The Starland Ballroom is a concert venue located in Sayreville, New Jersey . Beginning in the 1960s, the building was known as the Jernee Mill Inn , a local bar with a banquet hall. It was originally known as the Hunka Bunka Ballroom and then Willy's in the 1980s. It has operated as a dance music club but more often hosted concerts with primarily metal, punk and ska lineups.
39-519: The venue opened in August 1962 as a banquet hall and tavern by brothers Chester, Frank and Edward (Rusty) Cholewa. The hall was known as the Jernee Mill Inn, named after the main road near the building. In the late 1970s, Rusty's wife, Phyllis decided to use the space as a concert venue, to fill the gaps in wedding and party reservations. In 1982, the venue was purchased by Bernie Bailey. During this time,
78-605: A Grammy Award nomination. In 1991, Jon Bon Jovi started his own label, Jambco Records, and produced Aldo Nova 's album Blood on the Bricks and Billy Falcon 's album Pretty Blue World . Bon Jovi's second solo album was 1997's Destination Anywhere . A short movie of the same name was based entirely on the songs from the record; it starred Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Moore , Kevin Bacon and Whoopi Goldberg . The film debuted in 1997 on both MTV and VH1 . In 2012, Jon Bon Jovi recorded
117-617: A Republican representative from Ohio's 16th congressional district and then a potential candidate for Ohio governor with whom he had had common business interests several years prior. In the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries , Bon Jovi endorsed fellow New Jersey resident Cory Booker for President of the United States . On October 24, 2020, Bon Jovi performed at a drive-in event for Joe Biden at Dallas High School in Dallas, Pennsylvania . On January 20, 2021, Bon Jovi and
156-616: A recovering Catholic . Bon Jovi is a close friend of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former head coach Bill Belichick . He owns two Super Bowl rings from the Patriots and has performed several times at the Patriots' home field, Gillette Stadium . In 2019, Bon Jovi received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from University of Pennsylvania and a second honorary doctorate from Princeton University in 2021, recognizing his contributions in music and social welfare. In October 2021, Bon Jovi tested positive for COVID-19 at
195-823: A concert and released it on DVD called Live at the Starland Ballroom . MTV Classic 's That Metal Show filmed at least one episode at the venue. In 2005, the Starland hosted a pair of concerts to raise money for victims of the December 26 tsunamis. My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, Senses Fail and dozens more performed over two nights, raising over $ 150,000 for UNICEF and the International Red Cross. In September 2005, Dashboard Confessional and Coheed and Cambria co-headlined an event to raise $ 80,000 for Direct Relief International's efforts to assist victims of
234-454: A daughter, Stephanie, born in 1993; and three sons, Jesse, Jake , and Romeo, born in 1995, 2002, and 2004, respectively. The British actress Millie Bobby Brown is his daughter-in-law; she married his son Jake in May 2024. A former resident of Rumson, New Jersey , Bon Jovi established his Sanctuary Sound recording studio in the basement of his home there. Bon Jovi has described himself as
273-515: A dilemma in that he feels increasingly jealous of Robin's attempts to seduce his willing wife, especially when he charms (and attempts to seduce) Hilary and the other members of the production and becomes too popular at Felix's expense. Felix is caught in a web of deceit and jealousy, prompting him to seek revenge on the opening night of his new production. On Rotten Tomatoes the film holds a 69% approval rating, based on 16 reviews with an average rating of 6.2/10. While enjoying performances by most of
312-508: A fan event in Florida. He was reported as fully vaccinated and "feeling great". He had recovered from the disease by November 12, 2021. In April 2022, Bon Jovi spoke of how much his COVID-19 experience had affected him, including in his songwriting, saying about COVID-19 that it made him realize "how volatile we are and how fragile life is. It didn't matter if you were young or old, American or Egyptian, no matter who you were or where you were from,
351-575: A performance by Bon Jovi and the rest of the band, which was their first full band live performance since the end of the 2022 tour. The grand opening was attended by Vince Neil of Mötley Crue , Jeremy and Ajay Popoff from Lit , Big Kenny , Jelly Roll , and Jamie O'Neal , amongst others. JBJ's also features the first ever permanent installation of a Proto hologram machine in a music venue, which can show Jon Bon Jovi and his band's holograms and "beam in" special guests. During an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2005, Bon Jovi (the band, not
