IoMP 45: Bon Jovi - Are They Rock or Metal?

In the third episode of our chaotic and questionably serious series “Are They Rock or Metal?”, we take on one of the most divisive debates in ‘80s music: does Bon Jovi actually count as metal? From their 1984 debut through Keep the Faith (1992), we dissect the hits, the hair, and the hype—yes, even “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
With Collin running on fumes and Tom powering through with sheer pettiness, we unpack Bon Jovi’s arena-rock dominance, polished production, and power-ballad legacy. You’ll get sharp takes, a few unhinged detours (wedding song metal edits, anyone?), and some surprising admissions about songs we didn’t hate.
Love them or loathe them, Bon Jovi made an impact. But are they rock, metal, or something in between? Smash play and judge for yourself.
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