the band but a sideman, similarly to how Darryl Jones isn't a real member of the Rolling Stones.

perfektspace6 · #5 07-09-2006, 03:27 PM

If you recall the old bass player (whatever his name is) had a public and rather nasty breakup with the band. Apparently he flat out sucked live and, like others said, didn't play on the recordings. After he was booted he did some kind of interview with Rolling Stone (?) and made himself look like a fool, trashed the band etc. Not sure if that's all correct but I think that's from behind the music.

Peter Squire · #6 07-11-2006, 10:42 PM

You are correct, perfekt.

Alec John Such was used mainly for his "image" onstage, and did not record with the Bon Jovi band.

johnvice · #7 07-12-2006, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Squire

You are correct, perfekt.

Alec John Such was used mainly for his "image" onstage, and did not record with the Bon Jovi band.

OMG, I bought "Slippery When Wet" when it first came out in 1986
It's hard to believe its been 20 years.

In the '80s image was everthing: no MTV play no radio play, no success.

billjr · #8 07-25-2006, 11:59 AM

I saw Bon Jovi a few years ago in Greenville, SC, and I thought it was one of the best shows I had ever been to. Their music is classic and I don't think will never be dated. Also, I bought my wife their "Crush" DVD, and I noticed right away that the bassist got very little camera time, and was not the one I remember from the early videos. Hey, I think he is a fine musician, looks fine with them, and should be a full member. Look at Blues Traveler. They have had no problem integrating their new bassist and pianist as full contributing members of the band. And they are a much better band for having done so.

phxlbrmpf · #9 07-25-2006, 12:36 PM

I think it's mainly a money thing, I don't really know any details but perhaps someone who has better knowledge of how billion-dollar superstar bands work could shed some light on this. As far as I know, the Stones didn't make Daryll Jones a full member of the Stones and R.E.M. became a trio when their drummer left for similar reasons.

**MAJOR METAL** · #10 07-26-2006, 11:16 AM

Huge is an excellent bassist , I actually saw him playing their last video with a Sadowsky P 4 in Sunburst.

Philbiker · #11 07-26-2006, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxlbrmpf

I think it's mainly a money thing, I don't really know any details but perhaps someone who has better knowledge of how billion-dollar superstar bands work could shed some light on this. As far as I know, the Stones didn't make Daryll Jones a full member of the Stones and R.E.M. became a trio when their drummer left for similar reasons.

So many different members have been in the Doobie Brothers through the years it's been like revolving doors. I'd definitely classify the Doobs as a "billion-dollar superstar band". They may not sell out stadiums now, but they once did and they have many hit records and grammys. They always welcome anyone who plays with them as a member. I think it has more to do with attitudes and business decisions.