In the News
Jon Bon Jovi hires Coach Weis, Belichick as Backup Singers
By Kyle Chamberlain
NEW YORK - Two surprise performers recently joined rock legend Jon Bon Jovi on stage at the Hannah and Friends St. Patrick ’s Day Gala in New York City. In recognition of contributions to the sponsoring charity, those in attendance at the historic Waldorf=Astoria Ballroom on March 12 were treated to a live performance from the music icon – and his two special guest vocalists.
Following dinner and a spirited live auction, the crowd came to its feet for a special intimate set featuring Jon Bon Jovi. Playing an acoustic guitar, the front man offered unique takes on a few of the group’s classics before providing the surprise highlight of the evening.
Jon Bon Jovi made an off-the-cuff declaration that University of Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis and Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots would join him onstage in exchange for a generous pledge to Hannah and Friends. But before anyone in the audience could locate their checkbooks, he found a donor – himself. “You know what? I’ll pay it …,” the lead singer proclaimed to the delight of all in attendance.
The two football coaches were quickly thrust into the spotlight as a backup duo for the band’s 1980s hit “Wanted Dead or Alive.” What Weis and Belichick lacked in intonation, they certainly made up for in spirit. While the coaches’ musical stylings were the makings of YouTube legend, the evening also had its poignant moments. The band dedicated their final song to Hannah Weis, namesake of the benefiting charity, and Jon Bon Jovi sang a stirring cover of George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun” to close the evening.
Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg of ESPN provided comic relief throughout the evening as the masters of ceremonies. Also in attendance as honorary chairmen were National Football League celebrities Antonio Pierce, Jessie Armstead, Mark Bavaro, Sean Landeta, Brady Quinn, John Carlson, Anthony Fasano, and Tom Zbikowski.
