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Jersey Rock Veteran, Wayne Olivieri, Shares Unique Perspective on Jon Bon Jovi's Recent Comeback Comments

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 03/11/2025


The man who mentored Jon Bon Jovi in the early years of his recording career, Jersey's 'Undiscovered Showman', is ready to weigh in on Jon's struggle to recover from severe voice issues and the possibility of his return to touring and performing.

Wayne Olivieri, whose new memoir "The Undiscovered Showman" chronicles his decades as a fixture in the Garden State and NYC music scene, was there before the world knew Jon Bon Jovi's name.  As his longtime friend, contemplates returning to touring, Oliveri, who became Jon Bon Jovi’s confidant, has a unique perspective on the superstar's long journey back.

Olivieri's long friendship and mentorship of a young Jon Bon Jovi, written about for the first time in “The Undiscovered Showman” is well known in New Jersey music circles. As a veteran rock vocalist himself, Wayne offers unprecedented insight into the resilience that's defining Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal recovery journey.

Wayne Oliveri’s "The Undiscovered Showman" delivers an authentic slice of New Jersey rock history, featuring appearances by Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, and other Garden State legends. From the early days in New Jersey clubs to sold-out stadiums, Olivieri witnessed firsthand the determination that's now driving Jon Bon Jovi's comeback plans.




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Oliveri’s Amazon Hot New Release book has earned praise from The Rascals' Eddie Brigati, Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Joe Cerisano and many more. Learn more about Wayne and his book “The Undiscovered Showman” at https://wayneolivieri.com and learn more about Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal struggles here.

From the moment he saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, Wayne B. Olivieri knew he wanted to devote his life to rock and roll. Starting in the Saint Mary's Boys Choir in Plainfield, New Jersey, Wayne learned the art of singing and began performing in bands as early as 7th grade. By 17, he played full-time with Rockids in New York City clubs like CBGB's and Max's Kansas City, sharing stages with the Ramones, the Talking Heads, and Blondie.Wayne continued performing along the East Coast with Rockids, releasing two singles on their own label before the band disbanded.

He then moved to Asbury Park, NJ, and formed Oliver's Twist, playing venues like the Stone Pony, where he met Jon Bon Jovi. Wayne's band became a regular at the Stone Pony, sharing stages with acts like David Johansson, Huey Lewis, and Billy Idol and performing with Bruce Springsteen. After taking a break from music to focus on family, Wayne returned in 2017 with his solo LP "Eclectic Mind," featuring the hit "Music Man," which reached the top 20 on the national radio airplay charts. In 2019, he co-founded "The NEW Bardots," releasing multiple LPs, EPs, and singles. Their music video "Corporation Businessman" won 17 awards globally, including a bronze medal at the Cannes Continental Film Festival. Their latest LP "Turn Your Head And Cough" features chart-topping singles like "Thrill Of the Night" and "Policy Of Truth."




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Matt Dinniman, New York Times bestselling author of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, will chat about his latest book, A Parade of Horribles, during a virtual author talk on Thursday, June 11, 2026 presented by the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 7:00pm.
Learn to Make Simple, Sustainable, Delicious Meals during Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy Virtual Author Talk on June 23rd

Learn to Make Simple, Sustainable, Delicious Meals during Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy Virtual Author Talk on June 23rd

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Join Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy as they talk about their new book, The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook, during a virtual discussion on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 2:00pm. The event is presented by the Ocean County Library. Come celebrate beautiful, simple, and seasonal cooking with recipes adapted from India and Sri Lanka’s best family spice farms.

 

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