You Give Love a Bad Name

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as we spin "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi from their iconic album Slippery When Wet! This track, released in 1986, was Bon Jovi’s first number-one hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, skyrocketing the band to global fame. The song’s infectious energy came from a collaboration between Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and songwriter Desmond Child, who reworked a melody originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler as "If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)." Child, dissatisfied with Tyler’s version, brought the tune to Bon Jovi, and together they crafted lyrics about a jilted lover, giving it that anthemic, hair-metal punch. Fun fact: the song’s massive sound, with guitars that roar like synths, was shaped by producer Bruce Fairbairn and engineer Bob Rock at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, where the band got inspired by a visit to a strip club—more on that when we talk about the album’s title!

Desmond Child himself celebrated the song’s 37th anniversary in a 2023 X post, calling it a “game changer” that exploded with its tale of a heart-breaking bad girl. The music video, the only all-color concert footage from the Slippery When Wet era, captures Jon Bon Jovi’s photogenic charisma and the band’s electrifying live energy. Some critics, like Chris Molanphy, weren’t fans, slamming the lyrics as “sub-Meat Loaf,” but he admitted the song redefined hair metal for mainstream radio, opening the floodgates for bands like Poison and Warrant. VH1 agreed, ranking it No. 20 on their list of the “100 Best Hard Rock Songs.” Oh, and here’s a wild tidbit: in 2007, the song re-entered the charts at No. 29 after Blake Lewis belted it out on American Idol, proving its timeless appeal.

Now, let’s rewind to how Bon Jovi got their start. Formed in Sayreville, New Jersey, in 1983, the band—led by frontman Jon Bon Jovi, alongside Richie Sambora (guitar), David Bryan (keyboards), Tico Torres (drums), and Alec John Such (bass)—began as a local act with big dreams. Jon, then just John Bongiovi, was working as a janitor at Power Station Studios in New York when he recorded a demo of “Runaway” in 1982. That track won a radio contest, landing him a deal with Mercury Records. He quickly assembled the band, and their self-titled debut album dropped in 1984, with “Runaway” hitting No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their second album, 7800° Fahrenheit, had modest success, but it was Slippery When Wet in 1986 that made them superstars, thanks to a pop-metal sound polished by Desmond Child and producer Bruce Fairbairn. The band’s relentless touring, including opening for Ratt and headlining Monsters of Rock, cemented their reputation as a live powerhouse.

Stay connected with Bon Jovi on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news, tour dates, and exclusive merch. Fans can dive deeper at Backstage with Bon Jovi, the official fan club, offering presale tickets and behind-the-scenes content. For Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, check out the tribute band Slippery When Wet, authorized by Jon Bon Jovi himself, or join the Bon Jovi Fans Facebook group to connect with fellow diehards. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!