Would Bon Jovi have got that far away from other 80s hair metal bands without It's my life?

[Ale]

I was watching a live 1997 Jon Bon Jovi solo show and got to think that he was trying to fit with the times but all the same Warrant, Poison, Winger, etc etc also did that,
and by the end of the century, if Bon Jovi the band didn't have the new "crossover" hit with ITS MY LIFE, would they have continued being a "medium size" band and not that kind of rock n roll stadium royalty.

By the way, the only GREAT Bon Jovi record is These Days. Masterpiece to my ears.

[BDG135]

It's My Life helped them gain some younger fans. Without that, they likely wouldn't have been able to draw as well in the 00s.

[daveg]

Would be exactly the same outcome. Have a nice day was basically the same song...and Who says you can't go home was a legit crossover hit.
I hear that on the radio alot..if not more than the slippery tunes

[Zinny]

Jon cut his hair in connection with ”Keep The Faith”. That became a huge success and had a different sound than their previous albums and typical hair bands. So in 1992 they/he still played in a different league. They weren’t as active as before after that and lost a lot of momentum but of course ”It’s My Life” put them back in the spotlight.

[skinni]

By the way, the only GREAT Bon Jovi record is These Days. Masterpiece to my ears.

Fully agree, These Days is one of his best.

[gtrjay]

Not sure if Destination Anywhere (1997 solo album) is really being the same league as warrant and poison.

You have ground beef, steak and filet with lobster.

Jovi is the filet / lobster in this case. Lol.

[ParaDime77]

“It’s My life” still had the MTV push during that time. “Have A Nice Day” as well.

While the crossover with “You Can’t Come Home” was big as well as the CMT Crossroads Bon Jovi did with Jennifer Needles. It was at this time l felt the bands sound changed drastically. The big guitars were muted, drums sounded softer and they adding that lame ass fiddle player. Sure,money still played the hits fro. 2000-2010, but damn did their sound suffer huge.

[Slippery Pete]

I think they had already separated themselves from Poison and Warrant, etc... with Keep the Faith. Then they had a massive hit with "Always" when most of the hair band crew couldn't get on the radio.

But then the comeback album "Crush" made them a stadium band which I doubt anyone saw coming.

[Busch1724]

Without It's My Life, they may have continued down the popularity of Def Leppard or Motley Crue. They'd all be doing package tours together at some point.

[Wild Obsession]

Despite hitting it big during the the "80's hair metal scene", Jon/Bon Jovi was always a pop artist/band that adapted to whatever was current. The are not "cut from the same cloth" as Motley, Def Leppard, etc., which allowed BJ to continue to have massive crossover appeal. As some of the other posters pointed out, the Keep the Faith/Always was the time period that established that they would continue to have a high level of success and maintain their fan base outside the 80's hair scene. The later hits (It's My Life, Can't Come Home, Have A Nice Day) have kept them relevant, but I don't see any of them being "career saving" or having any real impact on ticket sales.

[jens]

Without It's My Life, they may have continued down the popularity of Def Leppard or Motley Crue. They'd all be doing package tours together at some point.

Nah, it obviously helped but before they were already MUCH bigger.

[Mister Freeze]

Don't forget, Jon was acting in movies right around this time and lining himself up in that "professional celebrity" category.

Bon Jovi was kind of like Green Day. Just when the band appeared to be on the way out, they'd have another comeback hit.

[DonJuanDeMarco]

I think they had already separated themselves from Poison and Warrant, etc... with Keep the Faith. Then they had a massive hit with "Always" when most of the hair band crew couldn't get on the radio.

But then the comeback album "Crush" made them a stadium band which I doubt anyone saw coming.

Agreed. ALWAYS was a HUGE hit and the Cross Road/Greatest Hits record sold extremely well. In fact it did so well, the next album THESE DAYS was practically overlooked. The tour did well but the record had no hits, as good as it was.

They were smart and took a break then came back with a song co-written with Max Martin that co-wrote every other song on top 40 radio at the time.

A moment of sadness here when you realize "new Bon Jovi/It's my Life" is actually 24 years old.

[BDG135]

These Days went Platinum and Crush went double Platinum. It's safe to say they gained fans and that helped increase ticket sales.

[Mister Freeze]

Jon walks in the footsteps of society's lies.

[Love_Industry]

These Days went Platinum and Crush went double Platinum. It's safe to say they gained fans and that helped increase ticket sales.

The real mystery is how Keep the Faith is not seen as a major bomb when it sold way less than Adrenalize.

They had hits but it didn't translate to album sales. How did the tour go?

[inextrem]

These Days went Platinum and Crush went double Platinum. It's safe to say they gained fans and that helped increase ticket sales.

The real mystery is how Keep the Faith is not seen as a major bomb when it sold way less than Adrenalize.

They had hits but it didn't translate to album sales. How did the tour go?

