Initially formed as a pop rock band, Bon Jovi grew into a major rock band with a variety of styles. They have remained popular and successful in the 21st century, and have performed more than 34 million live shows in more than 50 countries. They are one of the few rock bands that have had more than one Top Ten hit on the Billboard charts. They also have more than 12 million records in the United States, and over 130 million worldwide.
In the 1980s, Bon Jovi was a group that specialized in ballads, but as the years passed, they began to change their sound. They introduced elements of country and soft rock into their songs. They also shifted away from using arena rock guitars. They were one of the first rock bands to have a number one hit on the country charts. They also received several Grammy nominations. In 2009, they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
They began to rely on other musicians for their live performances. They toured with the band The Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1991, and they also performed with the band Young Guns II in 1990. They have also performed in film and television. They appeared in the 1996 film Moonlight and the 1997 film Valentino. They are also known for their political activism, and they have worked with President Barack Obama in the White House’s Council on Community Solutions.
In 1986, Bon Jovi released their breakthrough album Slippery When Wet, which became a hit worldwide. It was a multi-platinum record and spawned hit singles like “Wanted Dead or Alive”, “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name”. It was also a significant hit in Europe and Australia, where Bon Jovi became superstars. They performed in the Concert for New York, a benefit concert that honored the people who helped save lives during the 9/11 attacks. The concert was held at Madison Square Garden and raised funds for relief efforts. The band sold out two homecoming concerts in New Jersey in 2001.
In 2013, Bon Jovi released a new album, What About Now, which reached number one in the United States, Canada and Australia. It was also a hit in the UK, where it reached number two. The band has also toured and released several live albums. They are expected to release a full-length album, 2020, in October of 2020. It is expected to feature new songs and songs that were previously recorded. The band has released several singles, including “Limitless”, “American Reckoning” and “Do What You Can”. In November, the band released a live album for video, Inside Out, which was recorded at the New Jersey MetLife Stadium and the London O2 Arena.
The band has also branched out into political activism and has filmed public service announcements for the Red Cross and for the Monmouth County Alliance of Neighbors, which raised funds for families who were affected by the 2001 terrorist attacks. They also worked on the soundtrack for the movie Young Guns II. They were also awarded an honorary doctorate of humanities from Monmouth University.