Author: atrang

The Godmother! More Proof Taylor Swift Is The Ultimate Bestie

Just when you thought Taylor Swift couldn’t be a better bestie, she proves you wrong in the cutest way possible. Cementing her title as the best friend EVER, Taylor has taken on even more BFF duties and is soon to be a Godmother. The singer made the announcement that she will be godmother to Jaime King and husband Kyle Newman’s unborn baby, on Instagram (of course) posing with model pal Jaime and the bump.

Taylor and Jaime [Instagram: @jaime_king]

We can only dream of what it would be like to be Taylor’s godchild. But based on the pictures of playdates that she’s posted on Instagram, we’re betting it’s pretty great. Recently, Taylor uploaded a picture of her hanging out with, former Civil Wars member, Joy Williams’ child. She captioned the picture, “I decided today that when my friends’ children come over, I’ll feed them chocolate chips and let them jump on the furniture”. What better way to spend an afternoon?

We are convinced that Taylor is the ultimate best friend. Despite being the busiest person on the planet, she’s also got looking after a bride-to-be on her to do list. Taylor has agreed to be maid of honour for her life-long pal Brit Maack, who when inviting her to take on the role said, “you are more than a friend, you are more than a best friend, you are my sister”.

When Taylor’s not taking care of friends’ unborn babies, or taking her other friends down the aisle, she’s taking them to the Grammys. Tay’s highschool BFF Abigail Anderson was her date to the Grammy’s this year and has previously been featured in her music videos, songs and appeared alongside her on Ellen way back when her second album was coming out. Taylor regularly uses a #tbt in photos with Abigail, proving that despite being pals before Taylor was famous, their friendship isn’t going anywhere. What a great mate.

Clearly one to keep busy, Taylor is always on adventures with her many friends, whether it’s whale-watching in Hawaii with Haim, posing in her kitchen with Karlie, or drinking orange juice with Ella (that’s Lorde to you and me). We wanna be Taylor’s pal desperately. We’ll pencil in a lunch in between rehersals for the upcoming 1989 tour and all that BFFing. See you there Tay?

Taylor and her many BFFs [Instagram: @taylorswift]

Check out our gallery dedicated to Taylor Swift friendship with Karlie Kloss below…

Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss Friendship

1 of 9

November 2013 – Victoria’s Secret Show

Taylor and Karlie met for the first time at the Victoria’s Secret show. Karlie has said: “We met at the show, we never met before but we’re BFFs now. It’s nice to meet another American girl, we’re the same age and she’s so inspiring — she’s so talented and she’s true to who she is. She’s a cool girl and I’m glad she’s in the show this year, she rocked it.”

2 of 9

March 2014 – Vanity Fair Party

There may have been some cookie-fuelled sleepovers that didn’t make it to Instagram. But the next time we saw these two hang out was at the Oscars. Naturally.

3 of 9

Spring 2014 – The road trip

Karlie and Taylor took their friendship on the road, going on an adventure along the Pacific Coast Highway. This is when they went public with their BFF status, posting plenty of selfies and writing Karlie

4 of 9

May 2014 – Met Ball

In girl world, getting ready together for an event is an event in itself. Often this will be to the soundtrack of Taylor Swift, but in Karlie Kloss world she gets to listen to the actual Taylor Swift. The pair got ready together for the 2014 Met Ball, where they both wore Oscar de la Renta gowns.

5 of 9

August 2014

It was rumoured that they had moved in together, but her rep said: “Karlie and Taylor do not live together and have no plans to live together. The Daily Mail did not verify the facts of the story prior to publishing it.”

6 of 9

September 2014

A Rolling Stone journalist visited Taylor’s apartment for her cover story. He wrote: “‘This is where Karlie usually stays,’ [Taylor] says – meaning supermodel Karlie Kloss, one of her new BFFs, whom she met nine months ago at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. There’s a basket of Kloss’s favorite Whole Foods treats next to the bed, and multiple photos of her on the walls.”

7 of 9

November 2014

Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss sat court side at a Knicks game, where they held hands and both wore black roll necks.

8 of 9

November 2014: Victoria’s Secret Show

Karlie and Taylor celebrated their one year anniversary of being BFFs at the VS show in London. They walked down the catwalk hand in hand in black lace lingerie, as Taylor sang ‘Style’ from 1989.

