Jon Bon Jovi on His FIRST EVER Recording, Long Drives with Springsteen & Tokyo with Michael Jackson

Jon talks about being a hoarder, buying his first guitar back from a kid he sold it to years ago, getting a DJ in New York to play Bon Jovi’s first hit “Runaway,” his first-ever recording on the Star Wars Christmas album, not wanting to record “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Bruce Springsteen being his idol, taking long drives together, hanging out with Michael Jackson and Bubbles in Tokyo, the cover art for Slippery When Wet, and his new documentary Thank You, Good Night: The Bon Jovi Story.
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Jimmy Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of Emmy®-nominated “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” ABC’s late-night talk show. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is well known for its huge viral video successes, with over 15 billion views and more than 18 million subscribers on the show’s KZbin channel. Some of Kimmel’s most popular comedy bits include “Celebrities Read Mean Tweets,” “Lie Witness News,” “Unnecessary Censorship,” “Halloween Candy KZbin Challenge,” and music videos like “I (Wanna) Channing All Over Your Tatum.”

[@triciacrawford4672]

He is a down-to-earth, 'regular' guy, sweet, generous, a family man, smart and a massive talent - I love celebrities with his vibe.

[@Nicole-nt5np]

Only in front of regular people

[@sarajah4him]

Yeah he's matured Alot over the years, never got to see him but watch everything I can & can't wait for this docu!!

[@lindafranco7489]

🎵LEGENDARY🎶

[@gregsimmons694]

Jon's a sold out Biden supporter who can't sing anymore! Still time to repent Jon! Jesus saves sinners!

[@gldi8hr]

Yeah women do that 🙃

[@MariaPerez-pl9tc]

Jon Bon Jovi...the eternal teenager....still looks great for being in his 60s, his wife really takes care of him......What a Man!!

[@sharonjensen3016]

I'm so glad Jon and his wife have such a strong marriage. No big white wedding, just slipped off to Vegas, the person who married them had no idea who they were and no one heard anything until it was announced on the TV. Apparently there is a sign outside that Las Vegas chapel that says: "Jon Bon Jovi was married here." Wonder how many others have done the same.

[@philipmedo7427]

His charismatic big smile never age😉

[@lanisanders4495]

Bon Jovi fans are loyal for decades 💜 I for one am proud to be one 💜

[@bigbadkitten1201]

This is probably the most I’ve heard Jon laugh in an interview, good job Jimmy

[@TheLittlechicthings]

I don't think anyone can say a bad thing about him 💕💕

[@ChaseMcDaniel-xh5fz]

Thank you for your support and love, I see you're an amazing fan, I think I have seen your comments before and I appreciate you for being so lovely.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Kim-J312]

Awe , I caught Jon Bon Jovi guitar pic. My 1st concert I was 15yrs old. He was flying thru the crowd on a wire . I climbed up on my bff brother shoulders to see better . He is 6f6in tall. Bon Jovi swug on the wire twice to me and gave me his guitar pic 😊. Best concert memory ❤

[@adamfanalways]

Love ❤️ that memory, so cool!🤟🥰

[@vertderferk]

Great memory! I have seen 3 Bon Jovi concerts. The first time he was flying that wire. General admission was still a thing, I learned my Jack Daniels limit, and those were fun days!

[@MMConsultinggroup]

That's BEYOND a good memory, that's like..... like an awesome surreal dream that actually happened!! 🥺 (I'm a classical piano instructor, can't even imagine how amazing that intense moment must've been)

[@brendagoodspeed443]

Good for you! I’m so jelly! Jon is my all time crush…has been for 40+ years😍 Lucky Dorothea😊

[@j.g.1178]

Wow, that is a very cool experience, thanks for sharing! 🙏🏻☮️❤️

[@nixxkids]

I have been a Bon Jovi fan since the early days. He just keeps on going. Hopefully his voice can hold out and that long awaited tour with Ritchie can happen.

[@tommytalks77]

The man is 62yo! Still looks great, the smile hasn't changed. Nostalgia feeling! And what a nice guy!

