After a decade of chart-topping hits, Bon Jovi is one of the most popular bands in music history. They’ve sold over 120 million albums and toured the world more than 2,600 times. While Bon Jovi’s biggest hits have dominated the hard rock landscape, the band members have also been involved in a number of other projects over the years.
John Bongiovi jr., the singer and songwriter behind the band, wrote Runaway as a teenager in his hometown of Sayreville, New Jersey. He recorded it with studio musicians to get the sound he wanted, but soon realized that he needed his own band to take the project to the next level. The group began to take shape as he recruited friend and keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, bassist Alec John Such, and guitarist Richie Sambora.
The band signed onto Mercury Records and released their self-titled debut in 1984. It included the hit “Runaway,” which spurred a bidding war that ultimately led to their signing with mega-manager Doc McGhee, who had previously worked with bands such as Kiss, Motley Crue, and Skid Row. The band continued to tour and produce more music, including their second album 7800deg Fahrenheit, Slippery When Wet in 1986, New Jersey in 1988, and 1992’s Keep the Faith.
In addition to their music, the band has enjoyed a successful film career. Jon Bon Jovi has acted in films such as Moonlight and Valentino, while Sambora has found success as an actor, a fashion designer, and creator of a baby clothing line. Torres has even looked beyond the stage to find success as a painter and toy maker.
Although Bon Jovi is no longer a five-piece, the original lineup will be performing at this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Keyboardist Bryan revealed that the band will be performing a few songs and that they’re excited about the event. It will be the first time that the original lineup has performed together since 1994.
Former bassist Such died earlier this year, and Sambora left the band in 2013. Richie has hinted at a reunion of the band with a recent interview. He said that the band is “talking a bit” about a reunion and that they’re hoping to do it at the Glastonbury Festival.
In addition to the reunion, Bon Jovi has a new album in the works. It’s the first to lack creative input from longtime member Sambora, who left the band in 2013. The release date is set for June 29, and it’s titled This Left Feels Right. The band has rewritten and re-recorded 12 of their biggest hits, giving them an acoustic treatment that’s unlike anything the band has done before. It’s an interesting take on some of their biggest hits and has already earned positive reviews. It’s a great way for fans to see the band in a whole new light. The record is expected to be a big seller.