RealHondaF1.com Newsletter 027

By Phil Huff
June 22 2006

Jon Bon Jovi, not recognised as perhaps the greatest of songwriters ever, was still responsible for a group of people that, despite their ups and downs, have a huge fan base and a strong, loyal following.

Starting off very much as the underdog, despite a hugely successful first album, the band struggled and fought their way to success, with the prospect of simply surviving being considered a victory for a number of years.

However, after a number if line up changes, different views, different paymasters, and a number of different band names, they eventually managed to achieve success after success. A string of top selling singles and chart topping albums followed.

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In 1994 they released their ‘best of’ album, Cross Roads. Well received by critics, it marked a downturn in the bands fortunes, and changes had to be made. The line up changed, reflecting a new desire to continue at the top, but on their own terms. Alec Jon Sutch, the bass player, left the band.

With no permanent replacement, Bon Jovi pressed on with their 1995 album, These Days. Despite critical acclaim, the album failed commercially, and things were looking bad. For a number of years, the band were to disappear off the radar, working sporadically and never really registering in people’s minds.

Realising that things weren’t quite what they should be, a change of direction was needed. After of number of individual hits, they worked out what was going on, and mixed things up once again. Gone were the heavy rock influences that had kept them in the limelight in the 80’s, and managed to survive the grunge-led music of the 90’s. In its place was a softer, more rounded, more mature sound, encompassing rock, metal and even country.

The changes looked odd from the outside. Critics and fans alike were quick to dismiss the efforts of the band to progress and entertain. Radio airplay was hard to come by.

And what happened? They had one of their biggest successes in history, topping not only national charts around the world, but also country charts and album charts. ‘Who Says You Can’t Go Home’ reflects Jon Bon Jovi's own personal passion for his community and roots, and is a driving inspirational anthem encouraging others to be proud of, and never forget, where they came from.

Why on earth am I going on about Bon Jovi? Other than it’s late at night and the Macallan is having the necessary effect, there’s a number of parallels to be made between what Jon and his friends have done, and what’s happened through the history of Tyrrell, BAR and finally Honda.

Looking in from the outside, one might wonder why the changes within the team are taking place. Yes, results have been disappointing, but can the blame really be placed at Geoff Willis’ door? Is Shuhei Nakamoto a genuine replacement, or simply a figurehead to show the world that the team means business? Isn’t Nick Fry, the team boss, ultimately responsible for what happens at Brackley? And what the hell does Gil de Ferran actually do?

Are they living on a prayer? We’ll find out in due course. One thing is certain – there are more changes to come, and some people won’t like them. Will they be the right changes?

Bon Jovi made the ‘wrong’ changes, but look what’s happened there. What may appear to be panic on the outside could well be carefully planned behind closed doors.

Keep the Faith.

Have a nice day,

Phil Huff
RealHondaF1.com

P.S. If you think this newsletter article is ‘wrong’, bear in mind that a) The Macallan has been used liberally and b) it’s my anniversary tonight. With the constant beating I’m getting from the current Mrs Huff as I write this, insisting that we really do need to be leaving NOW, you should be thankful you’ve got anything.

I need Something For The Pain.

All right, that's the last Bon Jovi song title I'll squeeze in. That's Something To Believe In, If That's What It Takes.