I play my part and you play your game
I'll admit, one of my first albums was "Slippery When Wet"
I'll admit, I've sang along to "Lay Your Hands on Me"
I'll admit, I've told my friends that "Wanted Dead or Alive" was my favorite song. (in 1986)
I'll admit, I shouted "JERSEY!!!" with Cohen when we'd hear one of his songs while on Bourbon Street.
Maybe I just don't understand what it's like to be rich and famous.
Maybe I was raised to have a different attitude towards others.
Maybe that's how you're supposed to act when you have all sorts of money.
Yep, I met Mr. Jon Bon Jovi today. And I wasn't impressed. He was down here to meet with families who now live on Bon Jovi Blvd. in a neighborhood built by Oprah and Habitat for Humanity. When Laura (Courier Reporter) asked him if he'd ever played in this area, Jon Bon responded "Do you think you actually have an arena big enough to hold someone like me?"
Probably not, but still. I just get annoyed when people have big heads like that. Sure, he's a millionaire and a good chunk of the world knows who he is, but it's still no reason to act like his S**t don't stink.
If a high school newspaper asked me to do some freelance work for them I wouldn't respond with "My talent and experience far exceeds what your wannabe newspaper can handle or deserves." I hope I wouldn't say that.
Not cool Mr. Steel horse riding cowboy... not cool
As he started to leave, he and his wife walked under the street sign that has bears his name. (just so happened that I was standing there already) Turns out, he wanted a photo of him and his wife in front of the sign. So he turned to me, handed me his camera and asked if I'd take their picture. I said "Sure." He then stared to explain to me how to use his camera. "You just push that button right there. And it's all auto focus. Be sure to get the sign in the photo."
"Don't you know who I am." I shouted... in my mind.
"Ok, thanks." I said... out loud
So I take a shot, he looks on the back of the camera. And asks if I'd take another one.
"Oh, what, the first photo from the professional photographer wasn't good enough for Mr. 'Take my hand and well make it - I swear' COME ON!" I said... in my mind again.
"Sure, no problem, how about I try vertical this time?" I said... out loud.
And then he left. I had that feeling you get after an argument where afterwards you think of all the different things you should have said or done.
I really wish I would have taken a famous Stamey self portrait with his camera.
Oh well.
I guess the best thing is that now when people ask if I've ever photographed someone famous I can add Mr. Bad Medicine is what I need to my list.
I'll admit, I've sang along to "Lay Your Hands on Me"
I'll admit, I've told my friends that "Wanted Dead or Alive" was my favorite song. (in 1986)
I'll admit, I shouted "JERSEY!!!" with Cohen when we'd hear one of his songs while on Bourbon Street.
Maybe I just don't understand what it's like to be rich and famous.
Maybe I was raised to have a different attitude towards others.
Maybe that's how you're supposed to act when you have all sorts of money.
Yep, I met Mr. Jon Bon Jovi today. And I wasn't impressed. He was down here to meet with families who now live on Bon Jovi Blvd. in a neighborhood built by Oprah and Habitat for Humanity. When Laura (Courier Reporter) asked him if he'd ever played in this area, Jon Bon responded "Do you think you actually have an arena big enough to hold someone like me?"
Probably not, but still. I just get annoyed when people have big heads like that. Sure, he's a millionaire and a good chunk of the world knows who he is, but it's still no reason to act like his S**t don't stink.
If a high school newspaper asked me to do some freelance work for them I wouldn't respond with "My talent and experience far exceeds what your wannabe newspaper can handle or deserves." I hope I wouldn't say that.
Not cool Mr. Steel horse riding cowboy... not cool
As he started to leave, he and his wife walked under the street sign that has bears his name. (just so happened that I was standing there already) Turns out, he wanted a photo of him and his wife in front of the sign. So he turned to me, handed me his camera and asked if I'd take their picture. I said "Sure." He then stared to explain to me how to use his camera. "You just push that button right there. And it's all auto focus. Be sure to get the sign in the photo."
"Don't you know who I am." I shouted... in my mind.
"Ok, thanks." I said... out loud
So I take a shot, he looks on the back of the camera. And asks if I'd take another one.
