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Only Lonely [1985]

A creation of its time, the "Only Lonely" video blended scripted dramatic scenes with a staged Bon Jovi performance in front of real fans. Although the band may not have fond memories of the finished product, this collection offers a glimpse into the making of the video.

THE LYRICS — 

THE LYRICS — 

THE LYRICS — 

THE LYRICS — 

THE LYRICS — 

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“ONLY LONELY” LYRICS

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Early draft lyrics to "Only Lonely" from Jon's "Tokyo Road" ideas notebook, dated August 1984.​

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A later draft of "Only Lonely" lyrics with revisions.​

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PolyGram Records staffer Katie Dumont sent these typed "Only Lonely" lyrics to Jon for his final review and approval.​

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VIDEO PRODUCTION — 

VIDEO PRODUCTION — 

VIDEO PRODUCTION — 

VIDEO PRODUCTION — 

VIDEO PRODUCTION — 

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“only lonely” video storyboard

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"He (Director Jack Cole) spent two weeks coming out to New Jersey and I showed him who we are. We're not pirates, we're not guys on horseback, we're a rock 'n' roll band." - Jon to MTV, 1985​

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Director Jack Cole and writer/associate producer John Miller's second draft of the "Only Lonely" music video script. ​

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Video Shot List​

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​"Only Lonely" music video shooting schedule and script with detailed shot list.​

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"Only Lonely" Video Crew Contact Sheet

ON SET — 

ON SET — 

ON SET — 

ON SET — 

ON SET — 

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on set photos

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"I don't think any one of us got into the music business to be actors" - Richie Sambora, Metal Edge Magazine, 1985​

BEHIND THE SCENES — 

BEHIND THE SCENES — 

BEHIND THE SCENES — 

BEHIND THE SCENES — 

BEHIND THE SCENES — 

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Jon On Set​

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Jon performing at Modern Times in Sayreville for the "Only Lonely" music video shoot. Photo: Mark Weiss​

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Jon with Fans ​

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THE VIDEO — 

THE VIDEO — 

THE VIDEO — 

THE VIDEO — 

THE VIDEO — 

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“We said, ‘$90,000 for this piece of shit?'”  - Jon Bon Jovi​