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Band Timeline
1983
Formation of Bon Jovi and Early Beginnings
Bon Jovi was formed in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey, by singer Jon Bon Jovi along with other members including keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, and guitarist Richie Sambora. Before the band's official formation, Jon Bon Jovi had performed in various bands and recorded his first single "Runaway" in 1980, which gained some local radio attention. The band's early lineup solidified around this time, setting the stage for their debut and future success.
1984
Release of Debut Album 'Bon Jovi'
In 1984, Bon Jovi released their self-titled debut album which introduced them to the music world. The album included the single "Runaway," which reached the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band's initial commercial breakthrough. This album established Bon Jovi's presence in the rock scene and laid the groundwork for the band's evolving sound and growing fan base.
1986
Breakthrough with 'Slippery When Wet' Album
The year 1986 marked a major breakthrough for Bon Jovi with the release of their third album, 'Slippery When Wet.' This album brought them widespread success and global recognition. It featured three Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including two that reached number one: "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer." The album's commercial and critical success established Bon Jovi as one of the leading rock bands of the 1980s.
1988
Release of the 'New Jersey' Album and Major Tour
In 1988, Bon Jovi released their fourth album, 'New Jersey,' which further solidified their success. The album produced five Top 10 singles, with hits like "Bad Medicine" and "I'll Be There for You" reaching number one on the charts. Following the album's release, the band embarked on the New Jersey Syndicate Tour, which ran from 1988 to 1990, playing to sold-out crowds worldwide and showcasing their power as a live act.
1992
Return with 'Keep the Faith' Album
After a couple of years focusing on their individual projects, Bon Jovi returned in 1992 with the album 'Keep the Faith.' This album showed the band's maturity and growth with a more serious tone and sound. The album included hits such as "Bed of Roses," and was certified double platinum. 'Keep the Faith' helped maintain the band's relevance in the changing rock landscape of the early 1990s.
1994
Lineup Change and Release of 'Always' Single
In 1994, significant changes took place as original bassist Alec John Such left the band. Despite this, the band released the single "Always," which became their biggest-selling and longest-charting single. This ballad received widespread acclaim and commercial success, reinforcing Bon Jovi's presence in both rock and pop markets.
1995
Release of 'These Days' and Artistic Maturity
Bon Jovi released their album 'These Days' in 1995, which featured a more mature and refined sound. The album was well received and reflected the band's evolution beyond their '80s glam metal roots. 'These Days' showcased their ability to adapt and grow musically while maintaining their signature rock style.
2000
New Millennium and 'Crush' Album Success
The 2000 release of the album 'Crush' marked Bon Jovi’s successful return to the music scene after a second hiatus. The album's lead single, "It's My Life," became an anthem for a new generation of fans, proving the band's enduring popularity and ability to connect with younger audiences. 'Crush' was well received and helped introduce the band’s classic sound to a new era.
2005
Country Influences and 'Have a Nice Day' Album
With the release of 'Have a Nice Day' in 2005, Bon Jovi started incorporating elements of country music into their sound. This album, along with the 2007 album 'Lost Highway,' featured a blend of rock and country influences, broadening the band's musical horizons. The 2006 single "Who Says You Can't Go Home" won a Grammy Award and made history as the first single by a rock band to reach number one on the country charts.
2013
Departure of Guitarist Richie Sambora and Continued Activity
In 2013, founding guitarist Richie Sambora left the band to spend more time with his family, a significant lineup change for Bon Jovi. Despite his departure, the band continued to record and tour, releasing the album 'Because We Can' the same year. This period marked a transition for Bon Jovi as they adapted to performing without one of their key members.
2016
Release of 'This House Is Not for Sale' Without Sambora
Bon Jovi released their first studio album without Richie Sambora, 'This House Is Not for Sale,' in 2016. The album and subsequent tour from 2017 to 2019 showcased the band's resilience and ability to continue producing compelling music despite major personnel changes. The album reinforced the band's dedication to their craft and their fans.
2020
Pandemic-Inspired Album and Social Reflection
In 2020, Bon Jovi released an album influenced by the global events of the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests. The album reflected contemporary social issues and demonstrated the band's responsiveness to current world events. This release highlighted Bon Jovi's ongoing cultural relevance and their commitment to addressing important themes through their music.
2018
Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Bon Jovi was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, recognizing their significant contributions to music and their enduring legacy as one of America's best-selling rock bands. This honor highlighted their influence over decades and their impact on the rock genre globally, cementing their place in music history.
Albums
Bon Jovi
9 tracks
1984
7800° Fahrenheit
10 tracks
1985
Slippery When Wet
10 tracks
1986
New Jersey
12 tracks
1988
Keep the Faith
12 tracks
1992
These Days
14 tracks
1995
Crush
13 tracks
2000
Bounce
14 tracks
2002
Have a Nice Day
13 tracks
2005
Lost Highway
12 tracks
2007
The Circle
12 tracks
2009
What About Now
16 tracks
2013
Burning Bridges
10 tracks
2015
This House Is Not for Sale
12 tracks
2016
2020
10 tracks
2020
Forever
14 tracks
2024
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Tico Torres
1983
Background vocals
Lead vocals
Drums (drum set)
Percussion
David Bryan
1983
Background vocals
Keyboard
Lead vocals
Pedal steel guitar
Piano
Phil X
2016
Talkbox
Acoustic guitar
Background vocals
Electric guitar
Lead vocals
Hugh McDonald
2016
Background vocals
Bass guitar
Jon Bon Jovi
1983
Electric guitar
Eponymous
Lead vocals
Maracas
Acoustic guitar
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Alec John Such
1983
1994
Background vocals
Bass guitar
Dave “The Snake” Sabo
1983
1983
Electric guitar
Background vocals
Richie Sambora
1983
2013
Background vocals
Talkbox
Lead vocals
Electric guitar
Acoustic guitar
Story of Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi: A Rock & Roll Legacy
Bon Jovi, the American rock band hailing from Sayreville, New Jersey, burst onto the scene in 1983. Led by the charismatic Jon Bon Jovi, their sound blended heavy metal grit with melodic pop sensibilities, carving a unique niche in the rock landscape.
Their 1984 self-titled debut album, featuring the hit single "Runaway", served as a strong introduction. However, it was their third album, Slippery When Wet, that catapulted them to superstardom in 1986. This record, a commercial behemoth selling over 20 million copies, spawned three Top 10 singles, including the iconic "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer," both of which stormed the charts to reach the No. 1 spot.
Following this monumental success, Bon Jovi continued their reign with New Jersey, released in 1988. This album, another massive success selling over 10 million copies, solidified their status as a stadium-filling act. It boasted five Top 10 singles, including the anthems "Bad Medicine" and "I'll Be There for You," both of which climbed to the top of the charts.
Throughout the late 1980s, the band's intense touring and recording schedule, culminating in the legendary "New Jersey Tour" (1988-1990), paved the way for solo ventures by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, who both released successful albums in 1990 and 1991 respectively.
Despite these individual pursuits, Bon Jovi reunited in 1992 with the release of Keep the Faith, another double-platinum success that further cemented their enduring legacy in the music world.
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