[@wcw07]

What a great guy he is! It's been long overdue for his documentary. A true legend not only as a musician but as a human as well.

[@gregsimmons694]

Jon's a sold out Biden supporter who can't sing anymore! Still time to repent Jon! Jesus saves sinners!

[@debbieminton9589]

​@@gregsimmons694just go away if you don't like Jon ... you don't need to be here and why would you be for heavens sake 🤔 ...

[@14LP2]

I remember when I had seen Bon Jovi in concert in Chicago for their Slippery When Wet tour. Just before playing “Wanted Dead or Alive,” Jon Bon Jovi told the crowd they were using our concert as the actual recording for the “Wanted Dead or Alive” music video. The crowd was incredibly electric! Sure enough, the music video appeared on MTV shortly thereafter. Just an amazing experience! One of my favorite bands of all time!!!

[@sarajah4him]

That's neat!

[@PM2024-]

Jon is a legend and a survivor. He’s made it through decades as a singer, a songwriter, a musician, a rockstar, a husband, a dad, an actor, a small business owner, a community activist and an all around super cool dude. I’m not even much of a Bon Jovi fan but I love the guy 🎤

[@fenyxrzn]

Same! 😂

[@ASparkleross]

You summed it up perfectly. I'm a casual listener of the band's music -- all the usual hits -- but I have endless admiration for this dude. He just comes off as an all-around good guy. I root for him.

[@cherylvirden3073]

He's a. "ROCK STAR" and he knows it. Love his entrance. . The walk out. A man who knows who he is and isn't afraid to show it. My kind of man..

[@GingerJohannes]

I love that Jimmy asks his guests questions that no one else does

[@SimbaRobyn]

I met him! In 2011 (ish) He was the speaker at an event where I was working. I asked him for a pic w him- this nice lady says ‘I’ll take it!’ It was his wife! 😆 We talked for 20 seconds total - but they are really really nice.

[@debbieminton9589]

lucky you !! 💜

[@kaycoy6730]

I’ve met him twice and he truly is the kindest, most down to earth person.

[@Sindollx666x]

Lucky!!!!!❤

[@debbieminton9589]

more than lucky !! ... I'm so jealous !!! 💜💜

[@S.Shea2432]

Guillermo's love for Bon Jovi is absolutely precious. I LOVE both of them!! 💜💜

[@tulsacaupain2882]

Now I must watch till the end. Guillermo is the sweetest.

[@S.Shea2432]

@@tulsacaupain2882, Yes, he really is. Their both sweethearts. & On Jimmy's show earlier he showed a picture of Guillermo when he was 19 years old dressed like Bon Jovi. He even dressed like Bon Jovi tonight too. 💜💜

[@shirleyperry3170]

@@S.Shea2432that was rich! I loved it!

[@S.Shea2432]

@@shirleyperry3170, I agree. & I'm glad you Loved it too!! 💜💜💜💜

[@DSAK55]

A genuinely nice guy

[@markdance574]

I can’t wait to watch that - grown up with Bon Jovi - funny story Iv actually brought and lost the same album 4 times before downloading it , I loved the Stallone documentary, I really hope this one is as great

[@MMConsultinggroup]

And an absolutely 110% born-to-be, genuine musician too!!

[@user-lh4hi8jt6c]

Yea, he’s Jersey, like me

[@virtualsnake1994]

seems to have good values, honest...

[@TracyAdams-ry2fc]

And still very handsome!

[@themachine8009]

The only rock star that’s still married to the same woman.

[@actownsend7288]

He also slept with Diane Lane before the marriage!!!

[@christinedaniels3708]

Not true...Alice Cooper is still married to the same woman

[@themachine8009]

I just read this morning that that his wife was a no show for his Documentary premiere. Apparently he admits in the doc that he hasn’t been a “saint”

[@taraadams2946]

Not the only one lol

[@jayjaylol292]

Bono and Allison 42 years married...

[@hannaj4032]

Jon’s ageless when he smiles. What a great guy who hopefully has a lot more music to share.

[@inessadala]

I thought it wasn't possible, but Jon 's just made me love him more!

