On-This-Day-Bruce-Springsteen-Joins-Bon-Jovi-to-Perform-Who-Says-You-Cant-Go-Home-in-2012-for-Benefit-Concert

On This Day: Bruce Springsteen Joins Bon Jovi to Perform “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” in 2012 for Benefit Concert

On Dec. 12, 2012, Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi rock out on stage together as part of the Hurricane Sandy benefit concert “12-12-12.”

The two performed a rendition of Bon Jovi’s classic “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” that concert-goers grooving and singing along. It’s hard to find two rock stars from the 1980s that are more beloved than Springsteen and Bon Jovi. The two certainly know how to put on a show, especially when they’re on stage together.

Though they were often portrayed as rivals back in their heyday, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Both Springsteen and Bon Jovi have collaborated over a dozen times throughout their career. Most often, they join forces for benefit concerts like the disaster relief effort or more recently to raise money for COVID-19 relief.

The “12-12-12” concert united some pretty famous musicians besides just the two. Paul McCartney, Alicia Keys, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, and The Rolling Stones were some of the other musicians that appeared. The concert was held in Madison Square Garden in New York City. When Springsteen sings of being born in the USA, he specifically means New Jersey. Both he and Bon Jovi are natives of the state, which was affected by the hurricane.

Bon Jovi Records “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” in 2005

The song “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” is newer compared to some of Jovi’s other hits. The artist included it on his album “Have a Nice Day,” which released in 2005. According to Song Facts, Bon Jovi originally wanted to perform the song with Keith Urban. But their voices were too similar for the song.

Instead, the rock star partnered with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland for the album’s version. Upon release, the song went straight to the top of the country music charts.