Runaway by Bon Jovi, the beginning of a legendary band

«Runaway» is the song with which Jon Bon Jovi became known on the radio (composed by Jon and George Karak).

Interestingly, the song was first performed by Jon Bon Jovi with the band «The All Star Review«, as the vocalist had recorded it before forming the band «Bon Jovi», but it is included on the group’s first album, titled «Bon Jovi«.

It was actually one of the many demos that Jon had recorded in the studio where he worked as an assistant.

Jon said:

«In 1982, it was almost impossible for me to keep a bunch of musicians together in a band. I had no way to pay them and not enough places to play».

According to Jon Bon Jovi, he wrote the song in just one week.

He later founded the legendary hard rock band Bon Jovi, with which he planned to promote «Runaway» for about three weeks. Obviously, plans changed and Bon Jovi became a legend in the history of music.

The lead guitarist on the 1980 original was Bon Jovi’s neighbor, Dave Sabo, who would later form the band Skid Row.

In 1983, local radio station WAPP 103.5FM «The Apple» held a contest, held in conjunction with St. John’s University, to find the best band without a record deal. «Runaway» won the contest and became an instant hit in the summer of 1983.

«Runaway» was released as the first single from their debut album Bon Jovi in 1984. It topped the Top 40 and the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 39 in early 1984 and became the first band to reach No. 1 on the U.S. Top 40.

The music video is about a young girl who runs away from home and rebels against her parents. While this story unfolds, the members of Bon Jovi give an excellent performance in a kind of ruined building.

In this performance, resources such as fire, explosions and smoke, which were widely used in the 80’s, stand out. In addition, throughout the video, the terrifying atmosphere and the scenes of rebellion persist.