BOB & BRUCE & BON

I am sick and tired of Robert Hilburn comparing every band to Bruce Springsteen. First, Springsteen is in a class by himself; second, every band should be judged on its own merit.

Hilburn’s review of the Bon Jovi concert in San Diego was a joke (“There’s More to Rock Than Bon Jovi’s Ritual,” Jan. 19). I’m 28, was at the show, and had a rockin’ good time. There is not a bad cut on Bon Jovi’s “Slippery When Wet.” It’s a great album and deserves the No. 1 spot on the charts.

And since when does every band or every song have to make a statement? Seems to me Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and the early Beatles were not talking politics or world peace.

And what about Springsteen? What significant statement does “I’m a Rocker,” “Ramrod,” or “I’m Going’ Down” make? I like Springsteen, too, but I don’t expect every band to be Bruce. People see Bon Jovi because they want to see Bon Jovi--they don’t expect (or want) to see a Springsteen clone.

Variety is what makes each of us individuals, different--if everyone did or liked the same things, this would be a pretty boring place. Broaden your horizons, Hilburn, there is a lot of good music out there.

DIANE M. REESMAN

Santa Monica