“Take my hand. We’ll make it, I swear.” Rock songs have a habit of staying for years and even decades.
Iconic rock songs, that is. Especially ones that seem to resonate with the current times. Whether through sheer brilliance like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody“, or romantic ones from bands like Foreigner and many others, these timeless hits are passed on from generation to generation, that even kids enjoy them.
Rock legends age too.
Behind the seemingly immortal aspects of those songs are the musicians and singers. We often forget that it’s been three to four decades since their songs came out. But these guys won’t stop playing. Not as long as they’re still breathing.
The year was 1986 when a hit was born.
“Livin’ on a Prayer” came out as Bon Jovi‘s second chart topping single off their third album, Slippery when wet. It was written by Jon Bon Jovi, guitarsit Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child. It is the band’s signature song.
Fast forward to Hyde Park in London. It’s been over three decades since they’ve released the song, but they’re not slowing down. This is still a rock band!
Bon Jovi was live at the Hard Rock Calling music festival and they showed the world and the fans that they are still rock icons.
Cheers to the intro!
Keyboardist David Bryan hits the familiar notes. That’s an Em-C-D in case you play an instrument. Easy enough but the effect is chilling. Three notes, three distinct sounds echoing across the open air, the crowd cheering as loud as they can. They know what’s next.
Jon engages the crowd, raising his hands in the air, asking them to make more noise. Sambora has his trademark hat and vest on, a white Gibson SG hanging from his shoulders as he warms up on his signature talk box.
Once upon a time. Not so long ago.
Drummer Tico Torres hits the snare and the band launches onto the first part with Jon jumping on his left leg. He’s wearing a leg brace of some sort on his right leg. Comes with the age. But he’s up there!
And before they knew it, every single person in that crowd was reacquainted with Tommy and Gina.
“Tommy used to work on the docks, union’s been on strike
He’s down on his luck, it’s tough, so tough
Gina works the diner all day working for her man
She brings home her pay, for love, for love”
So they gave it a shot.
It’s the chorus, isn’t it? That total unleashing of voices, shouting as one in the air, as they sing, “Woah! Livin’ on a prayer!” over and over again. And they were waiting for this!
It’s a classic and a favorite. Doesn’t matter who you are, or where you’re from. You get to scream at the top of your lungs!
From each verse, to each chorus, Jon and the band have the audience where they want them. Singing along as loud as their voices will allow as they raise their hands in the air in triumphant defiance. Life’s hardships meant nothing during those 5 minutes!
Bon Jovi proved to their audience that music is the binding force that unites the world over. This is a song you can play on repeat. You will!
Hit play below and sing along as loud as you can!
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