390-652: A soundtrack to the movie Stand Up Guys . The soundtrack is commonly known as Not Running Anymore . On December 13, 2012, it was announced that "Not Running Anymore" would be nominated for a Golden Globe Award . In 2020, Jon Bon Jovi released a Christmas single called A Jon Bon Jovi Christmas , with three new holiday songs. Jon Bon Jovi is a credited actor in the films Moonlight and Valentino , The Leading Man , Destination Anywhere , Homegrown , Little City , No Looking Back , Row Your Boat , Vampires Los Muertos , U-571 , Cry Wolf , National Lampoon's Pucked , and New Year's Eve . He also had
429-458: A supporting role in the movie Pay It Forward , where he played Helen Hunt 's abusive ex-husband. His TV series appearances include Sex and the City , 30 Rock , Las Vegas , The West Wing , and an extended stint on Ally McBeal as a plumber who was Ally's boyfriend for a short period of time. He also had a brief, uncredited role in the 1990 film Young Guns II . On January 24, 2011, it
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#1732851379507468-657: A talent contest at his school. At 16, he formed a band called Atlantic City Expressway and was joined by David Bryan , who would later become a member of the Bon Jovi band. Still in his teens, Bon Jovi played in the band John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones, performing in clubs such as the Fast Lane and opening for local acts. By 1980, he had formed his first original band, the Rest; the band opened for New Jersey acts such as Southside Johnny and
507-460: Is one of 21 artists singing on " Everybody Hurts ", a charity single organized by Simon Cowell aiding victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake . Although Bon Jovi's voter registration indicates that he is unaffiliated, he has supported many Democratic politicians. During the 2004 presidential campaign , he toured extensively on behalf of presidential candidate John Kerry , appearing at and playing acoustic sets with Richie Sambora at rallies for
546-732: The Denver Broncos and co-owner of the AFL's Colorado Crush . Bon Jovi is no longer part owner of the Soul. In 2011, Bon Jovi expressed interest in purchasing 15% of the Atlanta Falcons for $ 150 million. In 2014, a group of investors including Bon Jovi made it to the final round of bidding to acquire the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League, but the team was sold to Terry Pegula ,
585-463: The Hurricane Katrina disaster. 40°26′25″N 74°21′19″W / 40.44028°N 74.35528°W / 40.44028; -74.35528 Jon Bon Jovi John Francis Bongiovi Jr. (born March 2, 1962), known professionally as Jon Bon Jovi , is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor. He is best known as the founder and frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi , which
624-592: The NJPAC in Newark, New Jersey . On June 24, 2009, Bon Jovi, Sambora and Andy Madadian recorded a musical message of worldwide solidarity with the people of Iran . The handwritten Persian sign in the video translates to "we are one". On December 15, 2010, Bon Jovi was appointed by then U.S. president Barack Obama to the White House Council for Community Solutions . In 2017, Bon Jovi raised money for Jim Renacci ,
663-539: The UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and into the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. In 1990, Jon Bon Jovi recorded a soundtrack to the movie Young Guns II . The soundtrack is commonly known as Blaze of Glory . Having been originally approached by his friend Emilio Estevez to lend " Wanted Dead or Alive " as the theme song for his upcoming Billy the Kid sequel, Bon Jovi ended up composing an all-new theme song for
702-881: The Asbury Jukes . At the time, Bon Jovi ran errands between gigs at the Power Station recording studio owned by his cousin Tony Bongiovi . One day, he was sweeping the floor as Disco producer Meco was in the studio recording Christmas in the Stars: The Star Wars Christmas Album . Meco suggested that Bon Jovi sing " R2-D2 We Wish You a Merry Christmas", which became his first professional recording (credited as John Bongiovi). In March 1983, Bon Jovi called bassist Alec John Such and Such called experienced drummer Tico Torres and guitarist Richie Sambora . Bon Jovi, Sambora, Such, Bryan, and Torres became
741-663: The COVID-19 pandemic affected you. I was aware of that when I was writing the record." On September 11, 2024, Bon Jovi helped prevent a woman from jumping off the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in Nashville. The Leading Man The Leading Man is a 1996 British romantic drama film directed by John Duigan . It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1996 but
