Keeping the faith

St. Vital

Winnipeg

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/07/2025 (238 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Credited with bridging the gap between heavy metal and pop, Bon Jovi, one of America’s best-selling rock bands, has sold more than 130 million records worldwide and remains much loved by fans of all ages.

And there’s a Manitoba connection worthy of noting, as it celebrates its 20 year anniversary.

Bed of Roses, often called the world’s best Bon Jovi tribute band, is comprised of musicians born and raised in Winnipeg. Their talent and authenticity earned them a personal invitation to the home of Hugh McDonald (bass player for Bon Jovi) to perform at McDonald’s birthday party.

The only tribute band to portray the entire history of Bon Jovi from the 80s until today, this Winnipeg gem is known for its high-energy performances and leaving audiences entertained and captivated.

Since the launch of Bed of Roses in 2005, Bed of Roses has established itself as an international tribute act, touring extensively throughout North America and abroad.

Scott Brown, Darryl Clayton, Glen Davies, John Kristalovich, Eugene Romaniuk and Trevor Uruski are the bandmates who take fans on a journey of the entire 40-year history of Bon Jovi. They’ve fine-tuned their vocals and harmonies and perfected their show’s 12 costume changes.

“We take our fun seriously,” said Glen Davies, bassist and backup vocalist. “Music is a remedy,” he continued, referring to its power to heal and bring joy, especially during challenging times.

Over 100,000 km traveled from Canada and the U.S. to El Salvador and Bermuda, with hundreds of shows performed in casinos, clubs, festivals, theatres, performing arts centres, and private parties, Bed of Roses has been going strong ever since their first show in April, 2005 at the Doubles Fun Club in the Travelodge in St. Vital. That sold-out show was a sign of things to come as the band grew in popularity.

These days they’re looking forward to playing the Austin City Limits stage later this summer, a place where musical greats like Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, and Willie Nelson have performed.

“Bed of Roses created the tribute landscape. Other than Free Ride in 1985, we were the first,” said front man Darryl Clayton, who started the whole thing and has had the privilege to meet and spend time with Jon Bon Jovi himself. “There was no tribute scene before we came along.”

Being told most of his life that he resembled Jon Bon Jovi in voice and appearance, Clayton, a big fan of the well-loved band since 1984, was moved to pursue the idea of a tribute act, one that would stand out as a show with the look, feel, costuming and production of a real Bon Jovi concert.

And that’s exactly what this band has done: put time, effort and musicianship into bringing that feel-good music to as many people in as many places as possible. Whether they’re in Vegas, Montana, Philadelphia, Nunavut, Garden Hill First Nation or playing at the Red River Ex, Bed of Roses knows how to bring energy to the stage and joy to the fans on the dance floor.

Over time they’ve played to audiences ranging in size from five people to several thousand, and the shows are getting bigger.

“It keeps getting better,” said Davies. “It’s energizing. We’re stoked. It’s always a positive experience.”

20 years is a long time to hold things together but these performers continue to do so, with care and humour.

“We have experienced weddings, divorces, births, passings, major injuries, illness and travel delays,” said Clayton.

Through it all, the camaraderie among band members epitomizes the best of life-long friendship.

“Over the years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the guys I work with, who bring a unique blend of skill, professionalism, and playfulness to our collaboration, and I consider them close friends,” said John Kristalovich, guitarist, keyboardist and backup vocalist, adding — with a laugh — that, despite everyone’s foibles, they’re a tight-knit group.

“Our in-fighting is easily forgivable,” said Davies.

They worked together so well that, in 2019, they decided to add a second tribute act to their musical offerings. Renegade, a Styx tribute act, was established to bring together hard rock guitar with acoustic guitar, synthesizers mixed with acoustic piano, upbeat tracks with power ballads, and elements of musical theatre.

These six musicians, who’ve been together for so long, will keep doing music for as long as they are able and as long as they can sing. All of them have day jobs, families and their own creative projects involving other bands and original music. Their schedules are full, but not doing music isn’t an option.

Bed of Roses will be playing Rockin’ the Fields in Minnedosa, Man., on Aug. 2. Visit bedofrosesonline.com for more information.