History of Bon Jovi in Timeline
Bon Jovi, formed in 1983 in New Jersey, is an American rock band fronted by singer Jon Bon Jovi. Core members include keyboardist David Bryan and drummer Tico Torres. The band has seen personnel changes over the years, including the departures of original bassist Alec John Such in 1994 and longtime guitarist Richie Sambora in 2013. Currently, the lineup includes guitarists John Shanks and Phil X, percussionist Everett Bradley, and bassist Hugh McDonald.
1975: Jon Bon Jovi's First Live Performance
In 1975, at the age of 13, Jon Bon Jovi began performing music live, playing piano and guitar with his first band, Raze.
1980: Formation of The Rest and First Single Recording
In 1980, Jon Bon Jovi formed another band, The Rest, and opened for New Jersey acts. Also in 1980, Jon recorded his first single, "Runaway", in his cousin's studio.
1981: Early Recording of Runaway
In 1981, there was a rough early recording of Runaway.
1982: Re-recording of Runaway
In 1982, Jon Bon Jovi re-recorded the song Runaway with local studio musicians whom he designated The All Star Review.
1982: Lessons Album
In 1982, Richie Sambora played on the album Lessons, originally intended for release with the band Message, for which Alec John Such was the bassist.
1982: Jon Bon Jovi Works at Power Station Studios
In mid-1982, Jon Bon Jovi took a job at the Power Station Studios in Manhattan, where his cousin was co-owner. He recorded several demos and made his first professional recording as lead vocals in "R2-D2 We Wish You a Merry Christmas" which was part of the Christmas in the Stars album.
March 1983: Formation of Bon Jovi Band
In March 1983, Jon Bon Jovi called David Bryan, who in turn called bassist Alec John Such and drummer Tico Torres, to form the Bon Jovi band. Dave Sabo was tapped to play lead guitar for a short tour supporting "Runaway".
1983: Bon Jovi Formed
In 1983, Bon Jovi was formed in Sayreville, New Jersey. The band's initial lineup included singer Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, and bassist Alec John Such.
1983: Jon Bon Jovi and WAPP Radio Station
In 1983, Jon Bon Jovi visited WAPP 103.5FM in Lake Success, New York, to write and sing jingles for the station. He let WAPP include the song "Runaway" on the station's compilation album of local talent.
January 21, 1984: Release of Debut Album "Bon Jovi"
On January 21, 1984, Bon Jovi released their debut album, "Bon Jovi". The album included the band's first hit single, "Runaway", reaching the top forty on the Billboard Hot 100.
1984: Debut Album Release and "Runaway" success
In 1984, Bon Jovi released their self-titled debut album, featuring the single "Runaway" which reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
1984: Rock 9 Videos
In 1984, WAPP worked with WOR-TV on a music video show, Rock 9 Videos, for a short time.
1984: Commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the band's first record
In 2004, the box set 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong commemorated the 20th anniversary of the release of the band's first record in 1984.
May 1985: Headlining in Japan and Europe
In May 1985, Bon Jovi headlined venues in Japan and Europe.
1985: Bounce underselling 7800° Fahrenheit
In 2002, Bounce was the first album to sell less than 6 million units since their 1985 record 7800° Fahrenheit.
1985: Compilation of live album material
The live album One Wild Night Live 1985-2001, released in 2000, was compiled from archives of recorded material the band had been collecting from their earliest days on the road starting in 1985.
August 1986: Bon Jovi as Support Act and Headline Dates
In August 1986, Bon Jovi was the support act for 38 Special. By the end of 1986, Bon Jovi were well into six months of headline dates in arenas across America.
August 16, 1986: "Slippery When Wet" Album Release
On August 16, 1986, Bon Jovi released the album "Slippery When Wet", which spent eight weeks atop the Billboard 200.
1986: "Slippery When Wet" Released
In 1986, Bon Jovi achieved widespread success with the release of their third album, "Slippery When Wet". The album featured hit singles like "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer", both reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
August 1987: Headlining Monsters of Rock Festival
In August 1987, Bon Jovi headlined England's Monsters of Rock festival, with Dee Snider, Bruce Dickinson and Paul Stanley guesting to perform "We're an American Band".
September 1988: "New Jersey" Album Release
In September 1988, Bon Jovi released their fourth album, "New Jersey", which peaked at number one in several countries.