780-630: The JBJ Soul Kitchen, a community restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey , where patrons pay what they can afford for their meals, either with money or by volunteering work. As of 2023 , three additional locations have been opened—one in Toms River , another at the Newark campus of Rutgers University , and a third one inside the Gilligan Student Union at New Jersey City University . Jon Bon Jovi
819-647: The Kerry-Edwards ticket throughout the U.S. In 2009, he played at a Manhattan fundraiser for former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton to lessen some of her $ 6.3 million 2008 presidential campaign debt. On January 18, 2009, Bon Jovi performed a duet at Barack Obama 's inauguration concert, performing the Sam Cooke song "A Change is Gonna Come" with Bettye LaVette . On June 4, 2009, Bon Jovi performed an acoustic benefit show for Democratic New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine at
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#1732851379507858-751: The Kings of Suburbia performed a cover of the Beatles ' song " Here Comes the Sun " as part of the "Celebrating America" Inauguration of Joe Biden event. During a stop in Los Angeles on the New Jersey Syndicate Tour in 1989, Bon Jovi secretly took a trip to Las Vegas , where he married his high school sweetheart, Dorothea Hurley, on April 29 at the Graceland Wedding Chapel . The couple have four children:
897-399: The agency's groups, as well as by the special unit. As of 2019, Bon Jovi has released 15 studio albums, five compilations and three live albums. The band has sold more than 130 million records worldwide, making it one of the bestselling American rock bands . Bon Jovi has performed more than 2,700 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 34 million fans. Bon Jovi was inducted into
936-497: The album Crush, written by him and Sambora , is a self cover. The Japanese version, with lyrics by B'z 's Koshi Inaba , was recorded first in 1999 by Johnny & Associates 's special unit called J-Friends as part of the relief efforts for the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake . The live version of the song was also included in a DVD released in April 2003, "J-FRIENDS Never Ending Spirit 1997-2003". It included performances from several of
975-502: The cast, critics have given the film mixed reviews. Film4 argued about whether it is considered to be a comedy, drama or both, with neither making a large impression. The New York Times reviewed the film as "watchable without being gripping". Roger Ebert rated it 3 out of 4, "But the climax does not, I'm afraid, do justice to the setup." The film only grossed £24,860 ($ 40,000) in the United Kingdom. It also performed poorly in
1014-695: The dressing rooms. Flooding parameters were put in place to prevent any water damage in the future. While the venue was slated to reopen in March 2013, AEG announced the club was set to reopen in September. Tickets for forthcoming events went on sale in June. The grand reopening took place on September 6, 2013, with a concert by Stone Temple Pilots . From 2003 to 2013, the venue sold 1.3 million tickets. Taking Back Sunday has been hosting an annual Holiday Spectacular every year in December since 2013. Coheed and Cambria filmed
1053-547: The film's soundtrack and delivering his first solo album. The album featured guests such as Elton John , Little Richard and Jeff Beck . The title track, " Blaze of Glory ", peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 . In 1991, "Blaze of Glory" won an award for Favorite Pop/Rock Single at the American Music Awards and won a Golden Globe as well. The song also earned Jon Bon Jovi an Academy Award nomination and
1092-454: The founding members of the band Bon Jovi . In 1984 and 1985, Bon Jovi released its first two albums. In 1986, the band achieved widespread success and global recognition with its third album, Slippery When Wet , which had sold 28 million copies worldwide as of 2011. Slippery When Wet included three Top 10 singles, two of which--" You Give Love a Bad Name " and " Livin' on a Prayer "--reached number one. The song "Next 100 years" from
1131-608: The individual) donated $ 1 million to the Angel Network foundation. In July 2007, Jon Bon Jovi announced a project that would rehabilitate a block of 15 homes in North Philadelphia . The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation (formerly the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation) was founded in 2006. It supports community efforts to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. On October 19, 2011, it opened
