History Made: Bon Jovi Rock Band Members Honored with Statue in New Jersey
June 2025 – Sayreville, New Jersey
In an emotional and long-awaited tribute to one of America’s most iconic rock bands, the members of Bon Jovi were immortalized in bronze this weekend as the state of New Jersey unveiled a stunning life-sized statue honoring the band’s decades of musical legacy. The statue, located in Sayreville — the hometown of frontman Jon Bon Jovi — was revealed during a massive public ceremony attended by thousands of fans, state officials, fellow musicians, and the band members themselves.
The event marked a historic moment not only for the band but for the Garden State itself. With roaring cheers, confetti cannons, and a live performance by local artists covering Bon Jovi classics like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive”, the unveiling was more than a dedication — it was a celebration of perseverance, passion, and New Jersey pride.
A Tribute Years in the Making
The bronze statue, titled “Keep the Faith”, features Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, David Bryan, and the late Alec John Such, standing together in classic stage poses with instruments in hand. The monument was commissioned by the New Jersey Arts & Culture Council in collaboration with Bon Jovi fans across the country through a grassroots fundraising campaign that began in 2021.
Sculpted by renowned artist Lisa Ferrante, the statue captures the band’s likeness with remarkable detail — from Sambora’s signature fedora to the microphone tilt that Jon Bon Jovi has made legendary. The base of the statue is engraved with the band’s name, founding year (1983), and a quote from their 2000 hit “It’s My Life”:
“It’s now or never, I ain’t gonna live forever.”
“This is not just a statue — it’s a symbol of resilience, of dreaming big, and of staying true to where you come from,” said Governor Phil Murphy during the ceremony. “Bon Jovi showed the world that you don’t have to be from L.A. or London to make rock history. You can be from Sayreville, New Jersey.”
Jon Bon Jovi Reflects on His Roots
With the crowd chanting his name, Jon Bon Jovi took the stage with a humble smile and teary eyes. “This moment means more than I can say,” he began. “We were just kids with guitars, playing in garages and dreaming of Madison Square Garden. To stand here, in the town that raised me, surrounded by the people who never stopped believing — it’s overwhelming.”
He continued, “This statue doesn’t just belong to us. It belongs to the fans, to every Jersey kid who was told their dream was too big. Look at this and remember — anything’s possible.”
Bon Jovi, now 63, has remained active both musically and philanthropically, founding the JBJ Soul Foundation and opening community restaurants across the country to combat food insecurity.
Reunion and Remembrance
The ceremony brought together surviving original band members, including guitarist Richie Sambora, who left the band in 2013. In a touching moment that surprised and delighted fans, Sambora joined Jon Bon Jovi on stage for a stripped-down acoustic rendition of “Always,” followed by an emotional embrace that drew thunderous applause.
Drummer Tico Torres and keyboardist David Bryan also spoke briefly, with Bryan noting, “We may have played stages around the world, but New Jersey has always been home. This statue brings it full circle.”
A particularly poignant tribute was paid to Alec John Such, the band’s original bassist, who passed away in 2022. A portion of the statue’s base is dedicated to him, with a small plaque reading:
“In memory of the rhythm that never stopped.”
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Since their formation in 1983, Bon Jovi has sold over 130 million records worldwide, earned a Grammy Award, and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Their anthemic songs about working-class struggle, love, and redemption became the soundtrack of the 1980s and beyond. Hits like “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Runaway,” and “Bed of Roses” cemented their place in rock’s upper echelon.
Music historian Carla Martinez, present at the event, remarked, “Bon Jovi redefined arena rock, but more importantly, they brought authenticity and grit to pop culture. Their music wasn’t just entertainment — it was a reflection of the American experience.”
The new statue will serve as the centerpiece of Sayreville’s revamped Riverfront Music Park, a space dedicated to live performances, public art, and music education. Plans are also underway to launch an annual Bon Jovi Day in New Jersey to coincide with the band’s induction anniversary.
Fans Travel from Around the World
Among the crowd were fans from as far as Australia, Brazil, and the UK — some of whom had grown up with Bon Jovi’s music and considered the band part of their personal history.
“Bon Jovi got me through my teenage years,” said Alice Monroe, a 52-year-old fan from Manchester. “Seeing them honored like this — it feels like my own journey is being celebrated too.”
Local businesses in Sayreville also embraced the festivities, offering Bon Jovi-themed menus, merchandise, and even temporary tattoos of the statue silhouette. The entire town radiated a sense of unity and pride.
Rock and Roll, Cast in Bronze
As the sun set over Sayreville and the statue glowed under spotlights, fans continued to gather around it — taking selfies, lighting candles, and singing verses from “I’ll Be There for You.”
In a world where fame often fades and rock bands fracture with time, Bon Jovi’s enduring bond with their roots has now been cast in bronze for future generations.
With this monumental tribute, New Jersey didn’t just honor a rock band. It honored a legacy of grit, glory, and music that refuses to be forgotten.
The Bon Jovi statue is now open to the public at Riverfront Music Park, Sayreville, NJ. Admission is free.
