Bon Jovi Tickets

With sales of over 110 albums worldwide, New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi have come a long way from their roots in the 1980s hair-metal heyday. Jon Bongiovi got his start as a musician after forming a cover band called Atlantic City Expressway with David Bryan in high school. He also fronted John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones as a teen, playing local clubs and opening for bigger acts.

He made some demos when he got a job at a recording studio in 1982, but wasnt picked up by a label. He got his break after winning a radio station contest for a recording "Runaway," which he made with studio musicians. The song became an instant hit. Jon recruited earlier bandmate Dave Bryan, who brought Alec John Such, Tico Torres and Richie Sambora on board. They were offered a deal with PolyGram when an exec saw them open for the band Scandal. Their 1984 self-titled debut soon followed, and became a gold record. It lead them to tours and shows with bigger bands such as ZZTop and Kiss.

Although their sophomore attempt was a bomb, they made a strong follow-up with Slippery When Wet. The 1986 album turned the group into stars with hit singles such as "You Give Love A Bad Name," "Livin' on a Prayer," and "Wanted Dead or Alive." The record has sold over 12 million copies since its release.

Jon recorded his successful solo debut, a soundtrack for Young Guns II, while the group was on a break in the early 90s. Sambora also released solo album in 1991, which received good critical reviews but sold poorly. Bon Jovi reunited for Keep the Faith in 1992, and their more mature sound was a hit with fans.

After a 3 year break, the group released Crush in 2000. It was a great success worldwide, particularly because of the single "It's My Life." Bounce, their 2002 follow-up, wasn't as successful, but had a few hit singles. Their chart-topping album Have a Nice day released in Fall 2005, followed by a year-long international tour. Bon Jovi will play Radio City Music Hall in September.