Rock legend Jon Bon Jovi recently shared heartwarming memories of his first time seeing Bruce Springsteen perform live, highlighting a special moment that would influence his own career.
During his hosting stint on SiriusXM's E Street Radio, Bon Jovi, 62, recalled attending his first E Street Band arena show at the Philadelphia Spectrum. What caught his eye was an unforgettable moment during "Spirits in the Night" when Springsteen pulled off an impressive stage move.
"By the time the solo ends, Bruce is up in the third tier sitting in the seats," Bon Jovi recounted. "I love that trick. I used that trick myself many years later because I was like, 'That is the coolest thing I've ever seen.'"
The New Jersey native also shared a personal milestone from 1978 when, as a high school student performing with his cover band Atlantic City Expressway, Springsteen unexpectedly joined him on stage during "Promised Land." "For a kid that was still in high school, believe me, that was a Beatles moment," he said.
Their friendship has endured over four decades, recently culminating in a touching moment at the 2024 Grammys MusiCares gala. Springsteen joined Bon Jovi on stage just days after losing his mother, demonstrating their deep bond.
"Our connection is deep, on a whole different level of friendship," Bon Jovi told PEOPLE. "How many guys can talk like we can talk, in close quarters, about life and love and loss? He's a dear friend of mine, and he really is like a big brother."
Growing up in New Jersey, Bon Jovi remembered how The E Street Band dominated the local music scene: "The E Street Band were The Beatles when you grew up in New Jersey." For young musicians like himself, catching band members playing in local Asbury Park bars was a treasured experience that helped shape their musical journeys.