by Gentle Giant’s Derek Shulman recently shared his thoughts on aging rock stars attempting comebacks. He specifically called out Jon Bon Jovi’s recent performances in an interview with Appetite for Distortion.
Shulman explained his band’s decision to avoid reunion tours, despite lucrative offers over the years.
“We had lots of other we had lots of offers to reform, to do tours for lots and lots of money,” Shulman said. “And one thing I would never do, and I don’t think any of the band would like to, is either be a tribute band, or legacy band; or a band that’s trying to get into size 30 waist, when you’re in your dad bod, and become parodies of what you were. That’s something I feel a little odd about.”
The singer expressed discomfort watching veteran artists struggle to recapture their former glory.
“It really hurts me to see artists trying to be who they were when they were younger, and not being able to pull it off,” he continued. “And they should not try. I don’t know. I mean, I feel uncomfortable watching Jon Bon Jovi try to be what he was 30-odd years ago, but he said that now, which is good.”
Shulman acknowledged that Bon Jovi has been public about his vocal struggles. However, he maintained his criticism of other artists who continue performing despite declining abilities.
“He’s public about it, but I’ve seen other artists, as you mentioned, a couple of others, and seeing some on YouTube that I won’t even mention,” he said. “It’s embarrassing to me that they would present themselves in a way that is not how they used to be. And I don’t know why they do it, honestly.”
Shulman’s comments come as Bon Jovi has been navigating significant vocal challenges in recent years.
Alternative Nation reported that Jon Bon Jovi underwent vocal cord surgery in 2022 as part of his effort to address vocal issues. Despite his recovery and ability to sing in the studio, his voice is still not fully healed for extensive touring.
The vocal struggles have significantly impacted Bon Jovi’s ability to perform live. Parade noted that due to his vocal challenges, Bon Jovi has been unable to tour in support of their recent album, “Forever.” Instead, Jon Bon Jovi has focused on recording, including collaborations featured in the “Legendary Edition” of the album.
This approach has allowed him to continue creating music while avoiding the vocal strain associated with live performances. He has expressed a desire to perform live again but acknowledges the challenges of maintaining the rigorous schedule required for touring.
The issue of vocal decline among aging rock stars is a common challenge in the music industry. Many artists have sought various solutions, including surgery, to maintain their vocal capabilities. This underscores the importance of adapting to physical changes while pursuing a music career in later years. Shulman appears to believe some artists handle this reality better than others.