9 of 9

December 2014

Then came the dating rumours. A picture hit Twitter where the pair looked very cosy at a gig in New York. Taylor hit back with the tweet: “As my 25th birthday present from the media, I’d like you to stop accusing all my friends of dating me #thirsty.” Her rep said: “It’s sad that on the day it’s announced Taylor has three Grammy nominations for ‘Shake It Off,’ I have to shake off this crap.”

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum: The Duo That Brought Banner 18 to Boston!

The Boston Celtics have a storied history filled with legends—Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Paul Pierce—but in the modern NBA, two names have risen to the forefront as the heart and soul of the franchise: Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. These two stars, long considered one of the league’s most dynamic duos, delivered on their immense promise by leading the Celtics to their first championship since 2008, securing Banner 18 and re-establishing Boston as the premier powerhouse in the NBA.

A Duo Built for Greatness

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have been the driving force behind the Celtics’ resurgence. Both possess an elite combination of size, skill, and athleticism, making them nearly impossible to contain on the court. While Tatum has often been viewed as the team’s primary scorer and playmaker, Brown’s evolution into a lethal two-way force has made the Celtics even more dangerous.

Jaylen Brown: The Relentless Warrior

Jaylen Brown’s game has grown tremendously since entering the league in 2016. Once criticized for his lack of polish, he has silenced every doubter with his consistent improvement. During the 2024 season, Brown averaged 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, shooting a career-high 49% from the field. But his impact went far beyond the numbers. His defensive tenacity, ability to attack the rim with force, and improved mid-range game made him a nightmare for opposing teams.

The defining moment of Brown’s career came in the 2024 NBA Finals. When the stakes were at their highest, he delivered, earning Finals MVP honors and proving that he was every bit as crucial to the Celtics’ success as his counterpart.

Jayson Tatum: The Superstar Playmaker

Jayson Tatum has long been heralded as a future face of the NBA. With a smooth scoring ability reminiscent of the greats, he has continuously elevated his game each year. Averaging 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, Tatum was the Celtics’ go-to option throughout the season and playoffs.

While he has been known for his scoring prowess, Tatum’s growth as a playmaker in 2024 was evident. His ability to read defenses, create opportunities for teammates, and step up in crucial moments solidified his status as one of the most complete players in the league. Though Brown walked away with Finals MVP, Tatum’s leadership and offensive dominance were undeniable throughout the championship run.

The 2024 Championship Run: Overcoming Doubts and Delivering Glory

Boston’s path to the 2024 championship was anything but easy. The Eastern Conference was stacked with competition—Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Miami, and Cleveland all posed serious threats. But through it all, Brown and Tatum stood tall.

Dominance in the Playoffs

The Celtics entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed and made an emphatic statement in each round. They swept their first-round opponent before facing a grueling seven-game battle in the Eastern Conference Finals. Against the defending champions in the NBA Finals, Brown and Tatum took turns dismantling the opposition, with Brown delivering a legendary Game 6 performance to seal the title.

Jaylen Brown’s Finals MVP Moment

In a moment that will forever be remembered in Celtics lore, Brown erupted for 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals in the decisive Game 6, securing the championship for Boston. The moment the final buzzer sounded, Celtics fans erupted, knowing that the duo they had believed in for years had finally reached the mountaintop.

Legacy Cemented: What’s Next for the Celtics?

With Banner 18 hanging proudly in TD Garden, the question now becomes: can Brown and Tatum build a dynasty?

The NBA is a league of constant evolution, and staying at the top is just as challenging as getting there. But with a young core, a strong supporting cast, and a championship under their belts, the Celtics are positioned to be a dominant force for years to come.

The 2024 title wasn’t just about winning—it was about proving that Boston is back, and that Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are not just stars but legends in the making.

#JaylenBrown #JaysonTatum #BostonCeltics #NBAChampions #FinalsMVP #CelticsPride #Banner18

Larry Bird’s Retirement Ceremony: Magic’s Unforgettable Gesture That Stole the Show!

There are nights in sports history that transcend the game itself, moments so legendary they become part of the fabric of a franchise’s soul. February 4, 1993, was one of those nights. The Boston Garden, home to so many championship memories, was sold out—not for a Celtics game, but to honor the man who embodied the heart, grit, and legacy of Boston basketball: Larry Bird.

