WHEN JON BON JOVI TOOK A SWIPE AT THE REPLACEMENTS

UltimateClassicRock ^ | February 20, 2022 | Corey Irwin

[nickcarraway]

In February 1989, the Replacements appeared on the cover of Musician Magazine with a headline crowning them “The Last, Best Band of the ‘80s.” The unofficial title didn’t sit well with one of the era’s biggest stars: Jon Bon Jovi.

The Replacements had developed a strong following throughout the ‘80s thanks to their pioneering alt-rock style. With earnest lyrics and the raw vocals of frontman Paul Westerberg, the group carved themselves a distinctive niche among underground rock fans. They weren’t scoring platinum albums or chart-topping hits, but they were highly respected by the “cool kids.”

At the other end of the spectrum sat Bon Jovi. The group had released four studio albums by ‘89, all of which were platinum-selling hits. The biggest success was 1986's Slippery When Wet, a worldwide phenomenon that launched Bon Jovi into rock’s upper echelon thanks to classic tracks like “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Still, despite their huge commercial success, the band was generally dismissed by critics. For Jon Bon Jovi, reading praise heaped upon the Replacements seemingly struck a nerve.

“‘The Last Great Band of the ‘80s.’ Yeah, right,” the rocker scoffed during his own conversation with Musician. “I never heard of these guys, but I guess you’re an artist if you’re on the cover of Musician magazine.”

According to Replacements biographer Bob Mehr, Westerberg couldn’t help but respond with a swipe of his own when he heard about Bon Jovi's reaction.

“How many critical raves has he had?” the Replacements frontman reportedly smirked. “Sure, I might trade bank accounts [with Bon Jovi], but I wouldn't want [his] pants."

The Replacements broke up in 1991 but eventually reunited more than two decades later. Bon Jovi, meanwhile, has continued to enjoy massive commercial success for nearly 40 years.

In 2016, Mehr got to ask Jon Bon Jovi about his Replacements comment, but the frontman claimed he had no recollection of the incident.

[wardaddy]

Nice segue

[Big Red Clay]

I saw them also at a bar in Lincoln, Nebraska. Went with some buddies who loved that band. Had the unique experience of Westerburg jumping on our table and pouring a full pitcher of beer all over the three of us. It was a really fun and excellent show. I really like Westerburgs solo stuff.
I also saw Bon Jovi during the mid 80’s before they got huge. They were the opening act for Ratt and blew Ratt off the stage. Crosby and Pearcy were so drunk that they could hardly perform and Bon Jovi were a tight live act. That tour was for the album before “slippery when wet” so the egomania had not set in yet. At this point if I hear anything but “Runaway” on the radio or my phone shuffle it immediately gets skipped. That band is way overplayed.

[nickcarraway]

It seems like almost every Freeper preferred the Replacements, though some hadn’t heard of them.

[nickcarraway]

How come he didn’t get cancelled for using the word retarded?

[wardaddy]

It should be disclosed

Someone close to me knew westerberg well

“Very”

They are Frank too much

They are a great underrated band

[Drew68]

I also saw Bon Jovi during the mid 80’s before they got huge. They were the opening act for Ratt and blew Ratt off the stage.

I saw this tour in Denver.

I recall it well. Bon Jovi were the up-and-coming young group while Ratt had seen their better days and were on the slope downwards.

I remember Bon Jovi had a banner hanging above the drums with their "Bon Jovi" logo, a total amateur job that looked like something the band members' girlfriends painted in the garage.

I recall they played a short 35-minute set and sounded like crap. Probably not their fault. I imagine Ratt's management told the soundman, "Make these punks sound like sh*t if you wanna get paid!"

And when Bon Jovi walked off stage, half the crowd left with them. they were there to see Bon Jovi. They didn't give a sh*t about Ratt.

I just looked up the date. September 11th, 1985.

[Big Red Clay]

I saw that tour one week to the day later on 9/18/1985 at Pershing Auditorium in Lincoln Nebraska. I vaguely recall the cheesy banner behind them now that you mention it. I was pretty disappointed with Ratt. That band had a ton of good songs and it was a real downer that they were so drunk and sloppy. I went to see them only it seemed like a waste of funds. Although my friends and I were pretty tuned up so I guess I probably still enjoyed it.