Runaway [1984]

21 artifacts

Written and demoed by Jon in 1981 and released in 1983 on the WAPP "New York Rocks" compilation, "Runaway" set the band's career in motion. As the first single from the band's debut album in 1984, "Runaway" also set the stage for Jon as a blue-collar storyteller, exploring the aspirations and difficulties of a broad spectrum of everyday people.

Lyrics —

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Early Runaway Lyrics

"Runaway" Handwritten Lyric Print (Signed)

$1,500.00

Early draft of the lyrics to "Runaway" with significant edits and variations from the final recorded version.

"Runaway" Handwritten Lyric Print (Signed)

$1,500.00

"Little Runaway” Draft

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Other Versions

The "Runaway" lyrics went through several iterations before landing on the final recorded version.

Song Evolution —

Creating "Runaway"

1982-1983

From 1982 to 1983, "Runaway" evolved through writing sessions and rehearsals.

"Runaway" (Writing Session - c. 1982)

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"Runaway" (John Bongiovi And The Wild Ones - Rehearsal - c. 1982-83)

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"Runaway" (Rehearsal - c. 1982)

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Live —

"Runaway" Performed Live

1982-2000

"Runaway" was a strong crowd-pleaser, even in its earliest live appearances in John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones sets.

"Runaway" (John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones - Somerdale, NJ - c. 1982)

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"Runaway" (John Bongiovi And The Wild Ones – Live 1982)

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"Runaway" (John Bongiovi – Cedar Grove, NJ – March 5, 1983)

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"Runaway" (Osaka, Japan - July 20, 2000)

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Recording “Runaway” —

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Keyboards

David’s keyboards used in the recording of “Runaway.”

"Runaway" - Power Station

June 25, 1982

Rehearsed, workshopped, and polished, "Runaway" was finally ready to record.

"Runaway" (Power Station Outtake - June 25, 1982)

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WAPP —

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WAPP 103.5-FM "New York Rocks 1983" Compilation LP

In 1983, a new radio station, WAPP 103.5 FM, The Apple, produced a compilation record of homegrown New York area talent. The inclusion of "Runaway" (at the urging of DJ Chip Hobart) was a big break for the band. Regular WAPP airplay made the song a hit in the region, and it wasn't long before other markets took notice.