Rock Legend to address debating society

American rock legend Jon Bon Jovi is to speak at the Oxford Union later today.

The superstar, currently on a world tour with his band Bon Jovi, will be addressing students at the debating society at 4pm.

The 39-year-old rock star follows in the footsteps of singer Michael Jackson who earlier this year opened his heart to students in a speech chronicling his family relationships and early childhood.

Jon Bon Jovi, whose band has regularly topped the charts for the past 17 years, said before his debut appearance in Oxford: ‘‘I do have a bit of experience performing in front of crowds but this audience does present a whole new set of challenges.

‘‘In a way that’s why I accepted the invitation, it wasn’t vanity, it was more, OK this is a new curve, let’s do it.

‘‘It’s the same feeling that has led me to start at the bottom as an actor and prove myself - I’m not frightened of failure, I’m frightened of standing still.’’

In the past year the band has performed 95 concerts in 17 countries to more than three million people.

Amy Harland, president of the Oxford Union, said: ‘‘Mr Bon Jovi has always been a favourite among the Oxford students.

‘‘To hear from a man whose music has had such a huge impact across the generations and indeed countries would be fantastic.

We can’t wait to hear about his experiences performing across the world and his views on the modern world of music.’’