McGee: 'Bon Jovi deserves recognition'

Alan McGee has said that Jon Bon Jovi and his band deserve greater respect from music critics.

The former Creation Records boss told The Guardian that the singer should be recognised alongside Bruce Springsteen and Sopranos creator David Chase in a "mythic pop-culture trilogy that has emerged from New Jersey".

McGee said: "They form an almost perfect triptych representing the inner workings of New Jersey's Italian American experience.

"You may scoff, but even Springsteen recognises Bon Jovi's talent. They often share a stage and the vibe is very much about working-class Jersey Boys done good."

He added: "I truly believe Jon Bon Jovi deserves critical recognition for his abilities as a world-class songwriter, but instead people focus on the poppy hair-metal genre in which he previously worked.

"Bon Jovi are easily one of the three creators who have made New Jersey a place of inspiration, creation and expression for those seeking universal salvation and hope."

Last month, Jon Bon Jovi was inducted into the US Songwriters Hall Of Fame together with his bandmate Richie Sambora.