Bon Jovi through the years: How the rock band have changed over time

They’re responsible for some proper corkers

Author: William Marriott

Published 24th May 2021

Bon Jovi are the American rock band who have produced some of the most iconic songs of all time, including ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’, ‘You Give Love A Bad Name’ and ‘Runaway.’ Yet, despite selling over 100 million record worldwide, which makes them one of the most successful rock bands of all times, there has been some ups and downs for the fan favourite band.

We’ve decided to take a look at some of the biggest moments from Bon Jovi’s career, so take a trip down memory lane with our Bon Jovi timeline right here.

Who is in the band Bon Jovi?

Bon Jovi have had several members over the years since they formed in 1983. The band currently consists of Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, Tico Torres, Hugh McDonald and Phil X.

Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan and Tico Torres all joined the band in 1983, with Jon Bon Jovi providing lead vocals and playing the acoustic and rhythm guitar and maracas. David Bryan plays the keyboard and piano, providing backing and occasional lead vocals. Tico Torres plays the drums, percussion, as well as offering backing and occasional lead vocals.

Joining the band in 1994, Hugh McDonald plays bass guitar and provides backing vocals, while Phil X plays rhythm and acoustic guitar, talk box and backing and occasional lead vocals.

Past members include Richie Sambora and Alec John Such.

How old is Jon Bon Jovi?

Jon Bon Jovi was born on 2nd March 1962 which makes him at the time of writing, 58 years old. He is the founder and frontman of the Grammy Award-winning band, but has also released two solo albums.

How did Bon Jovi get famous?

1983: Where it all started

After gaining recognition for some of his early work, Jon Bon Jovi decided to tour his single ‘Runaway’ in 1983, asking David Bryan, who in turn called Alec John Such and Tico Torres to help them.

1984: Gaining a record deal

Once the foursome played showcases and started to open tours for local artists, word spread about the upcoming band which led to Bon Jovi being signed to Mercury Records by record executive Derek Shulman.

In January 1984, Bon Jovi released their debut album, Bon Jovi, which included the singles ‘Runaway’ and ‘Roulette.’ ‘Runaway’ peaked at Number 39 on the US Billboard Hot 100, with the album reaching Number 43 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

The band went on to open for the Scorpions and Kiss in the same year.

1985: First worldwide headline tour

With their partial success of their debut and second album, Bon Jovi then headlined a tour in Japan and Europe, which caught the attention of the mainstream press, and gained them a legion of fans across the globe.

They then toured the US for six months, supporting Ratt, while also making various festival appearances alongside the tour.

1986: The band’s first Number 1

It was in 1986 when Bon Jovi hit the jackpot. Releasing their third album ‘Slippery When Wet’, the album went straight to Number 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart, spending eight weeks at the top.

The band released ‘You Give Love A Bad Name’ and ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ as singles, with both peaking at Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The same year, ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Stage Performance, the band won an award for Favourite Pop/Rock Band at the American Music Awards and an award for Favourite Rock Group at the People’s Choice Awards.

It’s estimated the band ended up making an impressive $28,400,000 in 1986.

1988: MTV ban Bon Jovi’s music video

In 1987, Bon Jovi released their fourth album ‘New Jersey’, which reached Number 1 in the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The singles from this album included ‘Bad Medicine’ and ‘I’ll Be There for You’, both Number 1 records.

Another five of the singles reached the top 10, giving Bon Jovi the record for the most Top 10 singles produced by a hard rock album. The music video for ‘Living In Sin’ ended up being banned from MTV for sexual content, which again, pushed the band to the forefront of the media. It was soon re-edited and allowed back on TV screens.

1992: A four year hiatus

Following a four year hiatus, Bon Jovi reunited in 1992, releasing their fifth studio album ‘Keep the Faith.’ The album produced the Top 10 hit ‘Bed of Roses’ and ‘Keep the Faith’, which reached Number 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks.

The band went on to tour the album, performing in 37 countries, playing to 2.5 million fans across the globe.

1994: A shock firing

After another successful two years, Alec John Such was fired from the band, with bassist Hugh McDonald replacing him. However, one year later, in 1995, Bon Jovi decided to take a sabbatical.

1999/2000: Comeback

Announcing their comeback in 1999, Bon Jovi released their seventh album ‘Crush’, which featured the single ‘It’s My Life.’ The single introduced the band to a much younger audience than ever before, with the band receiving two Grammy nominations for Best Rock Album ‘Crush’ and Best Rock Performance by Duo/Group for ‘It’s My Life’.

