ROCKER Jon Bon Jovi was so impressed by The Bon Jovi Experience, who hit King George’s Hall, Blackburn, on February 1, that he went on record to say that they were the world’s finest tribute band.

What’s more The BJE are the only tribute band to have been requested by, and to have performed live on stage with, the man himself — and were even featured on the official Bon Jovi website.

The band features Jon Bon Jovi clone, frontman Tony (Jon), but unlike many other tributes the great musicians accompanying him are also top lookalikes, Ed (Richie Sambora) — guitars; Lee (Tico Torres) — drums; Steve (Hugh McDonald) — bass; and Rich (Dave Bryan) — keyboards.

Tony has been performing the music of Bon Jovi for nearly 20 years and the band were the first to be asked to perform on the US New Jersey tribute album Garden State of Mind.

He is the only UK Bon Jovi tribute band frontman to actually be asked to appear on Channel 4’s Big Breakfast show with the real Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora.

They were also told by BBC Radio 1 DJ and TV personality, Chris Evans, that “they were the best tribute band he had ever seen” and were asked to appear live on his show.

Tony’s TV and film appearances include ITV’s International Stars And Their Doubles, hosted by Dale Winton, BBC’s Doctors series and British film, Kinky Boots.