1988: "New Jersey" Album Release
In 1988, Bon Jovi released their fourth album, "New Jersey", which was a commercial success. The album featured five Top 10 singles, including the number ones "Bad Medicine" and "I'll Be There for You". The band also embarked on the New Jersey Syndicate Tour, which lasted from 1988 to 1990.
June 11, 1989: Homecoming Concert at Giants Stadium
On June 11, 1989, Bon Jovi performed a sold-out homecoming concert at Giants Stadium in New Jersey.
August 1989: Performance at Moscow Music Peace Festival
In August 1989, Bon Jovi headed to the Soviet Union for the Moscow Music Peace Festival. The album "New Jersey" was legally released in the USSR.
1989: MTV Video Music Awards Performance
In the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora performed acoustic versions of "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive", which influenced the creation of MTV Unplugged.
1990: New Jersey Tour
In 1990, Bon Jovi continued their New Jersey Tour visiting more than 22 countries and performing more than 232 shows.
October 1991: Firing of Management and Caribbean Island Meeting
In October 1991, Jon Bon Jovi fired his management and created Bon Jovi Management. The band met in St. Thomas to discuss their future.
January 1992: Return to Recording Studios
In January 1992, Bon Jovi headed back into the Vancouver Little Mountain studios with Bob Rock to work on the band's fifth album.
November 1992: Release of Keep the Faith album
In November 1992, Bon Jovi released their fifth studio album, Keep the Faith, which marked a change in the band's sound and image, with a more mature sound and serious lyrics.
1992: "Keep the Faith" Album Release
In 1992, Bon Jovi returned with the double-platinum album "Keep the Faith", which included the hit single "Bed of Roses".
1993: Release of Keep the Faith: An Evening with Bon Jovi
In 1993, Bon Jovi commercially released the concert performance from MTV Unplugged as Keep the Faith: An Evening with Bon Jovi. The album reached Double Platinum status by the RIAA and produced the Top 10 hit "Bed of Roses".
October 1994: Release of Cross Road and award at World Music Awards
In October 1994, Bon Jovi released a greatest hits album titled Cross Road, featuring two new tracks: "Always" and "Someday I'll Be Saturday Night". Also in 1994, Bon Jovi won an award for Best Selling Rock Band at the World Music Awards.
1994: Release of "Always"
In 1994, Bon Jovi released their biggest-selling and longest-charting single, "Always".
June 1995: Release of These Days album, BRIT Award, MTV Europe Music Award, and Wembley Stadium concerts
In June 1995, Bon Jovi released their sixth studio album, These Days, during their European tour. Also in June 1995, Bon Jovi sold out three nights at London's Wembley Stadium. That year, the band earned a BRIT Award for best international band and also won a MTV Europe Music Award for Best Rock.
1995: "These Days" Album Release
In 1995, Bon Jovi released the album "These Days", which showcased a more mature sound for the band.
1999: Recording of "Real Life" for the movie EdTV
In 1999, Bon Jovi reunited to record the song "Real Life" for the movie EdTV.
June 2000: Release of Crush Album
In June 2000, Bon Jovi released their seventh studio album Crush. The album's first single, "It's My Life", became a symbol of the band's longevity and introduced them to a new, younger fan base.
2000: Wembley Stadium concerts, tour, and release of One Wild Night Live 1985–2001
In 2000, Bon Jovi played two sold-out concerts at London's historic Wembley Stadium. Also in 2000, the band played to 1.1 million fans across North America, Europe and Japan. Additionally, the band released a collection of live performances in an album titled One Wild Night Live 1985–2001.
2000: "Crush" Album Release
In 2000, Bon Jovi released the album "Crush", which featured the lead single "It's My Life" and introduced the band to a younger audience.
September 11, 2001: September 11 Terrorist Attacks
On September 11, 2001 the world changed. These events would influence Bon Jovi's upcoming album Bounce.
October 21, 2001: Performance at Concert For New York
On October 21, 2001, Bon Jovi performed at the Concert For New York at Madison Square Garden, raising relief funds and honoring those who worked to save lives during the attack.
2001: Giants Stadium concerts and award at My VH1 Music Awards
In 2001, Bon Jovi sold out two homecoming concerts at New Jersey's Giants Stadium. At the end of 2001, Bon Jovi was awarded for "Hottest Live Show" at the My VH1 Music Awards.