A Night for the Ages

Dubbed “Larry Bird Night,” this event wasn’t just a retirement ceremony; it was a grand tribute to a 13-year career that redefined the Boston Celtics and elevated the NBA itself. Bird, a three-time NBA champion, three-time MVP, and the unquestioned leader of the Celtics, was being honored not just for his statistics, but for his unrelenting will to win and his fierce loyalty to Boston.

The Garden was filled with legends—former teammates, coaches, and opponents alike—each offering their praise and gratitude for the man who had made the Celtics relevant again in the 1980s. As the highlights of his career played on the giant screen, the crowd erupted, chanting “Larry! Larry!” in a way that made it clear: Boston would never forget its basketball king.

Magic’s Unforgettable Tribute

While many NBA icons spoke that night, one moment stole the show. Magic Johnson, Bird’s fiercest rival and closest friend, made an entrance that no one could have predicted.

As Magic walked onto the floor of the Boston Garden, the crowd roared in approval. He was wearing his signature Los Angeles Lakers warmups—a sight that, in any other scenario, would have drawn boos in enemy territory. But on this night, it was different. Magic was there to honor his greatest rival and dearest friend.

Then came the moment that made history. In an act of pure reverence, Magic unzipped his Lakers warmup jacket to reveal a Boston Celtics t-shirt underneath. The Garden, frozen in shock for a split second, erupted into a deafening ovation. Celtics fans, notorious for their hatred of all things purple and gold, found themselves cheering for the one Laker they had grown to respect the most.

This wasn’t just about basketball. This was respect. Brotherhood. A gesture that transcended rivalry.

“There Will Never, Ever Be Another Larry Bird”

But Magic wasn’t done. As he took the microphone, his words would etch themselves into NBA lore forever:

“You told me one lie, only one. You know what that lie was? Larry Bird said that there will be another Larry Bird one day. And, Larry, there will never, ever, ever be another Larry Bird.”

The words hit like a thunderclap. In a career filled with unforgettable moments, this might have been Bird’s greatest tribute. The man who had battled him for championships, the only player who truly understood the level of greatness he had achieved, was now standing before him, declaring that his legacy was untouchable.

The Greatest Rivalry of All Time

Bird and Magic. Magic and Bird. Their names are forever intertwined in basketball history. Their rivalry saved the NBA, bringing the league into the mainstream and setting the stage for what the game would become in the modern era.

Throughout the 1980s, they met in three NBA Finals, each battle a chess match between the stoic, cold-blooded assassin from Boston and the charismatic, electrifying showman from Los Angeles. They pushed each other to their limits, fueling a rivalry that made basketball must-watch television. But behind the competition was an unbreakable bond, one forged through mutual respect and a shared understanding of what it meant to be great.

That night in 1993, as Bird sat on the stage, listening to his fiercest rival speak about him with such reverence, there was no doubt: this was the greatest rivalry in sports history. Not just for what it meant on the court, but for what it represented off it.

A Legacy That Lives Forever

Larry Bird’s impact on the game of basketball cannot be overstated. He wasn’t the fastest, the tallest, or the most athletic. But he was the smartest, the toughest, and the most determined. His work ethic, his clutch performances, and his sheer will to win made him a legend.

And Magic Johnson knew it better than anyone.

As the ceremony came to a close, Magic and Bird embraced at center court, a moment that symbolized the end of an era. But the echoes of their battles, their friendship, and their greatness still resonate today.

Because Magic was right. There will never, ever, ever be another Larry Bird.

And there will never, ever, ever be a rivalry quite like this again.

 

“Larry Bird Took a Brutal Hit—Then Humiliated His Opponent with Five Words Before Dropping 50!”

Basketball is a game of skill, strategy, and mental warfare. But when you’re up against a player like Larry Bird, no amount of defensive scheming, double-teams, or physicality is enough to stop him. His opponents learned that the hard way—especially when they tried to knock him down, only to see him get back up and torch them for 50 points with an icy glare and a sharp tongue.

The Plan: Stop Bird at All Costs

Larry Bird’s dominance in the 1980s forced defenders to take drastic measures. They knew that if he got hot, there was no stopping him. His lethal jump shot, elite footwork, and insane basketball IQ made him nearly impossible to contain. So, teams resorted to their only remaining option: beat him up.

