Bon Jovi reinvents itself

March 17, 2017 at 12:05a.m.

Life changed for the members of Bon Jovi exactly three decades ago when the band’s 1986 album “Slippery When Wet” went platinum, while hit singles “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Wanted Dead or Alive” and “Never Say Goodbye” held radio hostage.

“At the time, we were supporting .38 Special, and it was almost like we could have flip-flopped,” said drummer Tico Torres, calling from Florida. “It was like the whole world opened up. It was a great time – right place, right music. It was worldwide No. 1, and besides being blessed, we just couldn’t believe it. It was a complete turnaround for the band.”

Looking back to not only that breakout album, but also its 1988 follow-up “New Jersey,” Torres said the entire experience remains a blur due to the band’s seemingly nonstop touring schedule that included more than 500 shows.

These days, life in Bon Jovi isn’t as hectic. The group’s last album, 2013’s “What About Now,” was followed by a hiatus before the band members – Torres, Jon Bon Jovi (vocals/guitar) and David Bryan (keyboards/vocals) – reconvened for the first time without longtime guitarist Richie Sambora to record its latest effort, “This House is Not for Sale.”

When asked about how the lineup change affected the studio experience, Torres talked about how Bon Jovi had to reinvent itself.

“It’s not easy mixing in new members, but John Shanks not only produced the record, he played on it,” Torres said. “Also, there was wonderful talent Phil X, who has added so much to the band.

“So, it’s a new generation of the band. It’s a growth period. It’s nice to be able to feel comfortable with that, move on and really come up with something that we enjoy.”

While stylistically “This House is Not for Sale” falls right in line with other recent Bon Jovi albums such as “The Circle” and “What About Now,” one difference for Torres is how it was recorded. The drummer said the outfit went back to its early roots recording the entire new album live on the floor.

Torres pointed to the album’s title track and “Scars on my Guitar” as examples where the creative synergy is most evident. Fans attending Bon Jovi’s Sunday show at Quicken Loans Arena will hear plenty of new material, as well as all of the group’s classics.

Actually, whether you’re attending one of the concerts or not, you’ll be able to hear the show in its entirety. For the first time, Bon Jovi is putting up every one of its shows on its website for fans to buy and download.

Looking over the group’s history, there’s one event – or memory – that hasn’t happened yet for Torres and company. Despite Bon Jovi’s massive success and longevity, and after its only nomination for the Class of 2011, the band still hasn’t been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“I’m not surprised at all,” Torres said. “There are so many great bands that still aren’t in yet. They will be. Because there’s such a plethora of great music since the ’50s, I guess you have to wait your turn.”