[@senpai-vu6og]

Jon still has the vibe.

[@nicolereed9319]

I saw BonJovi’s Slippery When Wet tour in Hershey Pa. It was during the summertime and about a million degrees. I got all the way down to the barrier right by the stage. They were spraying the crowd with hoses to keep cool. The stage became very wet and when Jon came running out, he slipped and fell. When he got up he was laughing and had the biggest smile of his face. He was at that moment the most beautiful man I had ever seen ❤

[@anglaislangletaire2098]

Yes bon jovi is beautiful but not like prophet Josef.

[@lorimontcalm9086]

He came out with the rock star swagger, sat down and came across as a genuinely sincere great guy. Loved it.

[@ViveleRush]

He has a great sense of humor!!!😍❤️😆😆😂

[@juliecunningham3131]

Jon Bon Jovi is such a sweetheart ❤❤❤

[@user-ko7bb5kh4i]

I agree. 😊

[@candacedelumen6265]

Kudos to Jon Bon Jovi's dentist for keeping his smile so pristine and dazzling! 😁❤

[@swampcat0712]

he came in my deli several years ago. he smiles so much it makes you smile lol. if you ask him any questions.... he smiles

[@shirleyperry3170]

He is fine….so fine!😊. Legendary.

[@wikedwun]

This dude is a legend! Whenever I’m in a bad mood just throw on some Bon Jovi and rock out!

[@brentschantz2412]

Jon Bon Jovi IS definitely a national treasure!

[@Clearwater2408]

He needs the “Freedom of New Jersey” award.

[@dianemakes]

What a BEAUTIFUL HUMAN!!

[@DarthK1tteh]

Oh gosh, almost 30 years later & his smile still melts my heart! 😻 Shot thru the hearrrttt!! 💘 Even as a kid I thought he had the best hair I'd ever seen on a man... and still after he'd cut it! (Sry Patrick Swayze, still love you! RIP)

[@beefcake0354]

I was turning 15 when slippery when wet came out. and now I have a 15-year-old son who's rocking to "living on a prayer" every time we go on a vacation trip. damn! time flies.

[@kimreynolds4686]

😫 same, but 15 year old daughter!

[@Michelle-ce1qh]

I was about 15 when I discovered Bon Jovi. I'm now 51 and they're STILLLLLL my favorite band. I still fangirl over this dude like I was a kid. LOL

[@debbieminton9589]

​@Michelle-ce1qh. ... I do too, and I'm 71, lol 🤣 ...

[@TracyAdams-ry2fc]

I’ve been a fan since “Runaway”! 💙💙💜💜🙏🏽🎶🎵🎶🎵

[@zeevaamrita6624]

"Oh yeh I put it on for my wife.' This. A man who has a long loving wonderful relationship. And appreciates and gives props to his wife. Seriously the NICEST beautiful smart talented and sexy guy in rock and roll. And HUMBLE. Rock on for a long long time Jon Bon Jovi.

[@Butterflies6692]

I totally agree with you!!👍😁

[@patriciavaughan1390]

What an awesome human being!

[@mayiask654]

Who else had to put sunglasses on the moment Bon Jovi started to smile? Gotta love these totally natural white teeth 😁😁

[@DanyDants]

The love of my life for over 30y ❤❤❤❤

[@22Phantasm]

One of the best interviews this year, IMO. What a great guy Jon is. Down to earth, funny, charming, smart and still a very handsome dude. I was wishing for more time.

[@ScottishQueen]

As a teen, I was obsessed with Bon Jovi, and I persuaded my parents to take me to Sayreville, NJ. My dad was working in NJ at the time. I had my picture taken with JBJ's "first guitar" at a place that was dedicated to them. I have no idea if it's the same one he's referring to... but I think so. Sadly, I don't have the photo anymore. I also went to their homecoming gig at Giant's Stadium for the NJ album, which has to be the best gig I have ever been to. I'm 52 now and will never forget that experience!