One player, in particular, admitted this was the only way to slow Bird down. “The only way we could stop Larry Bird is fouling him hard every time he drove to the basket,” he said. “I remember I hit him with an elbow to his chest.”

That was the strategy. That was the game plan. But what happened next? They had no answer for that.

The Moment That Left the Defender Speechless

Most players would have crumpled to the floor, clutching their ribs after taking an unexpected elbow. Some might have retaliated with a shove or a heated argument. But not Larry Bird.

Instead, he got up, looked his opponent dead in the eye, and delivered an all-time savage line:

“My momma hits harder than that.”

Let that sink in. The man had just taken a full-force elbow to the chest, a move designed to send a message, and instead of being fazed, he laughed it off like it was nothing.

Imagine being the defender at that moment. You just threw your best shot at one of the greatest players ever, and he practically shrugged it off as if it were a tickle. And then?

Then he went nuclear.

Larry Bird Drops 50 Like It’s Nothing

After brushing off the hard foul like it was child’s play, Bird let his game do the rest of the talking. He proceeded to light up the scoreboard for 50 points, completely humiliating the team that thought they could slow him down.

This was classic Bird. He didn’t just dominate—he did it with a flair that left opponents crushed. He talked his talk, backed it up, and left no doubt about who was the best player on the floor.

Bird’s Legacy of Trash Talk and Dominance

Larry Bird wasn’t just great. He was ruthless.

The way he combined trash talk with elite-level skill made him one of the most feared competitors in NBA history. He didn’t need to dunk on you or flex after a big shot—his words alone were enough to break your spirit.

This wasn’t a one-time thing, either. Bird had a long history of talking trash and delivering legendary performances:

🔥 He told Xavier McDaniel exactly how he’d hit the game-winning shot—then did it.
🔥 He walked into a three-point contest and asked, “Who’s coming in second?” before winning.
🔥 He once played an entire game left-handed, just to challenge himself.

And when opponents tried to get physical, he never backed down.

The Difference Between Bird and Everyone Else

Most players talk. Few can back it up.

Larry Bird? He never had to prove anything—because he had already won the battle before the ball even left his hands.

The mental edge he possessed was something few players ever mastered. He could get inside an opponent’s head, make them doubt themselves, and then bury them with a cold-blooded performance.

That’s exactly what happened in this game. A team thought they could physically intimidate Bird. Instead, they unleashed the worst possible version of him: the angry, motivated, and trash-talking Bird who took everything personally.

The Final Score? Larry Bird: 50. The Other Team: Embarrassed.

This game was just another entry in the legend of Larry Bird. The elbow? Meaningless. The trash talk? Inevitable. The 50 points? Just another night for the Boston Celtics icon.

If there’s one lesson to take from this story, it’s this:

Never poke the Bird. Because when you do, he’ll make you regret it.

 Heather Locklear’s Daughter Stuns in Bon Jovi Shirt from 20 Years Ago – The Resemblance Is Unreal!

I can say from personal experience that wearing the same size clothes as your mom has its perks! I’ve been borrowing my mother’s style for years , and inheriting all of her vintage looks from the ’90s and early 2000s.

Evidently, so has Heather Locklear’s daughter!

She shared a photo wearing the same Bon Jovi shirt that her mom wore 20 years ago, and they are twins !

Everybody knows that style trends almost always eventually come full-circle and make a comeback.

I seriously, seriously hope that the style from the early 2000s (AKA low-rise jeans) never make a comeback.

That being said, there are plenty of trends from the ’50s to the ’90s that are certainly worth revisiting.

Hair scrunchies, neon, bodysuits, high-waisted anything, crop tops, and most importantly… Band tees

Which is exactly what brings us here today!

For those of you who are not familiar with Heather Locklear, here’s a quick memory refresher:

Instagram | @heatherlocklear
The 58-year-old actress is best known for her iconic roles in Melrose Place, The Return of Swamp Thing , and The Perfect Man .

While she hasn’t gotten up to much acting these days, she has still managed to maintain being a household name for many people.

Getty Images | L. Cohen
At the peak of her career, Heather was famously married to the lead guitarist of Bon Jovi .

While the pair were not able to go the distance and end up happily ever after, as they divoriced in 2007, they do share one daughter together, Ava Sambora.

Instagram | @avasambora
Ava is now 22 years old, and a model!

Where does the time go? Seriously.