Adrenalize was 3 x Platinum in the U.S. Did ok in Europe.
KTF was 2 x Platinum in the U.S. Did very good in Europe.

[War_in_D]

These Days went Platinum and Crush went double Platinum. It's safe to say they gained fans and that helped increase ticket sales.

The real mystery is how Keep the Faith is not seen as a major bomb when it sold way less than Adrenalize.

They had hits but it didn't translate to album sales. How did the tour go?

I think the tour did well. It was long. I think before the jury came back on Faith, they put out Always which saved their asses.

I saw the Faith tour in Winnipeg. About 8,000 there. A year and a half later, there were 12,000 at the These Days show, on the strength of Always.

[Mister Freeze]

The real mystery is how Keep the Faith is not seen as a major bomb when it sold way less than Adrenalize.

They had hits but it didn't translate to album sales. How did the tour go?

Adrenalize was 3 x Platinum in the U.S. Did ok in Europe.
KTF was 2 x Platinum in the U.S. Did very good in Europe.

Def Leppard was also coming off a bigger album in Hysteria, while Bon Jovi was following up a huge, but not quite-as-huge album in New Jersey. (Then again, you can argue they were actually following up Blaze of Glory, which I think was triple-platinum.)

Either way, Adrenalize and Keep the Faith did well enough, considering the singles from both albums are B-level at best.

Also working against them: Def Leppard diving deeper into the cheese while the industry was going in the opposite direction and Jon's shock-to-the-system Jennifer Aniston haircut.

[dmbrocker]

The real mystery is how Keep the Faith is not seen as a major bomb when it sold way less than Adrenalize.

They had hits but it didn't translate to album sales. How did the tour go?

Adrenalize was 3 x Platinum in the U.S. Did ok in Europe.
KTF was 2 x Platinum in the U.S. Did very good in Europe.

Def Leppard was also coming off a bigger album in Hysteria, while Bon Jovi was following up a huge, but not quite-as-huge album in New Jersey. (Then again, you can argue they were actually following up Blaze of Glory, which I think was triple-platinum.)

Either way, Adrenalize and Keep the Faith did well enough, considering the singles from both albums are B-level at best.

Also working against them: Def Leppard diving deeper into the cheese while the industry was going in the opposite direction and Jon's shock-to-the-system Jennifer Aniston haircut.

They both had their share of hits, but ultimately Adrenalize was to me the more successful of the two. And though I love 'em both, I've always kind of preferred DL slightly to the Jove. But yeah, It's My Life could easily be seen as a comeback/bandwagon-ing for Jon and Co., but it worked.

[Tommy2Tone84]

I was watching a live 1997 Jon Bon Jovi solo show and got to think that he was trying to fit with the times but all the same Warrant, Poison, Winger, etc etc also did that,
and by the end of the century, if Bon Jovi the band didn't have the new "crossover" hit with ITS MY LIFE, would they have continued being a "medium size" band and not that kind of rock n roll stadium royalty.

By the way, the only GREAT Bon Jovi record is These Days. Masterpiece to my ears.

First off, bands like Warrant, Winger and even Poison were never in Bon Jovi’s or Def Leppard’s league, EVER.

Second, you can’t really compare a solo album or side project to a band album.

Third, It’s My Life wasn’t a crossover hit. If anything, because of the drastic direction change on These Days, I felt it was the band realigning and finding their roots. Their big crossover hit was Who Says You Can’t Go Home

Fourth, Considering the hostile climate in the 90s Bon Jovi did really well and didn’t really need to rely on the US market since they spent years touring the globe by design upon Doc’s suggestion. That album was huge internationally and they were selling out arenas and stadiums everywhere else.

Last, Faith did really well in 1992 and 93. It went double platinum. I think ticket sales were soft in some cities. I might give DL the edge. They were more high profile that year and had done the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert but two of their three singles were absolute trash. Adrenalize had promise but is a mixed bag for me.

Jovi had a huge hit with Always in 1994 off Crossroads and a minor hit or fan favorite with Saturday Night. They didn’t tour for that album.

These Days was released the same year Slang was. Both albums only went gold. I can see Lep fans side where they might feel Lep faired better domestically. Jovi didn’t put much effort in to promoting and touring domestically. I can’t say I blame them. They did something like two months here and then put both middle fingers up In the air and headed overseas. They were once again packing arenas and stadiums from Canada to Europe to South America to Japan and the Far East.

Crush was a rediscovery for a lot of fans my age here in the states. I never left but many fans did leave and then came back around on Crush. It was suddenly ok to like them again.

By this time Def Leppard were in some disarray, It seemed like Joe was smoking and drinking a lot. He had gained a lot of weight, sounded like shit and they were a shell of their former selves compared to what I had witnessed on previous tours after Viv had joined. I saw the Euphoria tour and while I’m a big fan of the record, the show that year was not fun. They found themselves again on Sparkle Lounge. That was a great show and they started touring with other name artists like Styx.

