Not only since their overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have Bon Jovi been among the most famous and successful bands in rock history. Together with Aerosmith, Guns N' Roses and U2, they defined the sound of the 1980s and 1990s. Even in the 21st century, the rockers are still regulars on the charts and in stadiums around the world. Their secret recipe for chart-toppers and sold-out tours: no fear of pathos, a pinch of self-irony and a lot of heart and soul.
A glam metal crew from New Jersey storms the U.S. charts
March 14, 1983, is one of the great days of rock music. That's when charismatic 21-year-old U.S. Jon Bon Jovi and his musician friends David Bryan, Richie Sambora, Alec John Such and Tico Torres form the band, which names itself after the lead singer.
The eponymous debut album is released in 1984, and the single "Runaway" becomes the first Top 40 hit in the U.S. for the band, which at the time is still in full glam metal regalia: long manes of hair, leather gear, jewelry and proudly displayed chest hair. They go on tour as the opening band for the Scorpions and KISS, but soon fans are clamoring for tickets to Bon Jovi's own shows.
While the first two albums lay the musical foundation, Bon Jovi's breakthrough in the U.S. comes in 1986 with the album "Slippery When Wet". The LP contains legendary singles that are now part of the mandatory program of every Bon Jovi tour - such as "Livin' On A Prayer" and "Wanted Dead Or Alive."
With their rock ballads Bon Jovi conquer the world
With "New Jersey" (1988), they follow up with another record with striking choruses and catchy riffs. In the U.S. it will be until the album "Lost Highway" (2007) the last place 1 in the album charts for the time being. For this, with the follow-up album "Keep The Faith" (1992), it becomes apparent that fans in the rest of the world and especially in Germany are among Bon Jovi's biggest fans.
From "Keep The Faith" Jon Bon Jovi presents himself with a new hairstyle and a new, rockier style: away from glam metal to classic stadium rock and ballads like "Bed Of Roses". Along the way, he invents - accompanied by Richie Sambora - with an acoustic performance at the MTV Video Music Awards 1989 quasi the format MTV Unplugged.
While the hype around Bon Jovi in America only really flares up again from the 2000s, the band lands in Germany between 1992 and 2020 with six albums at number 1 in the album charts. The band is similarly successful in the UK, Switzerland, Austria and Asia.
Even in the 21st century, Bon Jovi are hit guarantors
With the record "Crush" (2000) and "It's My Life" - the band's most successful U.S. single - begins what could probably be called Bon Jovi's final ascent into the rock Olympus. In 2018, the time has finally come: Bon Jovi are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and thus also "officially" immortal music legends.
The guys have achieved what all rock bands dream of - but that certainly does not mean that they now hang their music career on the nail. Bon Jovi prove this during their energetic shows, which not only offer euphoric anthems and touching ballads to sing along to, but also leave room for quieter and magical moments.