Amid the current pandemic, Ava has been quarantining with her mom and supporting her through her sobriety.

Instagram | @avasambora
“Richie and Ava are giving her a lot of support,” a source told People last month.

“She is gardening, taking walks and cooking like a fiend. She cooks for herself, Ava and her parents. It’s very sweet. Her dad is close to 91, and her mom is in her 80s, and she delivers food to them often,” the source added.
Instagram | @avasambora
“It’s really amazing to see how she managed to turn things around. Heather is always happiest when she is with her daughter. ”

Ava has recently graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. But, unfortunately, due to coronavirus, has had to celebrate from home.

Instagram | @heatherlocklear
Earlier this month, Heather shared this photo to Instagram with the caption: “Congratulations baby girl! We are so proud.”

She also shared this photo to Instagram, just before Ava’s big day!

Instagram | @heatherlocklear
“Tomorrow is the big LMU graduation at home for my baby. Tune in for more tomorrow,” she captioned the photo .

Heather must be one proud mama!

Anyway, it’s fair to say that Ava and Heather are two peas in a pod!

Instagram | @heatherlocklear
Heather is constantly sharing snaps of her daughter on Instagram, praising her accomplishements.

It’s adorable.

#MotherDaughterGoals

But things recently got even more adorable when Ava shared a photo wearing one of her mom’s Bon Jovi t-shirts from 20 years ago!

Instagram | @avasambora
Talk about a blast from the past, amirite?

What makes it even sweeter, however, is that it is simultaneously supporting her father as well!

Here’s what Heather looked like in the aforementioned shirt 20 years ago:

Getty Images | Sam Levi
Stunning, of course.

And I’m sure she never imagined that 20 years in the future, her daughter (and daughter of a Bon Jovi bandmate) would be rocking the exact same look.

Ava is a spitting image of her mama!

Instagram | @avasambora
Regardless of where the shirt came from in the first place, I gotta say, this is a lewk .

But the fact that it used to belong to her mom makes it that much better.

“I got it from my mama (Like I literally got this shirt from my mom’s closet ),” Ava captioned the post.

Instagram | @avasambora
I’m living for this.

If my dad were the lead guitarist of Bon Jovi, I would literally never wear anything except modified band merch.

What do you think of Heather Locklear’s 22-year-old daughter rockig the same Bon Jovi shirt that she did 20 years prior?

Instagram | @heatherlocklear
Are they twins or what?!

10+ Random Facts About Jon Bon Jovi Fans Didn’t Know

Jon Bon Jovi may be a bonified rockstar, but he hasn’t been living the rock star life.

For starters, he’s been married to the same woman for over 40 years and even prioritizes family over music.

He’s also one of the most philanthropic celebs around with his own organization that feeds the homeless.

All in all, he’s just a good dude. Here are 10+ random fact fans didn’t know.

1. His real name is John Francis Bongiovi.

The rockstar was born in 1962 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey to parents who were both Marines for quite some time.

Eventually, his father became a hairdresser and his mother a florist.

2. He formed the band Bon Jovi when he was 21.

He did so with guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboard player David Bryan, and drummer Tico Torres.

The guys failed to get traction until 1986 when they released their smash hit, “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

3. He’s extremely philanthropic.

Instagram | @jonbonjovi
In 2006, Jon founded the JBJ Soul Foundation (named after his initials).

It’s a non-profit organization with the mission to reduce the amount of hunger and homelessness in the United States.

4. He has released a country album.

Instagram | @jonbonjovi
Everyone was surprised when the singer traded in rock for country for 2007’s “Lost Highway” album.

But what was even more surprising was the fact that the album did so well!

5. He had a breakdown in the early days of his career.

Instagram | @jonbonjovi
After the success of “Livin’ On A Prayer,” the rockstar was put through the wringer of back-to-back tours and complete exhaustion.

This led him to contemplate jumping out of a moving vehicle on his way to see his therapist. Thankfully, he didn’t and he’s still here with us today.

6. He’s into politics.

As a card-carrying Democrat, he’s campaigned hard for the likes of John Kerry and Barack Obama.

For instance, in 2009, he held a fundraiser for the then-presidential candidate in his own home. Recently, he’s been performing at rallies for Joe Biden.

7. He once donated half a million dollars to build an apartment complex for homeless veterans.

Jon’s organization took a page from fellow philanthropist, Gary Sinise , by helping out veterans in need.

