Wanted Dead Or Alive

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi from their iconic 1986 album Slippery When Wet, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This power ballad, written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, is packed with stories that make it a fan favorite. During a 2008 concert in Detroit, Jon shared that the song was inspired by Bob Seger’s "Turn the Page," reflecting the grueling life of a touring rock star. He described it as the band’s anthem, capturing the outlaw spirit of being both loved and hated, much like a Wild West cowboy. The song was written in a single day in the basement of Sambora’s mother’s house, with Jon jokingly thanking her for not doing laundry that day, allowing them to focus on creating this hit. The track’s acoustic performance at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards by Jon and Sambora was so impactful that it influenced the creation of MTV’s "Unplugged" series, shifting the show to include major acts.

Another tidbit Zoo Freaks might dig is the song’s original role in shaping Slippery When Wet. The album was initially titled Wanted Dead or Alive, with a planned cowboy-themed cover featuring the band dressed as outlaws. However, photographer Mark Weiss noted that their ‘80s hair clashed with the Old West vibe, leading to a scrapped photoshoot. The song’s music video, directed by Wayne Isham, was shot in black-and-white to evoke the Old West, showing the band’s exhausting tour life with sweaty, slow-motion shots from venues like Chicago’s UIC Pavilion and Denver’s McNichols Sports Arena. The lyrics, like “I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride,” were easy to write because they mirrored the band’s real experiences, with “steel horse” referring to their tour bus and “six string on my back” symbolizing their guitars.

Bon Jovi started in Sayreville, New Jersey, in 1983, founded by frontman Jon Bon Jovi (born John Francis Bongiovi Jr.). As a teen, Jon played in local bands like Raze and Atlantic City Expressway, performing at clubs like the Fast Lane. By 1980, he formed The Rest, opening for acts like Southside Johnny. His big break came when his song "Runaway," written for a radio contest, won and landed him a recording contract. Jon assembled the band with Richie Sambora (guitar), Alec John Such (bass), Tico Torres (drums), and David Bryan (keyboards). Their self-titled debut album in 1984, featuring "Runaway," hit #39 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their second album, 7800° Fahrenheit, had moderate success, but it was Slippery When Wet in 1986 that skyrocketed them to global fame, selling over 28 million copies with hits like "Livin’ on a Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name."

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Bon Jovi through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, merch, and exclusive content. Fans can also visit the Bon Jovi Official Store for gear like Slippery When Wet vinyls. For community vibes, check out the Jovitalk - Bon Jovi Fan Community, a forum where fans discuss everything from lyrics to live shows. There’s also the Bon Jovi Fan Club on Facebook, a group with thousands of fans sharing memories and news. These platforms keep the spirit of “Wanted Dead or Alive” alive for every Zoo Freak out there!