Has Bon Jovi Wrecked His Voice or Simply Gotten Older?

As a longtime but casual fan of Bon Jovi, I have noticed that his singing style has changed over the years. Unlike in the past, where he would deliver powerful and straightforward performances, his current vocal delivery sounds a bit different. Now, he doesn't pronounce certain words as clearly and has adopted a more relaxed approach. This has led me to question whether he has damaged his voice or if aging has simply made him evolve his sound.

But is it possible that he has wrecked his voice, or is it simply a matter of natural aging? Many factors contribute to these changes, and it is common for artists to adapt their techniques as they age.

Age and Vocal Changes

Age naturally affects a singer's vocal cords, leading to changes in range, power, and pronunciation. Bon Jovi, born in 1962, is now in his early 60s. At this age, his vocal quality has likely shifted, which is a natural part of the aging process.

Vocal Health

Bon Jovi has faced vocal challenges in the past, including vocal cord issues that required him to adapt his singing style. Like any other professional singer, he has had to take care of his voice. This may involve a more restrained approach to singing, which can be seen in his performances.

Musical Direction

Over the years, Bon Jovis's music has incorporated more pop elements. Albums like Slippery When Wet and Traveler have moved the band towards a more commercial sound. This shift has influenced his vocal technique and overall approach to singing.

Performance Strategy

Many older artists, including Bon Jovi, modify their singing techniques to preserve their voices for longer. This can mean singing in a more relaxed manner or altering how they pronounce certain words to reduce strain on their vocal cords.

It is important to note that vocal damage can be caused by heavy touring and poor vocal technique. For instance, Bon Jovi has stopped performing the high chorus parts in "Living on a Prayer" for many years. However, with proper vocal care, it is still possible to maintain a good quality of voice.

Comparative Examples

It is worth noting that while aging is a factor, proper vocal technique can significantly reduce voice damage. For example, James Hetfield, who is in the same age range, has taken vocal lessons and continues to sound good live. Similarly, some death metal vocalists like Piotr Wiwczarek and Martin Van Drünen, who are nearly 60 years old, have preserved their voices to a remarkable degree. These artists demonstrate that with the right care, a singer can maintain their vocal abilities.

The vocals from his recent slower acoustic performances have perhaps brought to light the current state of his voice. During the pandemic, he adapted to singing in a more relaxed and potentially less taxing manner. However, when he had to perform in the way he did in 2019, he found it challenging.

According to Richie Sambora, the band’s guitarist, Bon Jovi is in talks about coming back to tour, stating, "when Jon gets his voice lined out." This suggests that he is working to regain his vocal abilities.

Absolutely, age can play a part in this, but with proper vocal care, it is certainly possible to still perform at a high level. Consider Mick Jagger, who is almost 80 years old, and still able to sing live. Bruce Dickinson, who is older than Jon Bon Jovi, continues to sound great. These examples show that taking care of the vocal cords is crucial.

In conclusion, while aging and past injuries can affect a singer's voice, it is not inevitable to lose your vocal quality. With proper care and techniques, it is possible to maintain a high level of vocal performance well into one's later years.