Jon Bon Jovi in the 1980s was the ultimate rockstar—big hair, leather jackets, and anthemic hits. As the frontman of Bon Jovi, he skyrocketed to fame with albums like Slippery When Wet (1986) and New Jersey (1988), which featured classics like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Bad Medicine.” His charismatic stage presence and good looks made him a heartthrob, while his band’s blend of rock and pop made them one of the decade’s biggest acts.
John Francis Bongiovi Jr. was born on March 2, 1962 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He began playing music in 1974, when he formed his first band Raze and took part in a talent contest at his school. At 16, he formed a band called Atlantic City Expressway and was joined by David Bryan, who would later become a member of the Bon Jovi band. Still in his teens, Bon Jovi played in the band John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones, performing in clubs such as the Fast Lane and opening for local acts. By 1980, he had formed his first original band, the Rest; the band opened for New Jersey acts such as Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.
At the time, Bon Jovi ran errands between gigs at the Power Station recording studio owned by his cousin Tony Bongiovi. One day, he was sweeping the floor as Disco producer Meco was in the studio recording Christmas in the Stars: The Star Wars Christmas Album. Meco suggested that Bon Jovi sing “R2-D2 We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” which became his first professional recording (credited as John Bongiovi).
Below is a collection of 20 amazing photographs of a young Jon Bon Jovi on stage from the 1980s:
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