By Producer Ashley Dvorkin

FOX Rocks Detroit with Jon Bon Jovi… and the producer from New Jersey got to go! It’s important to stress my Jersey roots since it feels like state law that I sing along to this band. I’ll admit my hand also flies into the international symbol for ROCK the first “whoa” of “Livin on a Prayer.”

But Monday in Detroit Jon Bon Jovi was leading the crowd for more than a sing-along (that would come later for this stop on his “Lost Highway” tour). Instead, the afternoon was to inspire and move forward on a cause close to his heart — giving those in need a place to call home.

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Bon Jovi has been involved for years with home-building initiatives and on behalf of his Philadelphia Soul (Arena Football Team) Foundation. This week he joined with Habitat for Humanity and Saturn to start construction on 5 homes in the Morningside Community of Detroit… and FOX was the only news outlet to follow him around!

Around 2pm it was time for the big entrance stage left - although aside from the rock star hair, million dollar smile, and entourage of shutterbugs, he was just part of the crew! He was checking out homes that needed to be rebuilt, asking lots of questions about the progress (I have to say I was surprised at how much detail he was looking for). He also saw some homes that had already benefitted from Habitat and met the families within — with a simple “Hi, I’m Jon”.

Next it was time for a quick chat with FOX where we got his reaction and he talked about the importance of being there in person - and joked about how he’s been on the road a lot lately, which maybe we’ve heard.
After a ceremony where the first wall of the 5 homes was raised, we sat-down inside a tented area to talk for longer. This time we also discussed his #1 tour, although he mentioned he was leaving his sunglasses on for a reason - he’s ready for a break after concluding the tour at 99 shows in next Tuesday. He’s a rockstar, the shades work.

He also talked about how pleased he is fans are still buying out arenas and that Bon Jovi “built a career on touring and that reputation has proceeded them for decades”. A reputation that has followed them this weekend as they give back to New York with a free Central Park concert in conjunction with the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and tickets are causing a commotion with resales! At least he meant them to be a free gift.

Eventually we had to let him go because… he had a concert to put on in oh - a few hours! Not sure if I could’ve rocked an arena after that long day, but he’s got this gig down pat.

That night I got to overhear a little of the show from a set-up not in view of the stage, but as I listened to the crowd of Bon Jovi fans sing “You Give Love A Bad Name” in unison back to the singer with the acoustic guitar - I couldn’t help but think of those lucky ticket-holders getting ready to rock Central Park this Saturday with this legendary live band.

Learn your lyrics New York and those New Jersians sure to be joining in… Bon Jovi is coming home.
Big thank you ((and international symbol for rock)) to all those who helped let FOX join in on Bon Jovi’s day in Motown!