Both bands are A List bands and knew how to be that big, arena rock band but also knew how to craft amazing power pop. They are two of my favorites from the decade. Their discographies speak for themselves. I put them head and shoulders above bands like Motley Crue, Ratt, Twisted Sister, Quiet Riot, WASP and Dokken.

I will say I’m softening on Ratt’s catalog lately. I’ve seen them live several times over the decades and they were never the live band that DL and the Jove were

[hendrixstrat]

They did fine in the early 90s.
People forget that there was other music being played regularly on MTV during those years.
Along with Nirvana etc..,there was a steady stream of Rap,Hip Hop, Pop, and bands like Genesis, and the Fucking Eagles/Fleetwood Mac being played.
Bon Jovi had 3 videos in constant rotation, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, GnR, Pumpkins, PJ, Janet/Michael Jackson, salt n Pepa, Digable Planets, etc..
Def Leppard had 5 singles off of Adrenalize in constant rotation, and the last 3 all sound the same, with basically the same video.
I think “It’s my life “ helped,,but their 80s touring, and promotion machine kept them in Stadiums.

[inextrem]

I was watching a live 1997 Jon Bon Jovi solo show and got to think that he was trying to fit with the times but all the same Warrant, Poison, Winger, etc etc also did that,
and by the end of the century, if Bon Jovi the band didn't have the new "crossover" hit with ITS MY LIFE, would they have continued being a "medium size" band and not that kind of rock n roll stadium royalty.

By the way, the only GREAT Bon Jovi record is These Days. Masterpiece to my ears.

First off, bands like Warrant, Winger and even Poison were never in Bon Jovi’s or Def Leppard’s league, EVER.

Second, you can’t really compare a solo album or side project to a band album.

Third, It’s My Life wasn’t a crossover hit. If anything, because of the drastic direction change on These Days, I felt it was the band realigning and finding their roots. Their big crossover hit was Who Says You Can’t Go Home

Fourth, Considering the hostile climate in the 90s Bon Jovi did really well and didn’t really need to rely on the US market since they spent years touring the globe by design upon Doc’s suggestion. That album was huge internationally and they were selling out arenas and stadiums everywhere else.

Last, Faith did really well in 1992 and 93. It went double platinum. I think ticket sales were soft in some cities. I might give DL the edge. They were more high profile that year and had done the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert but two of their three singles were absolute trash. Adrenalize had promise but is a mixed bag for me.

Jovi had a huge hit with Always in 1994 off Crossroads and a minor hit or fan favorite with Saturday Night. They didn’t tour for that album.

These Days was released the same year Slang was. Both albums only went gold. I can see Lep fans side where they might feel Lep faired better domestically. Jovi didn’t put much effort in to promoting and touring domestically. I can’t say I blame them. They did something like two months here and then put both middle fingers up In the air and headed overseas. They were once again packing arenas and stadiums from Canada to Europe to South America to Japan and the Far East.

Crush was a rediscovery for a lot of fans my age here in the states. I never left but many fans did leave and then came back around on Crush. It was suddenly ok to like them again.

By this time Def Leppard were in some disarray, It seemed like Joe was smoking and drinking a lot. He had gained a lot of weight, sounded like shit and they were a shell of their former selves compared to what I had witnessed on previous tours after Viv had joined. I saw the Euphoria tour and while I’m a big fan of the record, the show that year was not fun. They found themselves again on Sparkle Lounge. That was a great show and they started touring with other name artists like Styx.

Both bands are A List bands and knew how to be that big, arena rock band but also knew how to craft amazing power pop. They are two of my favorites from the decade. Their discographies speak for themselves. I put them head and shoulders above bands like Motley Crue, Ratt, Twisted Sister, Quiet Riot, WASP and Dokken.

I will say I’m softening on Ratt’s catalog lately. I’ve seen them live several times over the decades and they were never the live band that DL and the Jove were

"These Days" was Platinum

[Jason Jennifer Leigh]

Bon Jovi would’ve need successful no matter what.

[Tommy2Tone84]

I was watching a live 1997 Jon Bon Jovi solo show and got to think that he was trying to fit with the times but all the same Warrant, Poison, Winger, etc etc also did that,
and by the end of the century, if Bon Jovi the band didn't have the new "crossover" hit with ITS MY LIFE, would they have continued being a "medium size" band and not that kind of rock n roll stadium royalty.

By the way, the only GREAT Bon Jovi record is These Days. Masterpiece to my ears.

First off, bands like Warrant, Winger and even Poison were never in Bon Jovi’s or Def Leppard’s league, EVER.

Second, you can’t really compare a solo album or side project to a band album.

