Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi Light Up Los Angeles with an Electrifying, Unforgettable Performance

Bon Jovi was honored with the MusiCares Person of the Year Award.

It wasn’t even 9 p.m. when Jon Bon Jovi made his intentions clear: “I think it’s about time we blow the roof off this place,” he told the crowd gathered to honor him at Friday’s MusiCares Person of the Year gala. With that, he introduced Bruce Springsteen — “my mentor, my friend, my brother, my hero” — and together, the two Jersey icons delivered a spirited rendition of Bon Jovi’s “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” getting the well-dressed crowd on their feet.

“As I look out at all you tuxedoed music executives, quick reminder,” Bon Jovi joked, “This here’s a Bon Jovi concert — we don’t sit down.”

While the artist being celebrated typically performs at the end of the night, Bon Jovi, 61, took the stage early, kicking off the evening with a performance that included his band’s new single, “Legendary,” and a moving duet with Springsteen on “The Promised Land.” Bon Jovi thanked Springsteen for making the trip to L.A. just days after his 98-year-old mother’s passing.

Before the music began, a live auction raised over $100,000 for MusiCares, including one generous bid of $27,000 for the chance to sip wine with Bon Jovi in the Hamptons. The night was hosted by comedian Jim Gaffigan, who humorously teased Bon Jovi about his iconic ’80s look, complete with big hair and denim shorts, when the band dominated the rock scene.

As is often the case with MusiCares tributes—recent honorees include legends like Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Aerosmith, and Dolly Parton—the concert following Bon Jovi’s performance was a mix of highs and surprises. Melissa Etheridge brought her signature growl to a powerful rendition of “Blaze of Glory,” while Jason Isbell, wielding a double-necked guitar, delivered a swaggering take on “Wanted Dead or Alive.”

However, the night’s standout performance came from The War and Treaty, the country-soul duo and Grammy nominees, who stole the show with their stirring rendition of “I’ll Be There for You.” Their breathtaking vocals, which also featured in the In Memoriam segment at last month’s Emmy Awards, were the highlight of the evening.