1170-487: The main hall was used as a rehearsal space, during dark days. Around this time, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora met at the venue before forming Bon Jovi . Five years later, Bailey changed the name to the Hunka Bunka Ballroom and dancing became the primary focus of the venue. As Hunka Bunka, the club became one of New Jersey's premier dance clubs, catering to primarily to local, regional and nationally known DJs,
1209-610: The occasional rock band plus live band and track Pop and Dance artists. In September 2003, Hunka Bunka was purchased by the two owners of the New Jersey–based concert company, Concerts East, Tony Pallagrosi and Jerry Bakal. Within twelve weeks, the club reopened as the Starland Ballroom, with a show by David Lee Roth . In April 2007, after steering the concert hall into the list of Top 10 ticket selling venues in North America, according to Pollstar magazine, Bakal and Pallagrosi sold
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1248-550: The owner of the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League . On June 8, 2024, Jon Bon Jovi opened a rooftop restaurant and bar in Nashville, Tennessee, located at 405 Broadway . JBJ's is a Bon Jovi and rock music themed restaurant and bar. It hosts live music daily. The restaurant is multi-leveled, with each level having a balcony looking down upon the stage in the center of the venue. The grand opening included
1287-456: The venue to AEG. From 2007 to 2017, AEG Live (now AEG Presents) were the owners and operators of the building. In 2017, AEG Live purchased 50% of The Bowery Presents , with the latter becoming the operator of the venue. In 2012, the venue was significantly damaged by Hurricane Sandy . The storm caused the Raritan River to flood, with the club being engulfed in six feet of water. The result
1326-689: Was a barber and a former Marine. His mother Carol (Sharkey), also a former Marine, was a florist and Playboy Bunny . His father was of Italian and Slovak ancestry; the name Bongiovi comes from Sciacca , Sicily . His mother was of German and Russian descent. Bon Jovi was raised Catholic . He attended St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, New Jersey , during his freshman and sophomore years. He later transferred to Sayreville War Memorial High School in Parlin, New Jersey . Bon Jovi began playing music in 1974, when he formed his first band Raze and took part in
1365-533: Was confirmed that Bon Jovi would be cast in the film New Year's Eve , released later that year, as a successful rock star who is connected with Katherine Heigl 's character. In 2004, Bon Jovi became founder and primary owner of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League . He appeared in several television commercials for the league, typically with John Elway , Hall of Fame quarterback for
1404-411: Was damage to the walls, flooring, electrical system and plumbing. The building closed late October 2012, canceling all concerts until March 2013. Renovation efforts began mid-November 2012, with 24 local contractors contributing to rebuilding the club. Renovations include adding a mezzanine in the rear of the main hall, updated lighting, improved sightlines, and acoustics, redesign of the backstage area and
1443-421: Was formed in 1983. He has released 16 studio albums with his band as well as two solo albums. In the 1990s, Bon Jovi started an acting career, starring in the films Moonlight and Valentino , The Leading Man , Little City , Homegrown , Pay It Forward , U-571 and Cry Wolf and appearing on television in shows such as Sex and the City , 30 Rock , Ally McBeal , and The West Wing . Bon Jovi
1482-604: Was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2012, he ranked number 50 on the list of Billboard magazine's "Power 100", a ranking of "The Most Powerful and Influential People in the Music Business". Bon Jovi is a founder and former majority owner of an Arena Football League team, the Philadelphia Soul . John Francis Bongiovi Jr. was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey . His father John Francis Bongiovi Sr.
1521-640: Was not released in the United States until March 1998. The film is set in London in the winter. A brash American actor, Robin Grange, goes to London to feature in a major new play. The playwright of the production, Felix Webb, is having an intense affair with the leading lady, Hilary Rule. His wife of fourteen years, Elena, suspects that her husband is cheating and cannot suppress her rage. Robin comes up with an intriguing plan; to seduce Felix's elegant wife to end hassling her husband. In desperation, Felix agrees, but soon faces
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