Third, It’s My Life wasn’t a crossover hit. If anything, because of the drastic direction change on These Days, I felt it was the band realigning and finding their roots. Their big crossover hit was Who Says You Can’t Go Home

Fourth, Considering the hostile climate in the 90s Bon Jovi did really well and didn’t really need to rely on the US market since they spent years touring the globe by design upon Doc’s suggestion. That album was huge internationally and they were selling out arenas and stadiums everywhere else.

Last, Faith did really well in 1992 and 93. It went double platinum. I think ticket sales were soft in some cities. I might give DL the edge. They were more high profile that year and had done the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert but two of their three singles were absolute trash. Adrenalize had promise but is a mixed bag for me.

Jovi had a huge hit with Always in 1994 off Crossroads and a minor hit or fan favorite with Saturday Night. They didn’t tour for that album.

These Days was released the same year Slang was. Both albums only went gold. I can see Lep fans side where they might feel Lep faired better domestically. Jovi didn’t put much effort in to promoting and touring domestically. I can’t say I blame them. They did something like two months here and then put both middle fingers up In the air and headed overseas. They were once again packing arenas and stadiums from Canada to Europe to South America to Japan and the Far East.

Crush was a rediscovery for a lot of fans my age here in the states. I never left but many fans did leave and then came back around on Crush. It was suddenly ok to like them again.

By this time Def Leppard were in some disarray, It seemed like Joe was smoking and drinking a lot. He had gained a lot of weight, sounded like shit and they were a shell of their former selves compared to what I had witnessed on previous tours after Viv had joined. I saw the Euphoria tour and while I’m a big fan of the record, the show that year was not fun. They found themselves again on Sparkle Lounge. That was a great show and they started touring with other name artists like Styx.

Both bands are A List bands and knew how to be that big, arena rock band but also knew how to craft amazing power pop. They are two of my favorites from the decade. Their discographies speak for themselves. I put them head and shoulders above bands like Motley Crue, Ratt, Twisted Sister, Quiet Riot, WASP and Dokken.

I will say I’m softening on Ratt’s catalog lately. I’ve seen them live several times over the decades and they were never the live band that DL and the Jove were

"These Days" was Platinum

I stand corrected. I remember reading at the time it was Gold but not platinum. Either way, it sounds like it didn’t translate into domestic ticket sales. I don’t remember them getting much promotion or push compared to Always. They made three or four videos for that album

[Mister Freeze]

I stand corrected. I remember reading at the time it was Gold but not platinum. Either way, it sounds like it didn’t translate into domestic ticket sales. I don’t remember them getting much promotion or push compared to Always. They made three or four videos for that album

MTV gave the first two videos some play. They kind of cheated with "Something for the Pain," by making fun of current acts. I remember watching that and realizing the days of great Bon Jovi videos were over. They played it on the MTV Awards too.

"This Ain't a Love Song" might've been more of a VH-1 hit, actually.

Neither of those songs are great. They're okay. I don't know why you all love These Days so much.

[Tommy2Tone84]

I stand corrected. I remember reading at the time it was Gold but not platinum. Either way, it sounds like it didn’t translate into domestic ticket sales. I don’t remember them getting much promotion or push compared to Always. They made three or four videos for that album

MTV gave the first two videos some play. They kind of cheated with "Something for the Pain," by making fun of current acts. I remember watching that and realizing the days of great Bon Jovi videos were over. They played it on the MTV Awards too.

"This Ain't a Love Song" might've been more of a VH-1 hit, actually.

Neither of those songs are great. They're okay. I don't know why you all love These Days so much.

I thought SFTP was funny as hell. I laughed my ass off and thoroughly enjoyed it. It got played once or maybe twice and just proved that MTV could dish the shit out but had trouble taking it when it got shoved back in their face even as harmlessly as Bon Jovi did it.

Love Song was VH1. They made a video for Lie To Me as well but only got promoted overseas because MTV and the US record industry sucks

What did you want from the band at the time? SWW IV?

[BDG135]

These Days was BJ trying to age with their fans and move into Adult Contemporary territory. After Jon's acting career didn't take off, Bon Jovi needed to come back in a big way with something to crossover.

[Mister Freeze]

I thought SFTP was funny as hell. I laughed my ass off and thoroughly enjoyed it. It got played once or maybe twice and just proved that MTV could dish the shit out but had trouble taking it when it got shoved back in their face even as harmlessly as Bon Jovi did it.

It just got a groan from me and my friends. Seemed like a desperate way to get attention. MTV was on board with it, since it only validated their favorites at the time. They played it enough. More than it deserved.

What did you want from the band at the time? SWW IV?

Don't blame me. The songs aren't that good.

Your question is up there with Paul Stanley saying fans got the wrong impression about the avatars.

[SexxAtraxxion]

These Days was the last great era for Bon Jovi.

Jon at his absolute peak as a live performer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGLeR65sBxc