October 8, 2002: Release of Bounce album
On October 8, 2002, Bon Jovi released their eight studio album, Bounce, which was influenced by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
August 2003: End of the Bounce Tour
In August 2003, Bon Jovi finished the Bounce Tour and embarked on a side project.
November 2003: Release of This Left Feels Right album
In November 2003, Bon Jovi's compilation album This Left Feels Right was released. The album consisted of rewritten, re-recorded, and reinvented versions of their biggest hits.
November 2004: Award for Merit at the American Music Awards
In November 2004, Bon Jovi was honored with the Award for Merit at the American Music Awards.
2004: American Music Award of Merit
In 2004, Bon Jovi received the Award of Merit at the American Music Awards.
September 2005: Release of Have a Nice Day album
In September 2005, Bon Jovi released their ninth studio album, Have a Nice Day. The album debuted at number two in both the U.S. and UK, reaching number one in fifteen countries.
2005: "Have a Nice Day" Album Release and Tour
In 2005, Bon Jovi released the platinum album "Have a Nice Day" and launched the Have a Nice Day Tour, which ranked among the top-grossing concert tours of the 2000s. The album saw the band incorporate elements of country music.
2005: Start of the Have A Nice Day Tour
Soon after the release of Have A Nice Day in 2005, the band started gearing up for the new 2005–2006 worldwide Have A Nice Day Tour.
November 14, 2006: Induction into the UK Music Hall of Fame
On November 14, 2006, Bon Jovi were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame alongside James Brown and Led Zeppelin.
2006: Induction into UK Music Hall of Fame
In 2006, Bon Jovi was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame.
2006: Grammy Award for "Who Says You Can't Go Home"
In 2006, Bon Jovi won a Grammy Award for the single "Who Says You Can't Go Home", which also became the first single by a rock band to reach No. 1 on the country charts.
2006: Success of "Who Says You Can't Go Home" leading to country influence
In 2007, Bon Jovi released their tenth studio album, Lost Highway. The album influences the band's rock sound with that of country music following the success of a country version of the band's 2006 single "Who Says You Can't Go Home".
2006: Success of "Who Says You Can't Go Home"
In early 2006, Bon Jovi's song "Who Says You Can't Go Home" was released as the second single from the album Have a Nice Day. Also in 2006, the duet version of "Who Says You Can't Go Home" with Jennifer Nettles peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
February 11, 2007: Grammy Award for "Best Country Collaboration with Vocals"
On February 11, 2007, Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles won the Grammy Award for "Best Country Collaboration with Vocals" for the song "Who Says You Can't Go Home".
June 2007: Release of Lost Highway album
In June 2007, Bon Jovi released their tenth studio album, Lost Highway. The album influences the band's rock sound with that of country music following the success of a country version of the band's 2006 single "Who Says You Can't Go Home".
June 24, 2007: Performance at London's new O2 Arena
On June 24, 2007, as part of the Lost Highway promotional tour, Bon Jovi were the first group to perform at London's new O2 Arena (formerly the Millennium Dome) when it opened to the public.
October 2007: Announcement of the Lost Highway Tour
In October 2007, Bon Jovi announced the Lost Highway Tour.
November 14, 2007: Start of the Lost Highway Tour
Starting with 10 shows to open the Newark, New Jersey Prudential Center, Bon Jovi began the Lost Highway Tour on November 14, 2007.
2007: "Lost Highway" Album Release and Tour
In 2007, Bon Jovi released the platinum album "Lost Highway" and embarked on the Lost Highway Tour, which was also among the top-grossing concert tours of the 2000s. The album saw the band incorporate elements of country music.
2008: Highest-grossing tour of 2008
In 2008, the Lost Highway Tour was the highest-grossing tour of the year in Billboard's rankings, with ticket sales of $210.6 million.
2008: CMT Music Award for Collaborative Video of the Year
In 2008, the song "Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore" featuring LeAnn Rimes won the CMT Music Award for the Collaborative Video of the Year.
April 2009: Debut of "When We Were Beautiful" documentary
In April 2009, Phil Griffin's documentary on the band, "When We Were Beautiful", debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival, chronicling Bon Jovi's ups and downs over 25 years and following the band on their latest Lost Highway tour.
June 2009: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame and recording of "Stand By Me" cover
In June 2009, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Also that month, they recorded a cover of the song "Stand By Me" with Iranian singer Andy Madadian.
