Believe: Bon Jovi

by Jon Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is one of the most popular and enduring bands in rock history. For more than a quarter of a century, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, and David Bryan have been tested—by an ever-changing marketplace and the temptations of the heady world of rock—to emerge as international stars. David Ritz weaves together the voices of these musicians in BELIEVE, a richly detailed, intimate chronicle of the making of a band.

BELIEVE delves into the band’s working-class origins in New Jersey, re-creates the excitement of the early days in Asbury Park when Bruce Springsteen and Little Steven Van Zandt were cutting their teeth, and follows founder and lead singer Jon Bon Jovi to his apprenticeship at the famed Power Station studio, where he had the rare opportunity of watching sessions with David Bowie and the Rolling Stones. It recounts the long struggle to get recorded and the phenomenal success of “Slippery When Wet,” the album that catapulted the group to fame. The band members speak openly about the breakthroughs and breakdowns of their grueling world tours of the 1980s, and provide a fascinating, inside look at the group therapy that saved the band from self-destructing in the early ’90s. There are never-before-told stories of Jon’s experiences as a screen actor, as well as insights into his commitment to social and political causes; and behind-the-scenes descriptions of the songwriting sessions that gave birth to some of the greatest hits of the modern era.

Set against the backdrop of the hyped, media-crazed arena of pop music, their story is one of tremendous determination and heart; BELIEVE radiates the positive energy that has been Bon Jovi’s hallmark from the start.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Jon Bon Jovi (born John Francis Bongiovi, Jr.; March 2, 1962) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as the founder, occasional rhythm guitarist, and lead singer of rock band Bon Jovi, which was named after him. During his career, he has released two solo albums and eleven studio albums with his band, which to date have sold over 130 million albums worldwide. Тhe band was declared the second richest band for 2011, behind U2, earning an approximate $125 million income.[1] In addition, Jon Bon Jovi is one of the majority-owners of the Philadelphia Soul, a team playing in the Arena Football League. In 2010, President Barack Obama named Jon Bon Jovi to the White House Council for Community Solutions.