#

Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi Acoustic Performance of 'Living on a Prayer' and 'Wanted Dead or Alive' at VMA's

Venue: VMA's Location: Newport Beach, CA, USA Date: June 9, 1989

In June 1989, Bon Jovi was riding high on the success of their album "Slippery When Wet," which had been released in 1986 and marked a significant turning point in their career. By this time, the band was not only establishing themselves as major rock icons but also defining the sound of 1980s rock music. The live recording of their acoustic performance at the MTV Video Music Awards features two of their most iconic tracks, “Living on a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive,” both of which are standout songs from "Slippery When Wet" and its follow-up album, "New Jersey," released later in 1988. The performance highlighted their versatility, showcasing their ability to adapt to different formats while maintaining their powerful musicality. Interestingly, this live show was part of a pivotal period for Bon Jovi, as they were gaining widespread fame and recognition, which would continue into the early '90s.

Watch on YouTube