[@Bleepbloopblappp]

Damn. Never heard him in interview before but what a cool guy. Glad he had his success

[@NewYork-eo3hi]

Cbs news this morning program interviewed him and his wife ,jon and his wife are humanitarians,he's about ppl,loved loved he's loved not only for his music,but for his heart of gold

[@brendagoodspeed443]

And he’s still married to his High School Sweetheart Dorothea…so so envious …I married my high school Sweetie too…he started cheating on me after the first year.. 😢

[@Autobahn4537]

@@brendagoodspeed443Men are no good. It’s better to just have a dog.

[@sharronb-r6956]

So natural and down to earth! Great interview!🩵

[@stephengiese7549]

Great stories from a genuine. Love that smile and he looks great. Deserves a doc😄

[@PAVEL-JAKL]

What a legend Bon Jovi..

[@dex2010100]

Legend. The band Bon Jovi are and will always be the soundtrack to my life.

[@lucrecia007]

His was one of the best concerts of my life!! Looove loove Bon Jovi !!!

[@Mjgirl55]

Jon has given us decades of gorgeous ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@AshleyHawkins-fd7ym]

Ikr❤❤❤

[@christinamellow9824]

I LOVE BON JOVI, my favorite song or songs LIVING ON A PRAYER, WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE, AND BED OF ROSES. AMONG OTHERS.❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@kenmcalpine2215]

I find Jon has a lot of respect for people in his past. For him to remember names and details from 40 years ago is impressive.

[@JamesE-lw9dx]

Still the coolest guy on the planet! 🤘

[@christinagrieser5664]

I always love how genuine and nice Jon is. I remember every Bon Jovi concert I went to. I loved every second

[@judic7723]

Wonderful interview Jimmy. Possibly the best I've ever seen! Such a down-to-earth human being

[@GTAADDICT3D]

Jon is every bit as awesome and handsome as ever!!! 🥰😍❤❤❤❤❤❤💞

[@stephaniegarcia1633]

I can not WAIT to watch the documentary this month. It's going to be SO good. Bon Govi was one of the BEST Rock Bands in the 80''s 👍

[@gaitreeprasaud9290]

Living’ on a Prayer is the most EPIC song in rock and roll🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@ConchitaCh]

Thank you, Jimmy!!! Jon Bon Jovi looks amazing! He’s GORGEOUS and down to earth despite being so big!! Joy, that’s the feeling!!❤️❤️🎼❤️

[@yukhana5597]

True Legend🤘🙏

[@megastin7675]

I’ve seen Bon Jovi multiple times in the 80s- opening for Ratt & Billy Squire as well as headlining. Loved them all! ❤

[@michellespencer8838]

I love jon bon jovi ❤❤❤❤❤

[@patmatt1987]

My first celebrity crush for a reason! He’s such a good guy!!!!

[@mami4big467]

He does not change at all‼️He is Great, sweet kind Happy humble with a good delightful sense of humor guy👍😎⭐️ He Rocks‼️I love him we love him, we all Love BON JOVI FOREVER‼️😎👍🌟✨💫⭐️❤️

[@MrOoofah]

Jon has also been quite honest about how his band's biggest hits were co-written by Desmond Child. He openly admits that Childs co-wrote their biggest hits. “Publish or perish” is a motto accurate in both academia and music. I’m no fanboy. I just like his music. He seems like a good guy. I could kick back with him, grab a beer and talk about music for a while. He’s relatable. That’s a big part of his appeal.

[@fedebjalways]

Desmond Child has even co-written songs in their latest albums. He and Jon are very good friends. They never hid the fact thar he co-wrote those songs.

[@warmpuppynoses216]

That stings (his statement)....yes, Desmond Child was/is a huge part of the team...BUT....... for years, the true partner in his songwriting marriage was Richie...... and my post isn't meant to ignite war as we know the pain of the separation between him and Richie. It's more to say, hey Jon, never forget the magic you two created together 💔✨️😢

[@Clearwater2408]

Desmond Child just wrote about his song writing. It’s a very good read.

