38-Year Old Bon Jovi Song Gets Reborn
PHOTO: Under Black Sky by Michael Levine
Bon Jovi’s in the air these days. Between their 40th Anniversary, the four-part Hulu docu-series currently streaming (Thank You Good Night: The Bon Jovi Story), and the new Forever album due June 7, Jon and the boys are experiencing one of those late-career renaissance moments few actually get to achieve. Now comes news that one of the their most beloved tunes, “Wanted Dead Or Alive,” the third single off their 1986 third album, Slippery When Wet, has been covered and revitalized by Florida band Under Black Sky.
Under Black Sky says in a press release that, “we wanted to pay homage with our rendition of 'Wanted Dead or Alive.' We wish them well and can't wait to see them back bigger and better than ever, doing what they do best. After all, so many of today’s rock bands wouldn’t exist today without pioneers like Bon Jovi that helped pave the way for so many."
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The story goes that Jon Bon and Richie Sambora were inspired to write “Wanted Dead Or Alive” after loving “Turn The Page” by Bob Seger. Under Black Sky’s version is roots-reverent yet adds a hard modern kick. Comprised of vocalist Mike Craig, drummer Jimmy Adams, bassist Jeremy Sevens and guitarist Dirk Mercer, the band morphed from its original incarnation as Farewell To Fear. Covid ruined a lot for the band but a metamorphosis took place. They released three singles last year and are primed to have an even better 2024. To that end, “Hell To Pay,” their first 2024 single, hit home hard. Now, with the release of “Wanted Dead Or Alive,” they can even be construed as Classic Rock.