Last Friday night saw the return of Wrong Jovi to the Hard Rock Café in Buchanan Street. The tribute band of one of New Jersey’s greatest export, Bon Jovi, finally got the chance to strut their stuff after cancelled gigs for two years due to the pandemic. Assembled music fans in the themed bar and restaurant agreed it was worth the wait.
The set which was just under two and a half hours long – now that’s value for money – served up all the Bon Jovi hits from over the last four decades. Close your eyes and it was the real deal. That’s how good they were on Friday night. It’s been a while since Bon Jovi graced the stage in Glasgow and who knows when they might ever return. If, however, you need a fix of Bon Jovi music live then make sure you catch Wrong Jovi the next time they come to town.
They are considered to be the UK’s best Bon Jovi tribute band and you’ll get go argument from me on that count. I have been fortunate to see Slippery When Wet, the top US Bon Jovi tribute band, at the House of Blues in Orlando who played to an audience of 1500. They were good. Wrong Jovi were better. What made the night was being surrounded by all the memorabilia hung around the hall from guitars and costumes used and worn by the superstars who had graced the Apollo in a time gone by.
We live in an era of music where top artists fill stadiums, when on tour, where those in attendance reach numbers in the tens of thousands. Glasgow has seen a number of these in the summer of 2022. In a parallel universe there are tribute bands who ply their trade in front of smaller audiences. Their musicianship deserves respect. What these tribute bands deliver to fans is the opportunity to savour live music from their favourite bands at an affordable price and on a more regular basis.
Venues such as the Hard Rock Café, where there is an excellent sound stage, tick that box. What also makes it possible to happen is the efforts of Peter McLean from Shock City who looks to enhance the availability of live music in Glasgow out with the major venues. He works tirelessly to bring music to Glasgow and it’s well worth checking their website.
Wrong Jovi, you were fandabidozi.
On the menu at Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow
- DOUBLE-DECKER DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER Two stacked steak burgers with American cheese, mayonnaise, leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and red onion, served with our signature steak sauce on the side.
- SWISS MUSHROOM BURGER Two smashed & stacked burgers seasoned and seared medium-well, with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomato, and Dijon mayonnaise.
- FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH Crispy buttermilk-marinated chicken breast with leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and ranch dressing, served on a toasted fresh brioche bun.
- PEPPERONI FLATBREAD Melted Mozzarella, Parmesan and Romano cheeses, layered with sliced pepperoni and traditional pizza sauce, topped with a sprinkle of grated Romano cheese.
- HOMEMADE APPLE COBBLER Old-fashioned apple cobbler with warm Granny Smith apples, baked until golden brown and topped with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce.