Jon explained the reason behind this decision on CNN’s “The Lead With Jake Tapper.”

“Often times, [veterans] left to deal with PTSD, and the issue of coming back to the workplace after leaving the battlefield…” he said.

He also released a song called “Unbroken,” which had all of the proceeds going to the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation.

8. He’s been married to his wife, Dorothea, since 1989.

Instagram | @jonbonjovi
He may be a rockstar, but he certainly doesn’t live the messy rock & roll lifestyle.

Instead, he’s in domestic bliss with his wife who he met while he was in school.

“Our focus has always been family first and making sure that people are doing well,” Dorothea told *People* about how they make their marriage work.

Instagram | @jonbonjovi
“We like each other. We spent a lot of time together, and it was more than we have spent in many years, but it was nice,” she added about being in quarantine together.

9. He has four kids: Stephanie Rose, Jesse James, Jacob, and Romeo.

Bon Jovi may like being a rockstar, but he once told People that family comes first.

“It’s just what I do, it’s not who I am,” he said. “I write songs. I happen to be very good at performing them. That’s it.”

10. He has opened up two restaurants to feed the homeless.

Instagram | @jonbonjovi
The singer and actor currently has two “Soul Kitchens” AKA restaurants , under his JBJ Soul Foundation.

The premise for Soul Kitchen is this: people in need can eat for free!

If you can afford to pay, then you will only be asked to make a $20 donation.

Instagram | @jonbonjovi
As for the homeless, they are encouraged to eat and then later volunteer in the kitchen.

The organization’s website reported that 51% of the meals they’ve served so far have been paid for by donations.

11. He’s a feminist.

A philanthropist and a feminist? This man is after our own heart.

“This idea that the pay scale is unequal is beyond my comprehension,” he told The Guardian .

“Every man knows… and if he doesn’t say it, he’s a liar… that they get their wisdom from their mother, their wife and their daughters.”

12. He wrote an album about 2020.

As if we needed another reminder of the past year…

Even so, Bon Jovi made one titled “2020.”

In it, he tackles politics, the pandemic, police violence, and everything else that we’ve recently experienced.

Jon said that the album is his attempt to “bear witness to history.”

Instagram | @jonbonjovi
“I was inspired by the health care workers, the students who sacrificed, the grocery store clerk who became an essential worker, the caregiver, the unsung heroes who stepped up to help their neighbors and those who simply wore a mask, not because it was a political tool but because it was a sign of respect for their fellow man,” he said .

13. His favorite part of being a rockstar isn’t performing.

Instagram | @jonbonjovi
It’s songwriting.

“When I write a song, that’s when the magic happens. Having written something that’s going to be around long after we’re all gone is as close to immortality as we’ll ever be,” Bon Jovi told CBS This Morning co-host, Gayle King.

14. He wants Richie Sambora back in the band, but only if he “gets his life together.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhcRoLslmj3/
2013 was quite a controversial year for Jon Bon Jovi.

Sambora, lead guitarist and one of the band’s main songwriters, was dismissed for missing too much work.

In another interview, Bon Jovi said that Richie’s “choices have led him astray.”

Then, to add to the drama and mystery, Sambora suggested that he’d been unhappy with the way the group was run for decades.

“I thought we should have made more strides to become a band. It was going towards Jon being the front-guy and nothing else.”

Last Updated on October 28, 2020 by Sarah Kester

Tags: Celebrities & Entertainment News

You Can Now Go On A ‘Bon Jovi Cruise’ With Bon Jovi— And It’s Now Or Never

Cruises have been a tried-and-true vacation for decades now. I mean, you get to sail around paradise on a giant floating resort — what’s not to like? If you needed something to sweeten the pot, consider the fact that you could go on a cruise with Jon Bon Jovi himself.

Bon Jovi is a big deal.

Wikimedia Commons
His band has sold millions of records worldwide and cranked out hit after hit. When it comes to New Jersey rock supremacy, the only two names in the discussion are Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi.

Bon Jovi’s about more than just the music.

Wikimedia Commons | David
He’s made attempts to buy part of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills in the past. Both attempts were ultimately unsuccessful, but he did own the Arena Football League’s Philadelphia Soul for a time.

Bon Jovi’s been a philanthropist for more groups and charities than you can count, including the Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross and his own charity, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.

