Jon Bon Jovi may rightfully be the focus of his namesake band, but no one can ever accuse David Bryan of being a weak link. His talents not only had him briefly attending the Juilliard School and being a major part of Bon Jovi from the beginning, but finding success on his own as a Tony and Olivier Award-winner thanks to his work on the Broadway/West End musical Memphis. As much a major music fan as he is a respected composer, Bryan shares some of his favorite fellow travelers of the black and white keys in-between dates touring behind the current album This House Is Not For Sale.
Jon Lord Of Deep Purple
“There was always so much great piano playing with The Beatles but I loved Jon Lord. I remember listening to Made in Japan so much and I think ‘Space Truckin’’ was one entire side. It just stuck with me. I’d listened to Springsteen for years but Lord had this Hammond B-3 that was distorted and fed through Marshalls. He was like a lead/rhythm guitar player and would play everything different, but it was great.”
Elton John/Billy Joel
“I love Elton John and Billy Joel, who are both up my ballpark of bluesy, classical guys that play rock and roll.”
Roy Bittan/Danny Federici Of The E Street Band
“I love Roy Bittan from the E Street Band. Roy is classical, like myself and Danny Federici is a great organ player.”
Rick Wakeman Of Yes
“I like guys with classical chops—guys that can really play. And Rick is a guy who can really play. I remember seeing Journey to the Center of the Earth, where he had the big flowing robe on. That’s the reason why I stand up and have keyboards on either side, because of him. I had to learn how to do that.”
Bon Jovi appears on April 13 and 15 at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, NYC. For more information, visit www.thegarden.com or call 212-707-3131.