The video for ‘It’s My Life’ also won the My VH1 Music Awards for ‘My Favorite Video.’

2010: Making history

After recording and releasing another four albums between 2000 and 2009, Bon Jovi announced a 12 night run at the 02 Arena in London in 2010, which grossed them a huge $18,178,036.

The Circle Tour was the highest-grossing concert tour of the year, with Pollstar reporting the tour made Bon Jovi $201.1 million in total after playing 80 venues worldwide. The band ranked as Billboard’s and Pollstar’s Top Touring Act of the Year and they also came second on Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s highest paid musicians, earning an approximate $125 million income that year.

2013/2014: A new band member

In 2013, Richie Sambora quit the band and was replaced by Phil X.

2018: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Bon Jovi were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 after over 1.1 million votes were cast in a fan ballot to indite them.

2020: Still performing

Bon Jovi released their 15th studio album, ‘Bon Jovi: 2020’ in 2020. However, their accompanying tour for the album was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How many albums have Bon Jovi released?

Bon Jovi have released 15 studio albums and completed 19 tours to date. The band first released their debut album in 1984 under the title ‘Bon Jovi’, before going onto release their second in 1985 called ‘7800° Fahrenheit.’ Since then, they have released an album nearly ever two years, with their latest released in 2020, titled, ‘Bon Jovi: 2020.’

Which are Bon Jovi’s most famous songs?

Bon Jovi – ‘Runaway’

‘Runaway’ is Bon Jovi’s debut single, released in 1983, which reached the Top 40 in the US. Despite it’s lower chart success, the song is a fan favourite.

Bon Jovi – ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’

Released in 1986 and included on the album ‘Slippery When Wet’, ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’ was Bon Jovi’s first ever Number 1. In 2009, VH1 named the song the 20th greatest hard rock song of all time.

Bon Jovi – ‘I’ll Be There for You’

One of Bon Jovi’s most signature songs, ‘I’ll Be There for You’ was released in 1988 from their album ‘New Jersey’, soaring to the top of the US charts straight away.

Bon Jovi – ‘I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead’

Released in 1992 from the album ‘Keep the Faith’, ‘I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead’ peaked at Number 17 in the UK. Despite the lower chart success, it is consistently named by fans in Bon Jovi polls as one of their most loved songs.

Bon Jovi – ‘Keep the Faith’

Featuring on Bon Jovi’s fifth album of the same name, ‘Keep the Faith’ stormed the charts, with the single reaching Number 1 on the US Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, as well as in Spain and Norway in 1992.

Bon Jovi – ‘Bed of Roses’

Released in 1993, ‘Bed of Roses’ reached Number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, Number 5 on the Top 40 US mainstream charts and Number 13 in the UK Top 40.

Bon Jovi – ‘Dry County’

‘Dry County’ is famed for it’s long length, with the song’s running time being 9 minutes and 52 seconds. A shorter, six minute version of the record was released in 1994, which peaked at Number 9 in the UK.

Bon Jovi – ‘It’s My Life’

Opening up Bon Jovi to new and younger audiences, the band released ‘It’s My Life’ in 2000, with the single peaking at Number 3 in the UK charts and being used by Mitsubishi Motors in their advertisements until 2004.

Bon Jovi – ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’

‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ was Bon Jovi’s second Number 1 single from their third studio album, ‘Slippery When Wet.’ It went straight to Number 1 in seven countries, including the UK.

Are Bon Jovi still together?

Yes! The band have stuck together through the ups and down and regularly release new singles and albums for their fans. Most recently, Jon Bon Jovi announced on social media the band were back in the studio recording their 15th album, which turned out to be ‘Bon Jovi: 2020.’

The band also still perform together, touring the world for two years between 2017-2019 with their smash hit tour ‘This House Is Not for Sale.’ The band were also set to tour their new album in 2020, but the ‘2020 Tour’ was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s Bon Jovi’s real name?

Jon Bon Jovi’s real name is John Francis Bongiovi, Jr.

Where is Bon Jovi’s restaurant?

JBJ Soul Kitchen is in Red Bank, New Jersey. It is a community, non-for-profit restaurant that asks customers to pay a donation for their food, rather than putting a price on their menu.

You can hear Bon Jovi on the Absolute Radio playlist.

Read more:

Jon Bon Jovi invited to Leeds United after wearing team’s colours

The 40 Greatest Live Acts of All Time

Isle of Wight Festival headliners through the years

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