Jon Bon Jovi began performing music live in 1975, at the age of 13

Jon Bon Jovi began performing music live in 1975, at the age of 13, playing piano and guitar in New Jersey with his first band, Raze. At 16, Jon met David Bryan and formed a band called Atlantic City Expressway. Still in his teens, Bon Jovi played in the band John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones at clubs such as the Fast Lane and opening for local acts. By 1980, he had formed another band, the Rest, and opened up for New Jersey acts such as Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes . Also in 1980, Jon recorded his first single, “Runaway” in his cousin’s studio, backed up by studio musicians. The song was played by a local radio station on a compilation tape.