November 10, 2009: Release of The Circle album
On November 10, 2009, Bon Jovi released their eleventh studio album, titled The Circle. The Circle is a return to rock n' roll after their Nashville-influenced album, Lost Highway.
2009: "The Circle" Album Release
In 2009, Bon Jovi released "The Circle", marking a return to the band's rock sound.
February 19, 2010: Start of The Circle Tour
On February 19, 2010, Bon Jovi embarked on The Circle Tour.
October 2010: Bon Jovi releases a Greatest Hits album and concert film, and receives Global Icon Award
In October 2010, Bon Jovi released a Greatest Hits album with four new songs, which reached number one in several countries. They also released the concert film "The Circle Tour Live From Jersey" in U.S. theaters. Additionally, Bon Jovi received the Global Icon Award at the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards during that month.
January 2012: Jon Bon Jovi announces work on a new album
In January 2012, Jon Bon Jovi announced that the band was working on their twelfth studio album.
August 2012: Jon Bon Jovi previews a new song
During a live show in August 2012, Jon Bon Jovi played an acoustic version of a new song slated for the upcoming album.
November 27, 2012: Bon Jovi releases live video album "Inside Out"
On November 27, 2012, Bon Jovi released their new live video album, "Inside Out", which was made up of content from shows at the O2 Arena, MetLife Stadium, and Madison Square Garden and screened in movie theaters prior to being sold on iTunes.
March 12, 2013: Bon Jovi releases "What About Now" and launches a world tour
On March 12, 2013, Bon Jovi released their album "What About Now", which reached number one in several countries. They also launched the "Because We Can" world tour in support of the album.
March 14, 2013: Bon Jovi performs on American Idol
On March 14, 2013, Bon Jovi appeared on the results show of American Idol, performing "Because We Can" from their album, What About Now.
April 2, 2013: Richie Sambora departs from tour
On April 2, 2013, Richie Sambora departed from Bon Jovi's ongoing tour for unspecified "personal reasons," leading to session guitarist Phil X filling in for him.
2013: Richie Sambora's Departure
In 2013, Richie Sambora left Bon Jovi just before a concert during the supporting tour for the album "Because We Can", to spend more time with his family.
June 2014: Richie Sambora discusses possible return to Bon Jovi
In June 2014, Richie Sambora mentioned the possibility of rejoining Bon Jovi, stating there was no bad blood and that he was taking steps he wanted and needed to take.
November 2014: Jon Bon Jovi confirms Richie Sambora's departure
In November 2014, Jon Bon Jovi confirmed that Richie Sambora had officially left the band and that he was finishing writing songs for the band's next studio album, the first without Sambora.
2014: Bon Jovi's "New Jersey" reissued for 30th anniversary
In 2014, to celebrate Bon Jovi's 30th anniversary, the band's album New Jersey was reissued with an additional CD containing the Sons of Beaches demos.
July 17, 2015: "Saturday Night Gave Me Sunday Morning" premieres on Austrian Radio
On July 17, 2015, the song "Saturday Night Gave Me Sunday Morning" by Bon Jovi, from the album "Burning Bridges", premiered at the Austrian Radio Ö3 Hitradio.
July 20, 2015: "We Don't Run" premieres on Brazilian radio
On July 20, 2015, "We Don't Run" by Bon Jovi premiered at the Brazilian radio Radio Rock.
July 31, 2015: Bon Jovi releases twin lead singles for "Burning Bridges"
On July 31, 2015, Bon Jovi released twin lead singles "We Don't Run" and "Saturday Night Gave Me Sunday Morning" for the compilation album Burning Bridges.
August 21, 2015: Bon Jovi releases "Burning Bridges" album
On August 21, 2015, Bon Jovi released the compilation album Burning Bridges. Bon Jovi described the album as a fan record to coincide with their international tour.
September 30, 2015: Bon Jovi announces new album "This House Is Not for Sale"
On September 30, 2015, Jon Bon Jovi announced in a press conference that the title of their upcoming album would be This House Is Not for Sale, which according to him, would be about the band's integrity.
August 12, 2016: Bon Jovi releases "This House Is Not for Sale" single and music video
On August 12, 2016, Bon Jovi released the lead single and music video for "This House Is Not for Sale". The video also featured the promotion of unofficial members Hugh McDonald and Phil X to full-time band members.
