Only Lonely [1985]
22 artifacts
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 —
5 images
“ONLY LONELY” LYRICS
Early draft lyrics to "Only Lonely" from Jon's "Tokyo Road" ideas notebook, dated August 1984.
A later draft of "Only Lonely" lyrics with revisions.
PolyGram Records staffer Katie Dumont sent these typed "Only Lonely" lyrics to Jon for his final review and approval.
VIDEO PRODUCTION —
VIDEO PRODUCTION —
VIDEO PRODUCTION —
VIDEO PRODUCTION —
VIDEO PRODUCTION —
6 images
“only lonely” video storyboard
"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
Director Jack Cole and writer/associate producer John Miller's second draft of the "Only Lonely" music video script.
4 Images
Video Shot List
"Only Lonely" music video shooting schedule and script with detailed shot list.
"Only Lonely" Video Crew Contact Sheet
ON SET —
ON SET —
ON SET —
ON SET —
ON SET —
5 images
on set photos
"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 —
Jon On Set
Jon performing at Modern Times in Sayreville for the "Only Lonely" music video shoot. Photo: Mark Weiss
Jon with Fans
THE VIDEO —
THE VIDEO —
THE VIDEO —
THE VIDEO —
THE VIDEO —
4:30
“We said, ‘$90,000 for this piece of shit?'” - Jon Bon Jovi
(You Want to) Make A Memory
COMING SOON
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Because We Can
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Limitless
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Who Says You Can't Go Home
COMING SOON
It's My life
COMING SOON
Bad Medicine
1988
This House Is Not For Sale
COMING SOON
© Bon Jovi 2025
© Bon Jovi 2025
