Bon Jovi - 'The Boys Are Back In Town'

It seems like everyone has covered Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back In Town" but I have to admit, I didn't realize Bon Jovi did a cover of the tune until I heard it on Hair Nation the other day. First off, it's shocking when Hair Nation actually puts a different track in rotation. Then I had to do a double-take when the song came on. I looked it up and sure enough, the cover is on the 2014 deluxe version of New Jersey, which I don't own. It's also on a Phil Lynott tribute album that I also don't own.

Click to listen to 'New Jersey' here!

The Bon Jovi cover seemed to go by quicker than the original, but the arrangement doesn't seem any different. Maybe that was my perception because I was driving and therefore busy. Whatever the case, this was a nice little surprise for me! Do you like the Bon Jovi version?

Comments

[Metalboy!]

I believe (but ready to stand corrected) this first appeared in 1990 on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of the movie, “Navy Seals” starring Cuba Gooding.

I know this because I ran across it in 2006 in the cut-out bins at my local FYE when I lived in Naples, Florida. But I can’t say it was worth the $1.99 I payed for it as Bon Anchovy’s version of the song is a little, shall we say, phoned-in, though I would hope it sounds a tad better after getting the remastered treatment as a bonus track on the Deluxe Edition of “New Jersey”.

Speaking of remastering, another tidbit about this track is that it was produced by Bob Rock (yeah, that Bob Rock) which leaves me even more baffled because one would like to think it would a sound a little more passionate and dynamic rendition rather than some mailed-in, by-the-numbers throw away.

Still, one can imagine if the sound quality is better on the “NJ” remaster (Surely it must be) , than it is probably passable to start a party playlist, something I did even though it was the f’d up original soundtrack version.

[stu]

bj’s version of the boys are back in town originally came from the 1989 compilation “stairway to heaven, highway to hell” with proceeds going to the make a difference foundation. that disc is a great cross section of metal tributes.
all songs were covers of some band that lost a member to drugs/alcohol. it was done in conjunction with the moscow peace festival (also in ‘89) - which i wish they’d release in full long form video. all the bands at the festival covered a song for the album, and i think this was the first release for all of the tracks.

gorky park - my generation (the who)
skid row - holidays in the sun (sex pistols)
scorpions - i can’t explain (the who)
ozzy - purple haze (hendrix)
mötley crüe - teaser (tommy bolin)
bj - the boys are back in town (thin lizzy)
cinderella - move over (janis)
jason bonham/tico torres/mickey curry - moby dick (led zep)
4 song live medley jam from the festival: hound dog, long tall sally, blue suede shows, rock & roll (led zep)

i highly recommend the disc.

[Jack T. Ripper]

That 💩 sing has been in Hair Nations rotation for awhile. Instantly switch from 39 to 125 when I hear The Boys The Boys are Back ……goood BYE!

[crued]

@Metalboy!- You were correct Sir! It's track 2 on the Album.It was produced by Bob Rock.

[Him]

I think you and I share the forgetful gene, Allyson. When I first read this, I felt a sense of deja vu. But, me being Him, I had to check.

I wrote about this song on your site in 2020:

https://www.bringbackglam.com/journal/2020/2/16/music-is-universal-or-covers-that-dis-respectively-dont-dest.html

You wrote about this song on your site in 2012:

https://www.bringbackglam.com/journal/2012/6/3/i-had-no-idea-bon-jovi-covered-the-boys-are-back-in-town.html

The comments in both instances are enjoyable, as they are from people still here and those no longer posting. And I stand by my original comment: this cover is odious. It doesn't add anything to the legacy of Tin Lizzie (check out the comic):

http://petergraycartoonsandcomics.blogspot.com/2012/11/75-years-of-dandy-tin-lizzie-by-jack.html

Speaking of which, if you have a chance, check out _Phil Lynott: Song For While I Am Away_. Beautiful documentary about the man, the band, and, yes, his demons. Recommended. I shed several tears. The music is great. And his uncle is hilarious!!!

Also, support Paul Daly, the creator of Lynott's statue in Dublin. Turns out, Phil's mum, Philomena (luckily not featured much in the doc mentioned above), wasn't exactly kind this man:

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/phil-lynott-statue-creator/

The story made me sad. So I bought one of his copies. Glad I did. Beautiful addition to my home.

Allyson, I hope you don't take offense to me noting that the passage of time contains gaps and omissions. You run a beautiful site. Keep it up. Please. Did I forget anything?

[bryon]

@stu - I was about to give the same kind of props to the Stairway/Highway compilation. That cassette was in heavy rotation for me when it came out. I particularly love Skid Row's cover of Holiday in the Sun. I wasn't all that aware of punk prior, and their cover turned me onto the Sex Pistols in a big way, which ended up being my gateway to all kinds of punk.

[Allyson]

Sorry Him - I honestly didn't remember your post! - Allyson

[Mike]

My friends and I cranked the “Stairway to heaven / highway to hell” album quite a bit back in the day.. even covered “Holidays In The Sun” with our garage band in the style of Skid Row.

Well about 2 years ago I scored a mint copy on vinyl for $25. Sounds incredible!

[Him]

Most of what I post here, Allyson, is quite forgettable!!!