"Oh, what, the first photo from the professional photographer wasn't good enough for Mr. 'Take my hand and well make it - I swear' COME ON!" I said... in my mind again.
"Sure, no problem, how about I try vertical this time?" I said... out loud.
And then he left. I had that feeling you get after an argument where afterwards you think of all the different things you should have said or done.
I really wish I would have taken a famous Stamey self portrait with his camera.
Oh well.
I guess the best thing is that now when people ask if I've ever photographed someone famous I can add Mr. Bad Medicine is what I need to my list.
posted by stamey at 11:44 PM
41 Comments:
You can't really count this as photographing somebody famous. Maybe you could categorize it as photographing somebody who thinks he is famous. Better still, how about putting him in the "has been" file.
So, what you're saying is that YOU have never asked someone to take a second picture of you because you weren't crazy about the first one? What's the big deal? *eye roll*
And JBJ has played ALL size venues. IF he said that - and I find it hard to believe that he did or that it was as arrogant or serious as you claim - I'm sure it was with a laugh.
I think you're taking a realistic statement as "ego" instead of the practical truth. In case you are unaware, Bon Jovi plays stadiums. The SuperDome is wrecked. Veteran's Memorial in Jackson is a logistical nightmare. The fact is the arenas and stadiums in this area do not lend themselves to tours that pull in 20,000-80,000 people per night. The coliseum in Jackson couldn't even hold Bon Jovi's stage, much less their audience. I travel to see many different acts. It's frustrating as a music fan to know that the big name acts will never play locally. It's not just Bon Jovi.
This morning Faith Hill's brother was on the radio defending her for not playing in her home state. Location, or lack thereof, is keeping acts other than Bon Jovi out of the area. Maybe the arena league football team being talked about will become a reality and they'll have the forsight to build a new arena that will accommodate many types of events. Until then, don't be looking for Bon Jovi, U2, or the Rolling Stones in our backyards.
Oh, and your "professional" photo is terrible. I'd ask for another shot too, probably from a different photographer.
"Better still, how about putting him in the "has been" file."
Define "has been". The guy just had his 6th number 1 hit single and still plays stadiums all over the world.
Scandal! I can't believe that Mr. Jon Bon Jovi haven't heard of you yet... oh my gosh... shame on him.
Well, I haven't heard of you too...
JBJ was a star for the past 20 years and he still will be a star who played the big venues.
And I guess I will put you in my "still unknown people" file immediately.
Matt St... Matt who?!
"You were not impressed?" REALLY? The man gave $1 million to help rebuild homes for those devastated by Katrina and YOU weren't impressed because he pointed out that there is no venue large enough for him to play (if he was serious). As someone already pointed out--Bon Jovi is still selling out arenas and stadiums. ("Has been" my hiney.)
Oh, and he asked you to take another photo? Maybe he wanted more than one. Obviously he didn't realize you are a professional--unless you were wearing a sign that reads, "I'm a professional photographer."
Was he RUDE to you? Did he not thank you? I don't get it, frankly. To each his own, obviously, but perhaps you should reevaluate the reason people impress you. (Or is simply they must first be impressed BY you?) Hmmm...
This is so ridiculous. Everyone who knows anything at all about Jon Bon Jovi would not believe a bit of this rubbish. Bon Jovi is at the top of their game as always. "Has been" doesn't even belong in the same biosphere. Concentrate your energy on doing good for someone please!
Well, if this is the picture you took, then I would of asked for a re-take as well. It's not all that professional looking to me.
john said...
You can't really count this as photographing somebody famous. Maybe you could categorize it as photographing somebody who thinks he is famous. Better still, how about putting him in the "has been" file.
---------------------------
Yeah as in "has been" continually selling out arenas for 20 years. As in "has been" giving back to the community in whatever way he can. As in "has been" giving opportunities to unknown bands to open for them. As in "has been" making a difference in the world.
What have you been doing *eyeroll*
Have you never taken a picture of the same thing more than once? Isnt this what we all do thanks to the latest technology?
And how is Jon suppose to know that you are a "famous" photographer?
