The Impact of Bon Jovi on Acoustic Renditions

Do you love listening to acoustic versions of songs from your favorite artists? If so, you can thank Bon Jovi for that! Below is his iconic performance of two of his hit songs, "Living on a Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive" unplugged and stripped down to the core. Rock at its finest.

Today, many of us take acoustic performances for granted. It's always been this way hasn't it? Well before 1989, it wasn't common for rock groups to perform their songs unplugged like this. The same can said for all other genres using electronics to amplify or produce sounds (i.e. Pop, Metal, Doo Wop, etc...)  There was a clear distinction between acoustic music, such as folk music, and electronic music (everything else). Side note: by electronic music I mean any music using electricity to convey, produce, or amplify their sounds; it does not necessarily mean music created on a computer. 

In 1989 Bon Jovi performed at the MTV music awards, back when MTV actually played music! What was to spawn from it no one would have guessed. Fans adored the intimacy that acoustic performance allowed them to feel. They felt closer to Bon Jovi, It gave new depth and meaning to a well heard song. As indicated by the cheering, people loved it.

Bon Jovi's performance at the MTV music awards was so influential that it sparked a whole movement. MTV Unplugged is generally acknowledged to have drawn inspiration from this rendition. MTV Unplugged is a T.V. show on MTV that showcases artists performing with acoustic instruments, usually the guitar. Artists in the 90's such as John Hammond Jr. would perform acoustic versions of their songs more often post-1989.

Bon Jovi may be the most influential rock musician in history. He is certainly my favorite. His music is timeless and remains relevant to this day. His songs reflect an era gone by but its influence still shines. Many people who grew up listening to Bon Jovi look fondly at their music. Current generation kids such as I can find fulfillment discovering such a rich and complex band history. Bon Jovi has done more than to change the acoustic scene. His lyrics touch the hearts of a'many. There may not be enough words to truly appreciate this legend. 

"Dear Lord, Jesus, Buddha, Allah or can I just call you Joe

I've got a lot of things to tell you and some things I gotta know

I'm tired of hearing talk about this world's about to end

If we can die together, then can't we all be friends?" 

- Save a Prayer, Bon Jovi

How to Pass the Baton in the 4x100

Let me warn you beforehand that if you are someone looking to find information on how to pass the baton in the 4x100 because you want to do it, this is difficult. That was an understatement. You have been warned.

The art of baton passing is very beautiful and intricate. Many can not deny the sense of amazement of watching a perfectly executed hand off.  It seems simple to the average spectator. Just sprint and take the baton right? Am I right coach? Wrong!

A 4x100 is a track event in which relay teams of four compete to run the fastest 400m with each person running 100m called a leg. 

So after the team is set up and everybody knows which leg they're running, each person has to figure out when to start sprinting. For the most part, high school track athletes count 14-17 steps behind their starting line. Mark this with tape. When the person running before you is approaching, the moment they hit that mark is when you start sprinting. We mark this area with tape because it is usually the amount of a lead someone needs to accelerate to top speed.

You can start anywhere in between the marked triangles. Once you take off you can not look back or else it's a disqualification (DQ). So how do you receive the baton? Now here comes the tricky part. The person handing off the baton yells "stick!" as soon as he/she catches up to the person. As soon as the person in front hears the word "stick!" he/she sticks out their palms towards the person behind them. The person behind will then make a straight and forceful punching motion to hand the baton to his/her teammate. The baton is always passed from either left to right hand or right to left hand.

This is the part where everyone messes up on. The person calling out "stick!" must make sure to time it so that they are both running at a stable rate. He/she must also make sure the baton goes dead straight into the palm of the other person's hand. 

The person receiving the baton must also make sure that his palm is facing the person behind him, fingers perpendicular to the track. This was the hardest part for me. It is difficult to maintain an easy target for your teammate to hit, make sure your palm is sticking out and facing directly behind you, and accelerate to top speed all at the same time. 

Many dreams and spirits have been crushed from a failed hand off. Many batons are dropped because of tiny errors. A messy hand off will slow you down. Deviating from the strict rules of the hand off will result in a DQ. This is why it is so difficult. This is why I do not enjoy doing this particular track event.

The pressure is real and I perform best in a more relaxed yet focused mindset. However this is one of the most popular track events and getting great at it would result in fame, scholarships, and most importantly pride.

If you think this is for you than sign up for track in the spring!