Now he’s trying something new.

Getty Images
Celebrity cruises have been a bit of a thing in recent years, where holidaymakers are given the opportunity to party with acts like Weezer and Kiss . Bon Jovi’s a savvy businessman with a huge following, so he’s thrown his hat in the ring.

You’d better book your tickets fast.

Flickr | Cardiff shooter
That’s because Bon Jovi’s venture, the Runaway to Paradise cruise, leaves soon. It departs Miami on April 12th, so there’s juuust enough time to book your ticket and airfare.

The cost is pretty reasonable.

Wikipedia | Ivan T.
Bon Jovi superfans can get on board the ship (Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade ) for as little as $713 per person. It goes up from there, of course — and it looks like spots are nearly sold out.

There’s wine, too.

Facebook | Hampton Water Wine Co.
Bon Jovi’s son, Jesse Bongiovi, will also be on board. Father and son are business partners in Hampton Water Wine, which makes an up and coming rosé that’s seen rave reviews.

What will the scene be like?

Getty Images | Gary Miller
There’ll be a shop for Bon Jovi’s clothing line, Hart N Dagger (remember, he’s a businessman!). For those who aren’t as interested in the retail opportunities, though, there will be more substantial stuff.

It’s a once in a lifetime experience for fans.

There will be plenty of Bon Jovi tunes blasting throughout the ship, as well as karaoke. But the big draw is the chance to rub shoulders with Bon Jovi himself at Q&A sessions onboard.

The ship will be rocking.

Wikimedia Commons | John Colden
Bon Jovi’s a big enough name to anchor the cruise, but it’ll also feature acts like Collective Soul, Tonic, Beth Thornton and Slippery When Wet, giving fans of different genres and eras a chance to rock out.

Whoa, we’re halfway there.

Flickr | gas_station_sushi
The four-night cruise will depart and return to Miami, stopping at one port of call — Nassau in the Bahamas — along the way. For Europeans, there’s a separate Mediterranean cruise that sets sail in August.

Would you go?

If you’re a Bon Jovi fan with the money to spare, it seems like a no-brainer — assuming you can get a ticket, of course. What would you do? It’s your life. It’s now or never. You ain’t gonna live forever.

Jon Bon Jovi Calls Taylor Swift ‘Pesky’ For Stealing Bon Jovi’s No. 1 Spot On Charts

Bon Jovi’s latest album, ‘Forever,’ debuted at Number 5, but Jon Bon Jovi thinks it could have topped the charts if it weren’t for Taylor Swift.

Swift’s 2024 album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ held the Number 1 spot when ‘Forever’ was released. Jon joked about it in a recent interview with Audacy, saying:

“If it weren’t for that pesky Taylor [Swift] girl, we would have been No. 1 everywhere! But isn’t [it] fantastic that, on our 18th album, we’re still having big hit successes? So, it’s knock on wood, and why not be joyful?”

The frontman’s comment isn’t negative as he’s praised Swift and her work in many interviews. In a June conversation with Variety, Bon Jovi noted:

“She created an industry. She utilized what she does best. She sings like Taylor Swift. She plays guitar like Taylor Swift. She’s not trying to be something that she’s not, and it is connected with an audience that is unique.”

Bon Jovi’s Other Statements About Swift

Back in 2013, Swift, along with Prince William, joined Bon Jovi on stage at London’s Kensington Palace to sing ‘Livin’ on a Prayer.’ In a May Radio Times issue, Jon talked about his feelings towards Swift:

“Most definitely. She’s connected with an audience that is unique to her. She’s a talent who will be around now for the rest of her life. She’ll be the Dolly Parton of her generation. I have nothing but respect for what she’s accomplished.”

Previously in February, at a panel for ‘Thank You, Goodnight,’ Bon Jovi playfully compared his songwriting to Swift’s and shared how his early life affected his music:

“That’s been the magic of 40 years of career. At 20, when I got a record deal, I didn’t have a lot else to write about except high school.”

The singer added:

“And I didn’t break up with people like Taylor [Swift] did.”

After ‘Forever’ debuted at Number 5, it dropped off the Billboard 200 chart the next week. The band’s previous album, 2020’s ‘2020,’ was on the chart for just two weeks. It started at Number 19, then dropped 126 spots and left the chart.

