Steve Brown and Jon Bon Jovi – Photo courtesy Facebook
“Jersey Water.”
— Steve Brown answers a fan, as to how and why he sounds so much like Jon Bon Jovi
MS NEWS / May 12th 2026 — Who needs another tribute band is a question that someone somewhere might be asking at this very minute… and that someone just might be named Dee Snider based off his recent comments on the X platform.
However you are not reading Metal Snider… nope, this is Metal Sludge… and we have a different opinion here… one that feels tribute bands, cover bands, websites, cruises, festivals and anything showing love to the 80s rock world is nothin’ but a good time.
“What do you wanna do with your life?” was asked and answered by millions of SMFs and heavy metal fans around the globe during the 1980’s.
Now a full 4 decades later that same question is still being asked but there is no MTV and sadly there is no longer an all original Twisted Sister on tour to answer that question in concert as they’d perform “I Wanna Rock” with Snider belting out the chorus.
Nope… now in 2026, Twisted Sister is the 2 classic era guitarists along with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach handling lead vocals and a couple of great local East Coast guys holding down the rhythm section.
In short… this show will essentially be a tribute to Twisted Sister… and we at Metal Sludge back it all day.
Not forgetting, there is no longer a classic lineup of Kiss either, or Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Ratt, Quiet Riot and Bon Jovi to name just a few.
Some of these bands have called it quits, some have lost key members and some have just phased out much of the image and sound that once made them super-stars.
But never fear… enter the tribute band.
In recent years there are lots of high-quality tribute acts around the globe who are putting on a show, with production and talent that takes the fans back to a period in their life that brings pure joy.
With that… where are the Bon Jovi fans, because we have news for you.
Always Jovi is a New Jersey based tribute to the state’s hometown rock icon Jon Bon Jovi and his band Bon Jovi, and the project is fronted by fellow Jersey resident and Trixter founder Steve Brown.
Brown recently took his Always Jovi project out of the rehearsal room and onto the live stage for the first time ever… and over 900 paying fans showed up to prove that there is a demand, regardless of what some might think.
Brown who plays guitar and in recent years took on the lead vocal role in Trixter as well, will be the frontman in the Always Jovi tribute and based off early videos… there is no question Steve Brown is channeling early era Jon and nailing it.
How good are Always Jovi?
Well, don’t ask us… but let’s ask those who matter most…the fans.
We found the following comments on the Always Jovi social media shares from their recent live clips.
“Sounds better than Bon Jovi.” — Jack M.
“Dude… do you sleep with headphones on listening to Jovi??? How the F do you sound that much like him???” — Tim B.
“Sounds excellent.” — Joe U.
“Fantastic fn’ show!! Thanks for a great night last night! Can’t wait to catch you all again!” — Tracy M.
“Steve u sound incredible.. the whole band sounds great..” — Ralph D.
“Sounds awesome! Love the 12 string…perfect tone. Great vocals Steve! Are you guys coming to Milwaukee, WI ever?” — Rick C.
“Steve sounds more like Bon Jovi, than Bon Jovi.” — Kevin T.
“Wow so good!!!” — Perry C.
“Great night! You guys put on a great show last night!” — Jeffrey C.
We also grabbed some information from the Always Jovi website along with the projects social media platforms and some video content as well… all can be found below.
Lastly, Always Jovi have a handful of shows on the books in the coming months, so make sure to check ’em out, go support and share the news that there’s always room for another tribute, especially if it’s great.
Always Jovi is a Tribute Like No Other, featuring Million-Selling New Jersey Rock Legend, Steve Brown – known for his work with Trixter, Def Leppard, and Ace Frehley. With his powerhouse vocal delivery , electrifying stage presence, and deep-rooted connection to the Jersey rock scene, Brown leads this all-star lineup in delivering the timeless hits that defined a generation.
From arena-shaking anthems like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name” to heartfelt ballads like “Always” and “Bed of Roses”, “Always Jovi” captures the heart and soul of Bon Jovi’s music in every performance.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the magic for the first time, Always Jovi invites you to relive the glory days and sing along to the soundtrack of your life.
Celebrating the Music of Bon Jovi – Always Jovi is your front-row ticket to a rock and roll experience you’ll never forget!!!
Steve Brown – Vocals & Guitar
Joey Cassata – Drums
Devon Marie – Vocals & Percussion
Kevin Humphris – Bass & Vocals
Fred Gorhau – Guitar & Vocals
Chris McCoy – Keyboards & Vocals
Always Jovi 2026 Tour Dates
May 22nd 2026 @ “Turning Stone Casino” Verona, NY
June 5th 2026 @ “The Devon Lake-Shore Amphitheater” Decatur, IL
June 6th 2026 @ “Sorg Opera House” Middletown, OH
June 27th 2026 @ “Hampton Beach Casino” Hampton, NH *with Voyage (Journey tribute)
November 6th 2026 @ “Carteret Pac” Carteret, NJ
Always Jovi @ WebSite – Facebook – Instagram – TikTok – YouTube – Shows –
Stay tuned to Metal Sludge for more Breaking News, Updates and Features along with both New Interviews and Classic 20 Questions.
