Ahead of their set on the main stage in June, Mark Harding, founding member of Wrong Jovi, talks about getting the sound and look of his favourite band just right.

Date published: 26th Apr 2018

It's safe to say that anyone who's ever picked up a guitar in their youth has envisioned themselves onstage, wowing crowds of thousands with electrifying riffs and solos from their favourite band's biggest hits. For guitarist Mark Harding, founder of Bon Jovi tribute act Wrong Jovi, it was a dream-come-true when he got to meet his idol, the iconic band's original guitar player Richie Sambora.

"I'd met him at a masterclass in LA, and seeing him perform, as well as meeting him, inspired me to get back into gigging again," says Mark. "Bon Jovi has always been my favourite band, and the reason why I became a musician in the first place, so it was a natural decision to say, 'I'm going to start a Bon Jovi tribute band'. The rest is history."

Taking on the role of Sambora, Mark assembled the rest of the group, which today features Ally Ward as Jon Bon Jovi on vocals, supported by some of the UK's most respected musicians. The line-up is completed by Simon James as David Bryan on keyboards and backing vocals, as well as Jim Houghton as Hugh McDonald on bass and backing vocals, and Jon 'Alex' Sturgeon as Tico Torres on drums.

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"At the end of the day, I think we're a great band, and people enjoy coming to see us," Mark concludes. "We've continued to grow every year since we started, and the aim is to travel the world - maybe even be the first tribute band to play in space! Our goal is to put smiles on people's faces, and have them leaving the venues happy and wanting more. Judging by how quickly we're growing, we seem to be doing just that."

Wrong Jovi ARE Bon Jovi on Sunday 24 June at the Ultimate Tribute Festival.

Tickets now on sale here via Skiddle.