Bon Jovi - Review

"You give love a bad name" – A review of Bon Jovi. 

Bon Jovi is one of the most iconic rock bands to ever emerge from the United States. I first heard the band at a school disco as a child, and ever since then I cannot help belting out "Living on a prayer" every single time I hear it. Over the years, the band has become synonymous with arena rock, producing hits that have resonated across generations – I love them just as much now, as I approach my mid-thirties, as I did as a child.

The classic line-up of Bon Jovi is made up of Jon Bon Jovi on lead vocals, Richie Sambora on lead guitar from 1983-2013, David Bryan on keyboard, Tico Torres on drums, Alec John Such on bass from 1983-1994, and Hugh McDonald on bass, who was an unofficial member from 1994 but became official in 2016. While Richie Sambora and Alec John Such have departed, Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, and Tico Torres are still the core of the group.

Bon Jovi was formed in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey. Jon Bon Jovi, having recorded the song "Runaway" with local musicians, caught the attention of radio stations. The track's success led to the formation of the full band, with Sambora, Bryan, Torres, and Such joining him to create Bon Jovi as we know them. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1984, quickly establishing them as rising stars in the rock world.

There are so many career highlights and milestones I could mention. They achieved worldwide fame in the 80s with "Slippery When Wet" and went on to reinvent themselves in the 90s, changing from glam metal to a more mature sound. The band tours extensively and has played sold-out shows across the world, and they were even introduced to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

Throughout their career, Bon Jovi has received several awards and accolades, including American Music Awards for Favourite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group in the 90s, an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Rock in 1995, and even a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for "Who Says You Can't Go Home" in 2007. Aside from this, their influence is clear; they have received countless nominations and honours from various music industry organisations.

Bon Jovi aren't my favourite band by any means, but there's something so fun about them. Their chart-topping albums and energetic live performances have secured their legacy as one of the most influential rock bands of their era. If you're an old fan or discovering them for the first time, you're sure to recognise rock legends when you hear them.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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