Bon Jovi Time-Line

1962 

In New Jersey, Jon Francis Bongiovi was born.  Son of John Frank Bongiovi and Carol Sharkey.  He grew up with two younger brothers. His mother tried to get him interested in music from an early age but he didn’t seem to bothered.  After seeing Bruce Springsteen, Kiss and Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Jon began to feel the Music and started playing with Atlantic City Expressway, a rhythm n' blues band which acquired a good following around New Jersey's club’s.  It was through ACE that Jon came to meet Dave Bryan. 

While he became more and more influenced by the Music, his life and studies were crashing.  And he split with girlfriend Adrian Pillar.

Jon then became a member of “The Rest”, but a conflict between the group creator and Jon.  This finished with the Jon leaving the group, but by this time he already had his mind made up.  He knew he wanted to be a Rock and Roll star. 

After leaving school he went to New York to work with his cousin Tony where he spent two years in the Power Station studio. Working hard as a message-boy he had the privilege of seeing the Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, and this way he could learn from them.  When the studios where empty he could do some recording of his own and in this time recorded “Runaway”.  Which began generating an interest.

After meeting again with Dave Bryan they started a new group 'Wild Ones’, but this unfortunately failed.  Runaway was giving success and becoming part of a compilation and taking Jon to one of the higher places.  David Bryan was going to take control of the keyboards.  Tico Torres a drummer already with experience in live concerts then joint the group.  And the original line up included Alec John Such.

Still looking for a guitarist who could complete the band.  Tico and Alec recommended Richie Sambora, who had been going from band to band.  Richie only had to prove to Jon that he was good enough for the band, a task that was easily completed.

1984

After deciding on the name of the band, the first album wearing the same name was released (produced by Larry Alexander).  Hard rock circles in the US went mad and the album reached No. 43 in the album charts.  "Runaway" the first single released reached No. 39 in the charts bringing Bon Jovi their first US top 40 single.

1985

Following this up with the release of "She Don't Know Me", “Shot Through the Heart" and "Get Ready".  The band then started to work on their next album "7800 Degrees Fahrenheit", this was released but unfortunately wasn’t a great success.

1986

The band put this behind them and moved onto their third album "Slippery When Wet" and with 15 weeks at the top of the US album chart, this put Bon Jovi back on top, and gave them some great hits world-wide "Livin' on a Prayer", "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Wanted Dead or Alive".

The Slippery When Wet tour kicked off throughout the world the band started to think about writing the next album, "New Jersey”.

1988

When “New Jersey" was released Bon Jovi had continued success with the singles "Lay Your Hands On Me", "Bad Medicine" amongst others.  Again a world tour was started and after this Bon Jovi took some needed time out.

Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and David Bryan each released their own solo albums.

1992

The band re-united for their fifth album "Keep the Faith" taking them straight back to where they left off.  Bon Jovi where back and weren’t ready to leave.  With the singles "Bed of Roses", "In These Arms", "I Believe" and "Keep The Faith" Bon Jovi once again hit the charts and began touring again.

1994

"Crossroad" a greatest hits album was released and included all the past hits and the brand new No.1 “Always”

After the release of "Crossroad" the band started to work on their next album..

1996

These Days was released, going straight to No.1 in the UK album charts and again the band have success with a number of singles.  And then embarked on another world tour including a first for any rock band, a stop in India.  Once again Bon Jovi decided it was time for a break.  Jon and Richie both released another solo album each in this period of time.

2000

The band get back together and their long awaited eighth studio album "Crush" was released.  Again the album goes straight in at No.1 and "Its My Life" hit charts.  Further singles released where "Say It Isn't So" and "Thank You For Loving Me" and others.  The band again started a world tour in 2000, with sell out arenas all over the world.

2001

“One Wild Night” Bon Jovi’s first Live album was released and the band toured the world with the One Wild Night Tour, continuing into 2002.

2002

Late in the year Bon Jovi’s Ninth studio album “Bounce” hit the stores, and they set off on another Tour.

2003

Early in 2003 Bon Jovi set out on their Bounce tour.

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