Whether they’re a hit on the radio or a staple of MTV, bon jovi have been rock’s biggest live act for decades. The New Jersey natives’ strategy was simple: Write well-crafted songs with a deliberate pop sheen, play your heart out every time you take the stage, and always exceed the expectations of your fans. Over the years, those principles have earned them a huge global audience, a Grammy and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, as well as massive album sales and tour revenue.
But it wasn’t easy getting here. After skipping college (“there was no plan B”), Bon Jovi found work as a gofer in a Manhattan recording studio and started jamming with friends. The result was a demo tape that got picked up by local stations. One of the songs on it, “Runaway,” gained the group a favorable reputation, and Bon Jovi reached out to acquaintances that included future guitarist Richie Sambora. The resulting Bon Jovi formed in 1984 and recorded their debut album, Bon Jovi, that same year. The follow-up, 7800° Fahrenheit (the title is a reference to the temperature at which rock melts), was less well received.
The band slowed down in the 1990s, but by the turn of the century, they were back to full strength, with a new lineup and an acclaimed album, Slippery When Wet. Bon Jovi continues to sell millions of albums and fill arenas around the world, despite being in their mid-sixties.
On the Hulu four-part documentary series, the band members discuss what it takes to keep going after four decades in the music business, how they’ve evolved, and the current state of the industry. But they also touch on personal matters. Bon Jovi talks about the recent weddings of two sons, his health struggles that forced him to cancel an upcoming tour, and the new song he wrote for his daughter’s wedding, “Kiss the Bride.”
Jon Bon Jovi on the New Jersey roots that made him a rock superstar
When a Pennsylvania woman won the four-bedroom home of Bon Jovi’s childhood, she didn’t think twice about putting it up for auction. She figured it was worth more than the $215,000 the house’s listing price said. But the property was eventually sold for only $125,000.
As the band reaches its 40th anniversary, Jon Bon Jovi continues to struggle with vocal injuries that may prevent him from touring this summer as planned. But he’s on the road to recovery, and he discussed his long journey to a healthy voice with host David Gross at the premiere of the four-part docuseries, Thank You, Goodnight. He also discusses the upcoming new Bon Jovi album, Forever, and how his relentless drive has helped him get through his health challenges.