'Christmas in Rockefeller Center': Bon Jovi debuts new song 'Unbroken' in half-empty skating rink
Jon Bon Jovi, who debuted his new song 'To Be of Service' during his performance at the annual 'Christmas in Rockefeller Center', also dubbed as the "brightest event of the year", had to do it in front of an underwhelming crowd that filled barely half of the skating rink at the Rockefeller Center Plaza.
Even though there were some doubts regarding whether he would perform, in the end, we were excited to learn that he is performing. Furthermore, he performed a new song — one that is extremely important and close to his heart, it was said.
On December 2, NBC announced that the 57-year-old would perform 'Unbroken', the song which featured in the Netflix documentary 'To Be of Service' on Wednesday, December 4.
It is a tribute to veterans who live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) while coping with civilian life. "This song is meant to honor America's veterans and their service, but I also wanted to take an unflinching look at the reality of their daily lives and struggles," Bon Jovi had said in a statement.
And yet, the cold weather in New York and the temperature that averaged at 39°F in Rockefeller Center led the crowds to disperse early. "They're practically begging people to come down," one of the crew members at the event reportedly revealed.
They did manage to drum up about 300 people eventually, but they only filled up about half the ice skating rink and when Bon Jovi took the stage around 6 pm, the response was lukewarm.
Meanwhile, the cozy people at home were all eyes and ears for him, with Twitteratti even getting furious upon hearing about this disrespect.
A Canadian fan of the artiste tweeted, "Being a Canadian I would've stayed 2 watch this wonderful & special perform, [sic]".
However, another fan called his performance misplaced: "Jon Bon Jovi singing about soldiers committing suicide in the middle of @nbc #rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting special was awkward and misplaced among all the festive carols and Christmas pageantry."