Trixter’s Steve Brown recently discussed his new Bon Jovi tribute band, Always Jovi. He explained how he realized he sounded like Jon Bon Jovi at his prime, which led him to launch the tribute band. Brown shared these insights during an interview with Mark Strigl.
Brown explained how his vocal similarities to Jon Bon Jovi were first recognized by his colleagues. This realization inspired him to form the tribute band.
“So what had happened was, back [when I was doing] the Def Leppard [fill-in guitarist] gig, Phil [Collen, Def Leppard guitarist] and Joe [Elliott, Def Leppard singer] would always make reference to how much I sounded like Jon [Bon Jovi, Bon Jovi frontman] and even like a combination of Jon and Richie [Sambora, original Bon Jovi guitarist], because they were such a huge influence on me,” Brown said. “But I have this crazy ability to where my voice sounds just like Jon at his prime.”
Brown went on to detail the unique lineup he assembled for Always Jovi.
“So I put this band together. And it’s a unique lineup. We have [my bandmate from] The Wizards Of Winter, Fred [Gorhau] on guitar, Kevin Humphris on bass,” he continued. “Joey Cassata, who you know now is the new Twisted Sister drummer. He’s on drums, and he’s gonna be doing some of the shows. We have a guy, Frankie D’Esposito from Holy Mother, is gonna be the fill-in drummer for Joey while he’s out on the road.”
The musician also explained the reasoning behind including a female vocalist in the tribute band.
“Chris McCoy, who played with Tokyo Motor Fist, on keyboards. And then the X factor of the band is our female singer, Devon Marie, who was in a bunch of things with me, my country live tribute,” Brown said. “And people ask me, like, ‘Why do you have a girl in the band?’ Well, one of Bon Jovi’s biggest hits over the last 20 years was ‘Who Says You Can’t Go Home’ [one version of which was a duet with Jennifer Nettles of the American duo Sugarland]. So, again, we’re able to do songs and it adds a different element, of course, a different visual element.”
Brown’s venture into tribute band territory represents a natural evolution for the accomplished musician. He has built a reputation as a versatile performer throughout his career with various high-profile acts.
Eddie Trunk’s website described Always Jovi as “a tribute like no other, featuring million-selling New Jersey rock legend Steve Brown.” The tribute band’s formation has garnered attention from industry veterans. SiriusXM’s Eddie Trunk praised Brown’s vocal abilities, stating that he “nails it vocally” in capturing Bon Jovi’s spirit.
The band’s live debut is scheduled for April 18 at BMI Event Center in Versailles, Ohio. This marks a significant milestone for the newly formed tribute act. Blabbermouth reported that this performance will serve as the official launch of Always Jovi’s live touring activities.
Brown’s extensive musical background includes his work with Trixter, Def Leppard, and Ace Frehley. This establishes him as a seasoned performer in the rock music scene. UA Agency recognized Brown as a “million-selling New Jersey rock legend” whose experience spans multiple successful collaborations with renowned artists.
The formation of Always Jovi demonstrates Brown’s commitment to honoring Bon Jovi’s musical legacy. It also showcases his own vocal talents. The tribute band’s unique approach incorporates both male and female vocals. This sets it apart from traditional tribute acts and allows for a broader interpretation of Bon Jovi’s extensive catalog.
