Bon Jovi through the years: How the rock band have changed

They’re responsible for some proper corkers

Author: William MarriottPublished 4th Jan 2024

Bon Jovi are the American rock band who have produced some of the most iconic songs of all time, including ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’, ‘You Give Love A Bad Name’ and ‘Runaway.’ Yet, despite selling over 100 million record worldwide, which makes them one of the most successful rock bands of all times, there has been some ups and downs for the fan favourite band.

We’ve decided to take a look at some of the biggest moments from Bon Jovi’s career, so take a trip down memory lane with our Bon Jovi timeline right here.

How did Bon Jovi get famous?

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1983: Where it all started

After gaining recognition for some of his early work, Jon Bon Jovi decided to tour his single ‘Runaway’ in 1983, asking David Bryan, who in turn called Alec John Such and Tico Torres to help them.

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1984: Gaining a record deal

Once the foursome played showcases and started to open tours for local artists, word spread about the upcoming band which led to Bon Jovi being signed to Mercury Records by record executive Derek Shulman.

In January 1984, Bon Jovi released their debut album, Bon Jovi, which included the singles ‘Runaway’ and ‘Roulette.’ ‘Runaway’ peaked at Number 39 on the US Billboard Hot 100, with the album reaching Number 43 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

The band went on to open for the Scorpions and Kiss in the same year.

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1985: First worldwide headline tour

With their partial success of their debut and second album, Bon Jovi then headlined a tour in Japan and Europe, which caught the attention of the mainstream press, and gained them a legion of fans across the globe.

They then toured the US for six months, supporting Ratt, while also making various festival appearances alongside the tour.

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1986: The band’s first Number 1

It was in 1986 when Bon Jovi hit the jackpot. Releasing their third album ‘Slippery When Wet’, the album went straight to Number 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart, spending eight weeks at the top.

The band released ‘You Give Love A Bad Name’ and ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ as singles, with both peaking at Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The same year, ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Stage Performance, the band won an award for Favourite Pop/Rock Band at the American Music Awards and an award for Favourite Rock Group at the People’s Choice Awards.

It’s estimated the band ended up making an impressive $28,400,000 in 1986.

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1988: MTV ban Bon Jovi’s music video

In 1987, Bon Jovi released their fourth album ‘New Jersey’, which reached Number 1 in the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The singles from this album included ‘Bad Medicine’ and ‘I’ll Be There for You’, both Number 1 records.

Another five of the singles reached the top 10, giving Bon Jovi the record for the most Top 10 singles produced by a hard rock album. The music video for ‘Living In Sin’ ended up being banned from MTV for sexual content, which again, pushed the band to the forefront of the media. It was soon re-edited and allowed back on TV screens.

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1992: A four year hiatus

Following a four year hiatus, Bon Jovi reunited in 1992, releasing their fifth studio album ‘Keep the Faith.’ The album produced the Top 10 hit ‘Bed of Roses’ and ‘Keep the Faith’, which reached Number 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks.

The band went on to tour the album, performing in 37 countries, playing to 2.5 million fans across the globe.

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1994: A shock firing

After another successful two years, Alec John Such was fired from the band, with bassist Hugh McDonald replacing him. However, one year later, in 1995, Bon Jovi decided to take a sabbatical.

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1999/2000: Comeback

Announcing their comeback in 1999, Bon Jovi released their seventh album ‘Crush’, which featured the single ‘It’s My Life.’ The single introduced the band to a much younger audience than ever before, with the band receiving two Grammy nominations for Best Rock Album ‘Crush’ and Best Rock Performance by Duo/Group for ‘It’s My Life’.

The video for ‘It’s My Life’ also won the My VH1 Music Awards for ‘My Favorite Video.’

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2010: Making history

After recording and releasing another four albums between 2000 and 2009, Bon Jovi announced a 12 night run at the 02 Arena in London in 2010, which grossed them a huge $18,178,036.

The Circle Tour was the highest-grossing concert tour of the year, with Pollstar reporting the tour made Bon Jovi $201.1 million in total after playing 80 venues worldwide. The band ranked as Billboard’s and Pollstar’s Top Touring Act of the Year and they also came second on Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s highest paid musicians, earning an approximate $125 million income that year.

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2013/2014: A new band member

In 2013, Richie Sambora quit the band and was replaced by Phil X.

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2018: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Bon Jovi were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 after over 1.1 million votes were cast in a fan ballot to indite them.

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2020: The band release a new album

Bon Jovi released their 15th studio album, ‘Bon Jovi: 2020’ in 2020. However, their accompanying tour for the album was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi in 2000

2021: Bon Jovi join YouTube’s Billion View Club

In July 2021, ‘It’s My Life’ became the band’s first song to reach one billion views on YouTube. The track was released in May 2000.

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2021: Ivor Novello Award

Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were honoured with special Ivor Novello Award in September 2021. The two former band members received the Special International Award for their three-decade songwriting partnership with Bon Jovi.

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2023: MusiCares Person of the Year award

Jon Bon Jovi ‘humbled’ to receive prestigious honour for his music and charity work. Jon was awarded with the MusiCares Person of the Year award for his musical contributions and philanthropic efforts.

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Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi in 2018

2023: Richie Sambora reveals he wants to reunite with Bon Jovi

In November 2023, Richie Sambora revealed that he thinks that Bon Jovi’s 40th anniversary in 2024 would be a great time for a reunion tour. Richie had previously said he was ‘ready’ to reunite with the band.

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Jon Bon Jovi in a Santa hat

2023: Bon Jovi releases ‘Christmas Isn’t Christmas’

Bon Jovi released a new Christmas song in November 2023, which was the band’s first new track in over three years. The song was accompanied by a music video, filmed at Santa’s Pub in Nashville, Tennessee.

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2024: Jon Bon Jovi gives touring update

In February 2024, Jon Bon Jovi gave an update on his health, which saw him vow not to return to touring with the band unless he sounds ‘great’. The singer explainer that one of his vocal chords had completely worn away, and he now has a plastic implant in its place. He explained: “I’ve had major reconstructive surgery in my vocal cords, and I never had anything like this ever,” containing: “They put a plastic implant in it for the last almost two years now. I’ve been in this rehab, getting it back together, but I’m getting very close.”

He then explained that he won’t return to full-time touring until his voice is ready, saying: “My health has been the first and foremost topic of discussion, but I’m well on the road to recovery there. If I can’t be great, I’m out”.

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2024: Bon Jovi announce new album ‘Forever’

Following the release of Bon Jovi’s single called ‘Legendary’ in March 2024, the New Jersey band announced a new album, featuring the new song. The band’s 16th studio album will be released on 7th June, and features 12 tracks.

You can hear Bon Jovi on the Greatest Hits Radio playlist.

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