Between banners that read “Stronger” and “Together,” musician Jon Bon Jovi took to the stage in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum Thursday.
Bon Jovi — lead singer of the American rock band by the same name, best known for songs “I’ll Be There For You” and “Livin’ on a Prayer” — visited Pitt’s campus Thursday evening. Bon Jovi played a free concert starting at 7 p.m. for Get Out the Vote, a part of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
“There’s a lot at stake in the upcoming election,” Bon Jovi said. “But, as a wise president once said, ‘There’s nothing wrong with America that can’t be fixed with what is right with America.’”
Bon Jovi was referencing a speech former President Bill Clinton made when he took office more than 20 years ago, and just one song later, Bill himself made a surprise appearance.
In his speech, Bill Clinton asked people — especially young people — to carefully consider who they will vote for Nov. 8.
“We’re not deciding between a Republican and a Democrat,” Bill Clinton said. “We’re deciding the future of America.”
Fatima Mardas, first-year planning to major in neuroscience and psychology, attended the concert and took a selfie with Bill Clinton afterwards. Mardas said she’s “definitely” voting for Clinton over Republican candidate Donald Trump, in part because she is Muslim.
“I am a minority, and [Trump] would literally do nothing for my people,” Mordos said. “Actually, he would do the opposite and try to get us to assimilate into society.”
In front of a massive American flag, to a mostly older crowd that filled about three quarters of the auditorium, Bon Jovi played some of his greatest hits and concluded with a cover of The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.”
He is one of several musicians to play a concert for the Clinton campaign this election season. Jay-Z will headline a show in Cleveland on Nov. 4, followed by Katy Perry, who is set to perform in Philadelphia on Nov. 5.
“So go out and vote, because love does trump over hate,” Bon Jovi said, finishing the night.