Not impressed--When was the last time you donated 1-Million dollars to a worthy cause?
I think your original post is nothing but crap and you should reflect back and think about exactly what it was that really bothered you.
if giving a million dollars away to your community out of the kindness of his and the band's heart doesn't impress you. i don't know what will Sir.
god bless the people down there, bon jovi and oprah winfrey. They are really helping your citizens. Maybe you should think about that instead of picking apart every single word this generous man says.
oh and not to be mean but in the pic you put on your blog you cut jon's the top of his head off. Not very impressed by your work either.
hope you took a better picture for jon and his wife.
Let's stop and think about this for a second. You're a photographer in LA who was working on an assignment. JBJ is a world famous musician who was being recognized for donating one of his many millions of dollars to a good cause. He said some things (on the record to a reporter) that could be considered shallow and rude. You posted about it in a blog. He gets a tax right off and you get to go back to work.
*eyes rolled*
Wow, first of all, you people who stand up for Jon Bon Jovi as if this photographer had called your mother ugly, is a little bit ridiculous. Where in the original post did the photographer say ANYTHING about the fact that JBJ giving $1 million not impress him? I certainly didn't see it. He simply said, personally, his impression of a man (in this case, Jon Bon Jovi) was not very high. So what? Did he say, "I can't believe he only gave a mere million!"??? Nope. Did he say, "That man should have done more for the community!"??? Nope!!!
And who are YOU people to judge? Do you have any idea what this photographer did for the victims of Katrina? Any idea at all? He may not have a million dollars to donate. But belive me, he did more with that camera than I've ever seen a photographer do. He reunited families. He visited, and talked with, and kept in touch with people whose homes were destroyed, who lost loved ones, and who were living in schools and churches with hundreds of strangers who were all calling it home.
For all you people who judge this man because he gave his opinion about a musician whose true personality I'm sure you don't know because you've never actually MET him, take a step back and realize there's better ways to exert your energy. Maybe you should go visit with some of Katrina's victims.
FIRST OFF, I have met Jon Bon Jovi deveral tines and know his personality i like to think well. He donated him money and t ine to come down there and help the victims and get critized for a picture, your kidding me right ...I hope so. I also know whats its like to live in a war zone living in NYC with the attacks of 9/11, so dont give off the people dont do enough speach and what the photographer did was critize someone there to help and lend a hand , Who cares about wanting his picutre taken twice, i think the photographer was cocky in this situation with his thoughts , no matter what he did for his community. Im commenting on the bottom poster. So Im someone commenting who does know the man himself and quit frankly, feel your comments are off base.
Was a wonderful Jon Bon Jovi did being down there and giving the $$ And as far as a venue goes..im sure that was some kind of remark taken WAY off base for Bon Jovi has played in front of 1000 to 100,000 people.
So seems to me you dont know hat your talking about.
Michele- From New Jersey.
Your just jealous! Jon has one of the biggest hearts in the entertainment world. He has NEVER and WILL NEVER be a "Has been". You obviously don't know what qualifies a "Has Been" AND/OR You haven't seen anything Jon or the band has accomplished this past year. You better get ready to eat your words and Bon Jovi's dust, because this has just been the "FIRST 20 YEARS". They are not going ANYWHERE. So get used to it! I say you owe "Mr Jon Bon Jovi and Dorthea" a huge apology.
Oh yeah...one more thing, "HAVE A NICE DAY!!!!!
Wow, there sure is a lot of energy invested here.
a couple of thoughts:
1. unless i misread something, john called Bon Jovi a "has been," the blog author did not. so any arguments along those lines should be directed at john.
2. Like someone else said, the author of the blog made no mention of Bon Jovi's donations to the recovery effort. again, an argument being made concerning absolutely nothing to do with the blog.
3. I think that when the blog author imagines himself saying "do you know who i am" it is not in the sense that he considers himself too important to take a shot of Bon Jovi, he is simply mocking Bon Jovi's response to the earlier question about having played a gig down there. Don't see how you can find bon jovi's response to be light-hearted or midly sarcastic then take the writer here to task for using the same method.