Mike Portnoy Gives Taylor Swift Hit A Metal Edge With Double Bass, And It’s Pure Genius

Photo Credit: Loudwire – Hector Vivas/TAS23/Getty Images/TAS Rights Management

Mike Portnoy recently appeared as a guest on Drumeo and turned Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ into metal.

On Drumeo’s First Time series, Portnoy was challenged to create drum parts for a song he had never heard before—Swift’s ‘Shake It Off.’ After hearing a snippet without drum tracks, he jammed along. “What the hell was that?” the Dream Theater drummer said after his first take on the song.

When the host asked, “Mike, you actually don’t know what that was?” Portnoy replied, “I have not the slightest clue. It sounds like something out of Disneyland in Japan or something.”

Following his final take on the track, the rocker asked the host, “Who is it? What is it?” After learning it was Taylor Swift, Mike added, “Oh my God, that’s Taylor Swift? Like only the biggest artist on Earth. Wow, that’s Taylor Swift. I had no idea. What’s the name of that song?”

When the host said it is ‘Shake It Off,’ Portnoy sent a message to Swift, saying, “That’s exactly what I’m about to have to do. Taylor, I’m really sorry. I still would play with you in a heartbeat. I swear I wouldn’t do that [laughs].”

“Wow, well, there you go. Perfect example. Biggest artist in the world and I don’t know a single one of her songs. My daughter is going to get a kick out of this,” the musician concluded.

On Drumeo, Portnoy also previously played Nickelback’s ‘Burn It To The Ground’ with double bass. He hadn’t heard the song before, so after listening and taking notes, he played it his way.

Later, he compared it to the original with Daniel Adair on drums and noticed he added an extra bar and used double bass, unlike Adair’s pump-and-kick style. “This is why they’re rich and famous and I’m just a f*cking prog guy,” Mike said of the song.

He then shared, “That was a good song, man. I could fine-tune that and make a really cool drum part, but I think it’s better just the first impression. I’m sure if I ever did end up touring with them it would be the most fun shows ever in my life.”

Portnoy and Dream Theater will release their new album, ‘Parasomnia,’ on February 7. It’s their first with Portnoy since 2009’s ‘Dark Clouds & Silver Linings,’ after he rejoined the band in late 2023.

 

Mike Portnoy Subtly Slams Idea That Taylor Swift Boosted His Career

Photo Credit: Mike Portnoy/Facebook – Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

During a recent appearance on Everblack Podcast, Mike Portnoy said Taylor Swift and Hello Kitty made him famous.

The host initially mentioned that when he told his wife about talking to Portnoy, she recognized him as the one who did the Taylor Swift cover. The drummer responded by saying, “Yeah, things like that, I’ve been doing this for what 30-40 years at this point, been on the won like 30 modern drummer rewards whatever, that doesn’t matter.”

He continued, “The things that are my claim to fame are the Taylor Swift video, the Hello Kitty video. It’s things like that are my claim to fame.” Then, the host also said he tried to explain that Portnoy is one of the greatest drummers ever, but his wife focused on the Taylor Swift cover instead. He found it frustrating but accepted it. “That’s okay. My claim to fame, yeah,” Portnoy added.

Earlier this month, Portnoy was a guest on Drumeo and turned Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ into a metal version. On the show’s First Time series, he was asked to create drum parts for a song he had never heard before—’Shake It Off.’ After listening to a snippet without drums, he jammed along. After his first try, the Dream Theater drummer said, “What the hell was that?”

When the host asked if Mike knew what the song was, he said, “I have not the slightest clue. It sounds like something out of Disneyland in Japan or something.”

After his final take, Mike asked, “Who is it? What is it?” When told it was Taylor Swift, he was surprised and said, “Oh my God, that’s Taylor Swift? Like only the biggest artist on Earth. Wow, that’s Taylor Swift. I had no idea. What’s the name of that song?”

When the host revealed it was ‘Shake It Off,’ Portnoy had a message for Swift, saying, “That’s exactly what I’m about to have to do. Taylor, I’m really sorry. I still would play with you in a heartbeat. I swear I wouldn’t do that [laughs].”

Portnoy previously played a tiny Hello Kitty drum kit during a visit to Loudwire. He performed songs like KISS’ ‘Love Gun,’ Slayer’s ‘Raining Blood,’ and Rush’s ‘YYZ.’