In a candid interview for MSNBC’s Mavericks with Ari Melber series, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jon Bon Jovi shared powerful insights about his decades-spanning career, from writing anthems like “Livin’ on a Prayer” to tackling social justice and the COVID-19 crisis in his latest album, 2020.
Bon Jovi opened up about his unique journey into the music industry, recalling the bold move that helped launch his career. “I asked myself, ‘Who is the loneliest man in the record business?’ I figured it had to be the DJ,” he explained. That question led him to knock on the door of a newly launched radio station without even a receptionist. The DJ invited him to stick around after the show—and eventually played Bon Jovi’s demo for “Runaway” on air. At the time, the young artist had no band, no deal, and no manager—just raw determination and a tape.
Fast forward 37 years, and Jon Bon Jovi recognizes that today’s aspiring artists face a new kind of challenge: standing out in the digital age. “The internet is their DJ now,” he said. “They have to find creative ways to get noticed and stay true to who they are. Don’t chase trends. Be original.”
That authenticity remains central to Bon Jovi’s music—even more so on 2020, a deeply reflective album shaped by one of the most turbulent years in modern history. Originally set for release in May, the album was delayed and expanded to include two new songs, “American Reckoning” and “Do What You Can,” inspired by the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests following the death of George Floyd.
Jon described how writing from his home studio allowed him to express the gravity of the times. The album explores themes such as PTSD in veterans (“Unbroken”), gun violence (“Lower the Flag”), national unity (“Let It Rain”, “Brothers in Arms”), and political unrest (“Blood in the Water”).
Produced alongside longtime collaborator John Shanks, 2020 features the full touring band: David Bryan, Tico Torres, Hugh McDonald, Phil X, Everett Bradley, and John Shanks.
Jon Bon Jovi’s message to young artists? Stay true to yourself, don’t ride the wave of passing trends, and remember—timeless art comes from authenticity, not algorithms.