Just think about it, people. If someone had been rude to me -- or if i had interpreted them as being rude -- i wouldn't want to go out of my way to do anything for them. even if it is something as stupid or petty as taking a second picture. it's human nature. and if you don't think so, you're kidding yourself.
firstly i'd like to say.. keep up the good work matt. we're all proud of the images that you're producing and they effect they've had on others... and also for helping others in the best way you know how. and i know that if you had 40 million there's no way you'd make a comment like jovi's and actually have meant it.
secondly, kudos to seth for the re-direction of the "has been" comments back to john... that was sweet.
thirdly, if all of you are so concerned about who's helping who, why aren't you exerting this energy by actually doing something productive with your time instead of bickering about stupid meaningless stuff that nobody cares about. go build a house or save a whale or something.
I personally love how it is so easy to anger a Bon Jovi fan. You people really make me laugh to see how riled up you get when someone expresses a negative opinion about the guy. Go use all this pent up anger to do something productive, like basket weaving or lanyard making or something. Get over yourselves.
Oh, and I don't know if I'm the only one, but I think Bon Jovi looks like and older/uglier version of John Stamos.
Man all of this hatred towards my friend Mr. Jovi is like a shot to the heart. I've known him for 15 years now and he has never been anything other than a generous, loving, and compasionate person who loves to play with his hair. YOU WOULD NEVER KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE JOHN BON JOVI.
Wow man, I cant believe you just said all of that to my man Stamey here. I think things need to go ahead and just cool the heck down. Also, just because the guy has 6 number one hits doesn't mean that he has the right to be a jackass. In addition, why was there a street named after him in Houma. Even if the housing was free I wouldn't live on such a street. I think this whole mess is Oprah's fault. Additionally, his 6 #1's came over a total of what a hundred years, Creed had more than that from their three cds and look what happened to them. They broke up because Scott Stapp turned into an arrogant drunk. Thats right I just compared JBJ to Scott Stapp. I don't care how much money you have, its just not smart to come into a town that just added a street with your name and pretty much call it not big enough to merit a concert. If New Jersy had been hit with a disaster this size don't you think that he would have been there in a second playing a benifit concert outside in the park. The fact of the matter is not that fact that there isn't an arena big enough to hold him, its the fact that he doesn't even care about an area that was ravaged by the most disasterous hurricane season to date. Its a good thing that I wasn't the photographer on that assignment because as a native, I would have laid him out cold. I probobly would have never worked again but it would have been worth it. Best Regards.
Quote from Grant:
"its the fact that he doesn't even care about an area that was ravaged by the most disasterous hurricane season to date"
Ok, i guess donating a million dollars to rebuild just isnt enought in your eyes. In addition to the fact that Jon mentions the Katrina tragedy at almost every televised interview since then to make people aware of what is still going on. Get your stories straight people!
Seth, Grant and Misty make some strong points. So does Lauren in CA. So do all the anonymous posters, I just don't agree with them. I think the thing that resonates with me about Matt's experience is that altruism is strongest and most genuine in its anonymous (or at least humble) form. The fact that Bon Jovi has a street named in his honor and that he soaks up PR opportunities associated with his charity work is a function of his ego. Not to mention that he found the street sign novel enough to capture a image of himself under it. Jimmy Carter didn't just give money to habitat he built homes. many of them. When did Bon Jovi last strap on the 'ol nail belt (stated rhetorically, there are many ways to contribute humbly)
Dustin says why is everyone anonymous? Aren't you brave enough? I don't think we can say anything about the comment that bon jovi said unless we were there. I'm sure Matt heard in his voice if he was joking or telling the truth. And those that don't like his pics, let me see u do it.
Big Mistake. Sorry folks. I went back and read the original posting. I thought Matt met John Cougar Mellencamp, John Mellancamp, or John Cougar . I don't have a clue as to who Jon Bon Jovi is, or was. JCM, now that is "has been" loser.
In reply to: "altruism is strongest and most genuine in its anonymous (or at least humble) form."
Funny you bring that up, because Bon Jovi also does a lot of charity without any publicity. To quote JBJ: "We do much more than we say". They have been involved in dozens of good causes, too numerous to mention. The only reason why they made it public this time by donating the money on air, was to show the nation that it's not a race issue, but a class issue. There really is no reason to doubt their good intentions.
