Bon Jovi is one of the best-selling rock bands of all time. They have released 12 studio albums and 2 solos, selling over 130 million copies worldwide.
The band was formed in 1983, and its lead singer Jon Bon Jovi has been a major figure in the rock music industry for over 30 years. He is a highly-acclaimed singer and musician, known for his flamboyant stage performances and for the songs he has written and performed over the years.
He was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey and started playing in bands as a teenager. He eventually got a job as a janitor at his cousin Tony Bongiovi’s New York recording studio, the Power Station, where he began to record demos in the evenings. He also played in local bands with his childhood friend David Bryan, but it wasn’t until 1983 that Bon Jovi signed with Mercury Records and formed a band.
On his debut album, he was supported by bassist Alec John Such and drummer Tico Torres. In 1983 he also recruited his neighbor, Dave Sabo, who joined the group as lead guitarist. He was soon replaced by Richie Sambora, who became a key player in the band’s writing process.
In 1986 the band entered the studio to record their third album, Slippery When Wet, which became a huge hit and was followed by another album, New Jersey, in 1988. These two albums combined sold over 12 million copies and featured several hits.
The group’s next album, Keep the Faith, was released in 1992 and included a number of hit singles such as “Bed of Roses” and “Always”. It marked a significant change in the style of the band.
They toured in Canada and Europe for the next two years and their popularity continued to grow. Their fifth studio album, Cross Road, was released in 1994 and had two Top Ten ballads.
Their sixth album These Days was released in 1995 and it reached the top of the charts in several countries. It had the song “This Ain’t a Love Song” which topped the charts in the UK.
Bon Jovi continued to be active in the music industry and has worked on many projects for film and TV. He has also delved into political activism and has created a foundation that addresses environmental issues.
He has been awarded two Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement award. He is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2018.
In the past year, the band has announced a tour in North America which will feature long-time touring bassist Hugh McDonald along with guitarist Phil X. The new line-up will be playing in arenas and stadiums across the country.
Bon Jovi will be performing at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on October 2007. The show will be their first performance at the center since the Prudential Tower was built in 2006. In addition to the concert at the Prudential Center, they will be playing in Canada and Europe for the next two years.