Bon Jovi is one of the biggest selling bands in history, with over 89 million albums sold worldwide. The group has had a long run of hits, including the mega-hits ‘Slippery When Wet,’ ‘Runaway,’ and ‘Roulette’. The band has also earned numerous accolades, including the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. While the name Bon Jovi is synonymous with lead singer Jon Bongiovi, it’s the contributions of the other members of the group that have made the band so successful. Guitarist Richie Sambora has co-written almost all of the band’s big hits, and drummer Tico Torres is a multi-platinum recording artist in his own right.
While the band’s success has brought them immense riches, it has also brought on a certain level of dysfunction and tension. After the huge success of ‘Slippery When Wet’ in 1987 and it’s follow-up, 1988’s New Jersey, the band took a break. It wasn’t until 1992 that the band released ‘Keep the Faith,’ an album that marked a change in the sound of the band, moving away from heavy drums and wild guitar solos. During their hiatus, the members of Bon Jovi pursued various projects. Sambora branched out into film composing and recorded several albums, including 2012’s Aftermath of the Lowdown. Sambora’s brother, Bobby, founded the clothing company Rock Star Baby. Jon Bon Jovi nurtured a budding acting career and appeared in a number of films, including Moonlight and Valentino, Homegrown, U-571, and Pay It Forward.
In the aftermath of September 11, the band stepped up to help those in need, donating money and performing at two live telethons to raise funds for families close to their hometowns that had been affected by the terrorist attacks. The band re-released ‘Runaway’ as a single to benefit relief efforts. In addition, Bon Jovi filmed Public Service Announcements for the Red Cross and performed as part of the America: A Tribute to Heroes live telethon.
After a four year break, Bon Jovi reunited in 1992 and released the album ‘Keep the Faith.’ It was a more mature album than the previous releases, and the sound of the band was more refined and pop-oriented. The album was a major hit, and the band toured extensively in support of it.
Sadly, Alec John Such died in 2022 of heart failure, but the rest of the band has continued to perform and record. While some may think the band is past it’s prime, fans have stayed faithful to the group through many ups and downs. In 2018, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. During their induction, Sambora told Absolute Radio that he is open to the possibility of a full reunion. The remaining members of Bon Jovi are preparing to release their seventeenth studio album in 2020, and will continue to tour the globe. We look forward to seeing you at a concert soon!