Hey guys, I'm John Bon Jovi, I do alot of charity work, I don't mean to honk my own horn though, but TOOT TOOT!
Hehehe...This cracks me up, Matt. Way to cause a stir. Keep up the good work.
Hey Matt, it's Brandi! I think this is a riot! Lovin' all this drama! There are so many things that I agree and disagree with on here and many things I would have said but other people already beat me to the punch. So, I won't be repeated everyone else's words....But I want you to know that I support you and your WONDERFUL photography! I'll let you take my pic anytime!
And for Ms./Mr. Anonymous that says they never heard of you....Matt St.....Matt Who? Obviously they HAVE heard of you or they wouldn't be on your site critisizing you over such a STUPID matter! Yep, all you people who THINK you know JBJ personally or think he is a good man just because he can sing and throw money around are IGNORANT!!!!!
I don't know him personally, I've never been to his concerts, and I only own one of his CD's cuz it's the only one worth owning and it is like old and dusty!!! So, for all you people who THINK you really know this rich, famous, superstar...get back up on your rocker and get a damn life!!!
Much love to ya Matt!!!!
Ok here goes,ive read the blog and ive read the comments, im not scared to hide behind anom.
Did I find the blog offensive, yes.
Jon Bon jovi does a lot of charity work as do the rest of Bon jovi, they just dont want to shout about it from the rooftops.
The comment about when was the last time jbj helped in a menial way, the last time I know about was 911, nuff said.
Having said that, with the kind of money he has theres a huge amount of difference that his money can make compared to him offering his time and efforts.
I appreciate im responding to posts here as well as the original blog.
As for being a has been, Bon jovi have sold over 100 000 million albums and sell out stadiums and arenas the world over.There career spans over 20 yrs having outlived so many so called hair bands from the same era.
As for his mood on the day, cant really comment I wasnt there but he is only human and has off days the same as the rest of us.
I appreciate not every1 is going to like Bon jovi, but if everyone liked the same thing the world would be a boring place.
And incidently,if it wasnt for us easily wound up bon jovi fans, mr jbj wouldnt of had a million dollars to donate.
As for the comment that folk havnt actually met jon, i beg to differ, Jon bj is approachable and has met many of his fans, one recentley had lunch with him at a CHARITY dinner, many fans including those leaving the comments here have met him, liked him and respect him, which is why they are so quick to jump to the offensive. A bon jovi fan is part of a huge family and look out for one another,something that cant be said for many other bands
I've known Jon Bon Jovi for 20 years too. We have cocktails down in the lower east side on wednesdays. He's the greatest man I know. He cured cancer and is working diligently to end the war in Iraq. This one friend of mine was gonna commit suicide... and then she heard this awesome Bon Jovi song... and then she decided to live. Jon gives his excess cans of green beans to the local orphanages. He wrote the Bible, built the space shuttle and invented the perpetual motion machine. What an super-uber-duper incredible individual.
He's so much more than a pop-rock celebrity. His donations mean so much more than a tax write off. You just have to get to know him... like I do.
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit!Your friend Mr jbj must be a different bloke, no1 ever said he was saint, he is human after all!
I wasn't being sarcastic, I was being satirical, and I forgive you for not knowing the difference.
Rock on.
I beg to differ that was sarcasm at its best!
Sarcasm is sneering, jesting, or mocking a person, situation or thing. It is strongly associated with irony, with some definitions classifying it as a type of verbal irony[1] -- stating the opposite of the intended meaning, e.g. using "that's amazing" to mean "that's awful". It is often used in a humorous manner and is expressed through vocal intonations such as over-emphasizing the actual statement or particular words. Use of sarcasm is sometimes viewed as an expression of concealed anger[2].
seriously.... you looked that up? you, too, have much too much time on your hands. and hey, while all of you are here, why don't you go and read some of his other blog posts, particularly the other one about mr. bon bon.
