Bon Jovi

Formed in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey, Bon Jovi initially played hard rock influenced by glam metal, pop rock and songwriting geared to large stages. Centered on Jon Bon Jovi, with David Bryan, Tico Torres, Richie Sambora and Alec John Such, the band made its name with the album Bon Jovi in 1984 and significantly broadened its audience with Slippery When Wet (1986) and New Jersey (1988), two records that established a formula of anthemic choruses, bright, powerful guitars and tightly structured rock ballads. The band notably worked with songwriter Desmond Child, an important collaboration in that period. In the 1990s Bon Jovi shifted toward a more mature rock on Keep the Faith (1992) and These Days (1995), before returning to prominence with Crush in 2000. Afterwards their aesthetic became more open, blending stadium rock, pop rock and country touches on Have a Nice Day (2005) and Lost Highway (2007). Following Richie Sambora’s departure in 2013, Phil X took a central role on guitar and Hugh McDonald became an official member. Bon Jovi has continued its career with This House Is Not for Sale (2016), 2020 (2020) and Forever (2024).