[@BATgirl57]

What a classy and handsome old guy! I should check out his music....better late then never!🤷‍♀️

[@joestahl9102]

You haven't missed much he not that great at singing but he feeds homeless

[@robinhallett-yc3hw]

​@joestahl9102 - Your taste is in your mouth!! You obviously don't know talent. Bon Jovi is a rock icon!! He has millions of fans, has sold millions of records. Doing it great and still going strong for 40+ years!! I've seen him 8-10 times live, he's the absolute best, LOVE HIM!!

[@amarbyrd2520]

You really should :-)

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

For me, it's his song, IT'S MY LIFE 😊

[@nunyabidness859]

​@@joestahl9102That's insane. For about a 20 year stretch he was one of the truly great singers in history.

[@theandiller]

He looks THE BEST for years. Can’t remember a picture or event where he looked that good. So good to see! It seems since it’s public notice that he had vocal surgery he‘s sort of free. Hope this benefits his voice 🙏🏼

[@kerorogunzo11]

Thank you to bring Jon on your show Mr Kimmel

[@lisasturniolo4150]

I remember that time…iI grew up in Brooklyn and yes the first time it was played on the radio it was love at first sound. I had the radio station’s album that had Runaway on it. So happy for the whole band’s success….thank you for 40 years of great music ❤️

[@j.g.1178]

Oh man, that was so cool to see that legendary musician!! He is true to his music, true to his girl, true to his hometown friends, true to his roots and place in history and I am honored to have shared some time on this planet at the same time! You are a blessing, my humble Thanks and Best Wishes always your way! Peace!

[@Sindollx666x]

Lovely comment! Completely agree!!❤❤❤

[@j.g.1178]

@@Sindollx666x Thanks Sindollx, Sending Good Vibes and Peace your way!

[@Sindollx666x]

@@j.g.1178 ♥️♥️♥️ back Atya!!

[@allydalessi3371]

I had, I still do and I will always have a mahoosive crush on this guy - grew up with his music saw them in concert many many times met them once and he is such a genuinely nice guy 🤩

[@brendagoodspeed443]

My crush as well…for 40 years! He’s aged so damn well😍

[@JoeyKeo-rm3kw]

My idol, he still bon Jovi... living on a prayer was my go to when I'm preparing for a football game, man the good old days

[@DemetriaVanzanten-xy8om]

Jon has made it 40 years and still going. Love him "FOREVER" & "ALWAYS"❤❤❤❤❤

[@Butterflies6692]

Jon is my favorite of all time!!!! ❤ He still looks and sounds amazing!!! Bless you Jon and your beautiful family 🙏❤️

[@ChaseMcDaniel-xh5fz]

Thank you for your support and love, I see you're an amazing fan, I think I have seen your comments before and I appreciate you for being so lovely.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kathypatterson8877]

LoveLoveLove this interview, Jon is the BEST. 🎶🎼🎵🎤

[@sipnog3528]

Jon is a nice guy. Jimmy expected him to talk negatively about MJ

[@darlenemartinez9353]

I saw Jon Bon Jovi in concert back in the 80s. It was a great concert. One of the best concerts Ive ever attended. I like when he performed “Living on a Prayer” coming down from the ceiling dressed in white and his white guitar. That was one concert to remember.

[@bonosmuse1]

1993 I hung out with Jon and Bruce in Dublin in Lillies Bordello and on to Leeson St...What a night I'll never forget...

[@giggidygiggidy3924]

Hmm.. I could prove you wrong but what's the point

[@martindoyle7410]

​@@giggidygiggidy3924 And I could say that you are all talk, oh wait......I just did!

[@sarajah4him]

What did you like most about them?

[@Clearwater2408]

Did Bono take your photo? Sorry couldn’t resist, it’s an old joke. I’m sure that was an unbelievable experience.

[@bonosmuse1]

Is this supposed to be funny? Cuz I don't get it...and I actually knew Bono, and why would he take my pic...

[@josephruiz5926]

I love you man. "Born to be my baby" is my fav one!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Thank you for simply existing bon Jovi!!!!!!!

[@jeffclement2468]

I know nothing about his music, but as "rock stars" go, he seems like a real down to Earth, likeable guy. And if Bruce hangs with him, that confirms it.