To much time to do a one word search? I have very little time, im raising my daughter and working full time in a responsible job whilst studying so dont assume things you dont know, all you see is a name not the person behind it
*note: jbj will be referred to as "bon bon" in this post, and for those of you who are offended by that.... my bad.
so charlie, if you're as busy as you say, then why do you worry about such menial things as another man's opinion. we're all entitled to our own opinions (and by the way, your other comments probably took a little longer than your "one word search")
his words were simply his take on how bon bon came off to him, and if it were me, i'd have felt the same way. if you are not such a fan of sarcasm, then what do you think mr. bon bon was doing when he said those generous little words "Do you think you actually have an arena big enough to hold someone like me?" i'm sorry. maybe he wasn't being sarcastic... maybe he was just being rude. and in that case, i would agree with mr. stamey... i don't care how big you are or how much you've done, no one should ever try to make others feel less important than them... which is what i feel he was doing. he was implying that our town couldn't "handle him".. and, if he's as humble as you say then he would never make that comment, nor would he have a street named after himself.
and, i'm just curious... are you a frequent visitor to www.mattstamey.com or just this blog?.. i sure hope that as fussy as you are on someone else's webpage that you at least visit here on a regular basis and checkout his website as it is updated and all of his blog entries.
and geez, i sure hate to assume things, but since i've never seen you comment on anything else other than this one blog, i am going to "assume" that you, too, were one of the many folks bussed in from oh, i don't know.. backstagejbj.com. -of course i could be wrong here too, maybe you were researching a possible cure for cancer and just stumbled upon this blog... maybe "stamey" is a famous drug that we didn't know about... who knows.
and as for raising your child, here's my take on that: either you are
a) at work and your child is in school or at a daycare in which you would be wasting your company's time.
b) at home not spending quality time with your child because you have more "important" matters to take care of.
c) or, maybe you are bathing your child with your pda in one hand and the washrag in the other...
and since i'm pretty sure you're not doing the latter, maybe you should think about prioritizing your "oh, so busy" life and like i said before... be productive... build a house, save a whale, shampoo your carpet, ... you know, whatever.
but, don't waste the little free time you have bickering. i just assume that people who would rather waste their time on nothing have way too much free time, when i should have just assumed that they are all really busy and just make poor choices as far as what they should do with their time.
and if you need help with time management, you could always look THAT up on the web...
as for me, i'm a bum... i sit around in a beanbag chair naked eating cheetos watching tv all day long, ... i've got nothing else to do.
and in the words of my nefound friend, here's a little something to help clear things up.. again:
"Sarcasm is sneering, jesting, or mocking a person, situation or thing. It is strongly associated with irony, with some definitions classifying it as a type of verbal irony[1] -- stating the opposite of the intended meaning, e.g. using "that's amazing" to mean "that's awful". It is often used in a humorous manner and is expressed through vocal intonations such as over-emphasizing the actual statement or particular words. Use of sarcasm is sometimes viewed as an expression of concealed anger[2]."
Well you left a mouthfull huh! One thing I hate is someone comenting on how I spend `quality ` time with my child when you know nothing about me, im not going to comment on any of your comments regarding how I raise my child because quite frankly `pal` you dont have a clue.
Incidently we dont have a com-puter at work where I can waste company time and any childcare I use I pay for myself.
Where I found this blog from...well I did think that I could offer my opinion seeing as theres this huge box up on the righthand side of the screen titled `leave a comment` I`m entitled to my opinion and I aint bickering im having a debate, do you need a definition on that 1?
Your so full of wise advice, I think in this instance i`ll pass on it, i`ll spend my free time how I please because even us single parents with full time jobs and studying to do manage to grab 10 minutes to themselves without neglecting there child but then what would you know
your a bum... you sit around in a beanbag chair naked eating cheetos watching tv all day long, ... you've got nothing else to do.
Sarcasm at its best huh!
i'm just glad to see you found your way back here again. thanks, come again.
cheers!
Your welcome i`d hate to dissapoint!
Misty Mac....Love you, and please put some clothes on...I have never met bon bon, but I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr Stamey, and he , in my opinion, seems to be a caring, generous human being who does alot in this community. Keep up the good work Matt...
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