November 4, 2016: Bon Jovi releases "This House Is Not for Sale" album
On November 4, 2016, Bon Jovi released their 13th studio album, This House Is Not for Sale, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
November 2016: Bon Jovi studio albums remastered and released on vinyl
In November 2016, Island Records and Universal Music Enterprises released remastered versions of Bon Jovi's studio albums on vinyl, spanning their 32-year career from Bon Jovi (1984) up until What About Now (2013).
December 16, 2016: Bon Jovi releases "This House Is Not for Sale – Live from the London Palladium"
On December 16, 2016, Bon Jovi released their third live album, This House Is Not for Sale – Live from the London Palladium.
2016: "This House Is Not for Sale" Album Release
In 2016, Bon Jovi released their first studio album without Richie Sambora, titled "This House Is Not for Sale".
February 10, 2017: Bon Jovi releases 25-LP box set "Bon Jovi: The Albums"
On February 10, 2017, Bon Jovi released a 25-LP box set titled Bon Jovi: The Albums. It consists of Bon Jovi's 13 studio albums, the compilation Burning Bridges (2015), the two Jon Bon Jovi solo albums (Blaze of Glory and Destination Anywhere), and an exclusive Extras album featuring "international rarities".
December 13, 2017: Bon Jovi to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On December 13, 2017, it was announced that Bon Jovi would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, after winning the 2017 fan ballot.
2017: "This House Is Not for Sale" Tour
In 2017, Bon Jovi toured to support the album "This House Is Not for Sale".
February 2018: Such and Sambora to perform with Bon Jovi at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
In February 2018, it was confirmed that Such and Sambora would perform with the band at the 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
April 29, 2018: Bon Jovi performs at BMO Harris Bradley Center
On April 29, 2018, Bon Jovi performed at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was the last ticketed event before the venue's demolition.
2018: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2018, Bon Jovi was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
March 9, 2019: Bon Jovi Begins Recording New Album
On March 9, 2019, Jon Bon Jovi announced that the band was back in the studio recording its fifteenth studio album, which was to be released in early 2020.
August 2019: Bon Jovi Announces Album Title "2020"
In August 2019, Jon Bon Jovi announced that the band's upcoming album would be called 2020.
April 20, 2020: Bon Jovi 2020 Tour canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic
On April 20, 2020, Bon Jovi announced that the Bon Jovi 2020 Tour had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 15, 2020: Release of Album "2020" Scheduled
On May 15, 2020, the release date for Bon Jovi's album "2020" was originally scheduled.
2020: "2020" Album Reworked
In 2020, Bon Jovi reworked their album "2020" to include songs inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests.
January 7, 2022: Bon Jovi Announces Tour
On January 7, 2022, the band announced a tour in April.
June 5, 2022: Death of Alec John Such announced
On June 5, 2022, the band announced the death of founding member Alec John Such, who later was revealed to have died of a heart attack.
2022: Bon Jovi Supports Ukraine
In 2022, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Bon Jovi supported a viral video of residents in Odesa, Ukraine, preparing for an attack while a drummer played "It's My Life" and shared it with their followers.
February 2023: Richie Sambora talks about potentially rejoining Bon Jovi
In February 2023, former guitarist Richie Sambora noted that he was in talks about potentially rejoining Bon Jovi.
October 2023: Bon Jovi records new album in Nashville
In October 2023, guitarist Phil X revealed that the band was heading to Nashville for a month to record a brand new album.
November 17, 2023: Bon Jovi releases "Christmas Isn't Christmas"
On November 17, 2023, Bon Jovi released the holiday-themed single called "Christmas Isn't Christmas", which was their first release since the 2020 album.
March 14, 2024: Bon Jovi releases "Legendary"
On March 14, 2024, Bon Jovi released the single, "Legendary", the lead single from their 16th album, Forever.
April 2024: Documentary series "Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story" premieres
In April 2024, a four-part documentary series on the band, Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, premiered on Hulu and Disney+. The series chronicles the band's entire history.
May 2024: Bon Jovi confirms no plans for Sambora reunion
In May 2024, Bon Jovi confirmed that there were no plans for Sambora to rejoin the band and that a reunion was unlikely.
June 7, 2024: Bon Jovi releases album Forever
On June 7, 2024, Bon Jovi released their 16th album, Forever.
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