Livin' On A Prayer [1986]

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"LIVIN' ON A PRAYER" STANDS AS THE BEDROCK OF BON JOVI'S MUSICAL NARRATIVE. CRAFTED DURING A TIME OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FLUX IN THE MID-'80S, THE SONG STILL CAPTURES THE STRUGGLES OF THE WORKING CLASS AND HAS BECOME AN ENDURING ANTHEM OF RESILIENCE.

Writing —

Final version of the "Livin' On A Prayer" lyrics handwritten by Jon and included in the Cross Road Collector's Edition CD insert.

Recording —

“Prayer” in Demos

1986

The recording sessions for Slippery When Wet, Bon Jovi's breakthrough album, began with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. After their sophomore release 7800˚ Fahrenheit failed to match the commercial success of their debut, the band faced pressure to release another hit.

“Livin’ On A Prayer” (Slippery When Wet Demo - c. 1986)

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“Livin’ On A Prayer” (Slippery When Wet Pre-Production – Rough Instrumental - c. 1986)

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“Livin’ On A Prayer” (Slippery When Wet Pre-Production - c. 1986)

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Track sheet and ½" tape marked Reel 7 from a recording session at Little Mountain Sound Studios. The reel includes instrumental mixes of "Livin' On A Prayer" and "You Give Love A Bad Name."

Promotion —

4 Images

Bon Jovi Team Uniform

Custom uniforms made for a charity softball game held while "Livin' On A Prayer" was the No. 1 song in the US. Bon Jovi and crew played against the staff of 95-WYNF radio in Tampa, Florida to benefit the J. Clifford MacDonald Center. As Anne V. Hull from the Tampa Bay Times wrote, "...their future is in rock ‘n’ roll, not sports."

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The alternate full-color version of the iconic "Livin' On A Prayer" music video.

Red suede ankle boots worn by Jon in the "Livin' On A Prayer" music video.

Snakeskin boots with metal toe accents worn by Jon in the "Livin On A Prayer" music video. Manufactured by Justin Boots.

"Livin'“ Through the Years —

“Prayer” Live

1987-2015

Audio recordings of “Livin’ on A Prayer” from throughout the years. The song has remained a constant on setlists since it’s release and has been re-released on box sets and live albums.

“Livin’ On A Prayer” (Sydney, Australia - September 18, 1987)