As state officials ordered residents to stay at home amid the coronavirus pandemic, people across Chicago metro area belted out Jon Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” on Saturday night.
Inspired by the videos of similar events, organizers Rebecca Kell and Jenni Spinner said that they had done so for a bit of a laugh with their Facebook friends while they are stuck working from home.
Kell told in an interview, “I’m blown away by the response. I’m so happy that we were able to provide a needed distraction that made people happy for a few minutes.”
Once their neighbors started singing at the organizer’s apartment building others from different units opened their windows to join in.
Adilson Lorencini lived in the same apartment building and is just above Kell and Spinner, was watching a movie when he heard the singing.
“Suddenly I was like, ‘What the heck is going on? What music is that?’ Then I saw everybody singing so let’s sing too,” he said.
Another one of their neighbors, Alissa Holterman, said, “A lot of us have lived in the building for a long time but don’t know each other really, so it was amazing to even just stick my head out, breathe some fresh air and see my neighbors.”
People took out their musical instruments, kids danced in living rooms and on front yards; others shouted lyrics at passing trains and buses to join in the singalong.
Even Jon Bon Jovi joined in the fun, as he posts a video on his Instagram account, “Hey Chicago, I heard that you guys are about to open up your windows and scream and shout to ‘Livin on a Prayer.”
“I want you to know that I’m just warming up, ready to sing along with you. In these trying times, I’m with you with all of my heart and my soul. Sending my love to everybody in Chicago and across America. Sing it out, baby, we’re all going to get through this together. Be strong. I love you.”