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March 2008.
Phil Griffin
     
    TICO: I’ve heard the most amazing things. People relate to the lyrics. Fans have cried over these songs. They’ll say, “This song brought me through a very bad time in my life when I was sick.” People actually thank you. That’s pretty heavy—that your music can move people. There are certain songs that fans call their own.
    JON: You’ve got to find things that last. Those songs touched people. They want to be a part of it. If they feel that, that’s the thread of optimism in our music that helps them hold on in their lives. You can’t just go out onstage and say, “Everything is right and bright.” You can’t do that; it’d be a lie.
    TICO: I don’t think we’re here to preach. We’re just as human as anybody else. We’re real. We could stand on the soapbox and say we’ll lead you through the waters, but that’s bullshit.
    When I’m up there I’m not thinking about the lyrics. I’m thinking Where do I take this crowd?”
—Jon
     

     
Lost Highway tour, Punchestown Racecourse, Dublin, Ireland, June 7, 2008.
Phil Griffin
     

     
Lost Highway tour, Punchestown Racecourse, Dublin, Ireland, June 7, 2008.
Phil Griffin
     

     
Lost Highway tour, XCEL Energy Center, St. Paul, MN, March 2008.
Phil Griffin
     

     
Lost Highway tour, XCEL Energy Center, St. Paul, MN, March 2008.
Phil Griffin
     
    JON: The These Days record is perceived as being socially conscious or darker. “Hey God” and those kinds of songs worked great for me but they aren’t necessarily the ones that work best live or became the ones I perform every night. Usually it’s the songs like “It’s My Life” and “Livin’ On A Prayer” that say to those folks, “Come on, get up, you can do it! Get out there and fight the next round.” They’re the ones that resonate. I know it’s not easy for anybody in this day and age. It’s getting harder every day.
    People want optimism. They want to know that everything is going to be alright.
    It’s a sense of community: our community, each of us as individuals, our friends and families, the road crew, the record label staff, and the fans. We feel it.
    Jon, in my opinion, on any given night, is the best front man in the business.
—Richie
     

     
Lost Highway tour, Punchestown Racecourse, Dublin, Ireland, June 7, 2008.
Phil Griffin
     

     
Lost Highway tour, Punchestown Racecourse, Dublin, Ireland, June 7, 2008.
Composite of photos by Phil Griffin
     
    JON: When I’m performing onstage, there is no character to hide behind. I don’t put on another persona for that. It’s all me. There’s no “in and out of character.” That’s all there is. It’s as me as me can get.
    When I’m up there singing, I’m not thinking about the lyrics. I’m thinking about “What’s the next song? What do I want to do?” I’m already past the moment. I’m looking back at it. I’m thinking, “Where am I gonna take this ride?”
    During the breaks between songs, I’m like a boxer in his corner, thinking about what he’s gonna do next and catching his breath.
    The band are so consistent every night; my monitors are so consistent. I know if I’m singing great. I’m not worried about anything. It’s just: “Where do I take this crowd?” They’ll go with me if I take them to a quiet place. They’ll listen to a slower song. They’ll really listen to the words.
    You have to find that compromise where you give them what they want and you give yourself what you need.

     
Lost Highway tour, Punchestown Racecourse, Dublin, Ireland, June 7, 2008.
Phil Griffin
     
    TICO: There are tides in all shows, in all songs. I don’t think anybody wants to be going crazy the entire show. There are ups and downs, ebbs and flows.
    JON: I love singing the older songs. Every one in the set I want to sing, still. I love the majesty of “Livin’ On A Prayer.” I know when we start that song, that crowd is gonna rise, and I’m gonna rise. I enjoy the tease of “Bad