Jon Bon Jovi is one of the most popular rock musicians in history. He and his bandmates have sold more than 130 million albums, amassed a staggering number of Grammys and inductions to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and performed around the world for four decades. But the road to such massive success wasn’t without its bumps and bruises.
In a new documentary series, “Thank You, Good Night: The Bon Jovi Story,” the singer opens up about his struggles with depression and addiction, as well as his ongoing battle against vocal cord damage that has kept him from performing for two years. Despite his setbacks, the singer says he’s proud of his band for sticking together through thick and thin and keeping the show going.
The film follows the band as they prepare for the release of their twelfth studio album, Forever. They also embark on a world tour in support of the record. The band members, who include keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, bassist Hugh McDonald and guitarist Phil X, recorded the album in a brisk seven weeks. Bon Jovi says the sessions were “flowing.” He describes working with producer Bob Rock, who produced some of his most beloved songs including the soaring “Legendary” and the talkbox-assisted “Living Proof,” as an incredible experience.
During their early years, Bon Jovi was a regular on the music scene in Sayreville, New Jersey. They honed their sound, marrying the bombast of hair metal with pulsing synthes and irresistible radio-friendly pop hooks, and found a devoted following. But it was their third record, 1986’s Slippery When Wet, that truly established the band. It features their biggest hits including “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Wanted Dead or Alive” and the explosive, four-minute melodrama of “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
In 1988 Bon Jovi was signed to PolyGram Records by the legendary record executive Derek Shulman. He Anglicized the band’s original name, John Bongiovi, to Bon Jovi. Bon Jovi’s first two major label albums, Slippery When Wet and Keep the Faith, were huge hits.
Bon Jovi’s popularity in the United States and Europe took off, and the group began touring worldwide. In 1992 the group released their fifth album, New Jersey, which was a more mature affair than its predecessors. It was a successful album, but the band started to struggle financially. In order to make ends meet, Bon Jovi’s manager fired the band’s business advisors and accountants.
A year later the band had to cancel a concert in London due to Jon’s deteriorating health. He was suffering from vocal cord damage and a chronic cough that made it difficult for him to sing. He eventually recovered and returned to the stage. However, the band’s fortunes turned for the worse in 1993, when founding member drummer Tico Torres left to join his brother’s band and was replaced by drummer Richie Sambora.