[@KatieArpino]

Lol partied with bubbles so rock and roll, but wow he had a cigar and partied soo funny yet a little disturbing 😂😂😂😂

[@ericswild]

I love John Bon Jovi!! He is such a great person!

[@iadiramorales68]

I remember when I saw his video for the first time back in the 80’s just wow 🤩 talk about nostalgia ❤ ahhh man, so glad his still alive, and I’m alive to see him here, he really did rocked us all….

[@lisamallory9809]

Saw Bon Jovi in Denver during their Have A Nice Day tour. Truly the concert of my lifetime! I still have my T-shirt. We're the same age Jon.. So keep on keeping on! Love you guys so much . Take good care

[@flangekiwi]

Like fine wine 😍🥰😍

[@marlenesheffield8777]

Yes indeed!!!!!!!

[@debbieminton9589]

now he's a sexy silver fox 🐺 !!!

[@sarahsrappa]

I loove that is aging without any big procedures and we can still recognize his face. Happy to see he is still rocking 🤘🏽

[@rebeccamendez2691]

Noooo. Hair is boo. 👎

[@brendagoodspeed443]

..and he’s STILL Hot as Hell🔥‼️

[@kaystevens8428]

IMO, he is the picture of “aging like fine wine”.

[@DoktorZaKarburator]

That smile is legendary

[@user-ko7bb5kh4i]

His beautiful face. I love his eyes. 😊❤

[@grimgrinningtracy9157]

Lol, I loved that Star Wars Christmas album, I still have my old og vinyl of it. I still have my vinyl of Bon Jovi's first album, never would have thought of that connection. As a music trivia lover, a good gem to know. I was able to meet the whole band a long, long time ago, each one were just the nicest guys.

[@DJTcalledVeteransSuckersLosers]

Jovi still have the Fantastic SMILE. Hope he paid the guy a Million $ to get his first guitar back since 1978 (46yrs). Good man! Bruce n Jovi should tour together 💙💪🏻

[@benmac6147]

The Bubbles story was hilarious 😂

[@NKOTBJovifangirl]

#1 fan since the begining.

[@markdharper9019]

Airing a great day! My Birthday, Blessings to Jon and family. And to you too Jimmy and Guillermo

[@gaitreeprasaud9290]

Jon Bon Jovie is my all time favorite artist. From Runaway, You give Love a Bad name, It’s my life, and Livin’on a Prayer I am forever a fan.

[@robertb2245]

We must thank Jimmy for bringing out this wonderful man Jovi..love you both gentlemen..you're blessed 🤟🎸🎤👍

[@ifmerriehouderij1017]

O my gosh: first time in a decade that I really, really see him smile from the heart. It makes me happy also. I am sooooo looking forward to the new album, it's gonna be one BIG JOY!!! Thank you Jon, for being a survivor and being such a good example to all of us!!! NEVER give up, and trust yourself.

[@workofheartdesigns]

We listen to the Star Wars Christmas Album every year since the 80's. When our cassette tape died, we searched and found it on CD by Meco. It's not Christmas until I hear it every year!

[@annac8899]

I'm a fan way way way back.. I love all his songs.. You haven't aged bon jovi.. I admire you for being humble.. Bon Jovi a legend..

[@ChaseMcDaniel-xh5fz]

Hello my beautiful fan. How are you doing. I really love and appreciate your love and support ❤🎉❤❤

[@bigmaxy07]

Slippery When Wet is my #1 favourite album of all time. I remember going to the concert and it was exactly like the music video on MTV.

[@user-ko7bb5kh4i]

Great album. Great album title. Love it.😊❤

[@yurielcundangan9090]

Bed of roses always entertain

[@schneeschieber100]

Livin´ in sin....

[@fernandanogueira6369]

The best man in this worl

[@darilynkrupp6309]

Jon Bonjiovi has a great sense of humor as well as being able to laugh at himself. Add to that his musical abilities and his mature compassion for others and it is quite easy to understand his status in the industry and popularity among generations of fans.

[@Mattbogus]

Living Legend!

[@billhuang8778]

Great to see him talking about his youth.