BON JOVI you give love a bad name VERP26

Few songs have ever announced a band’s arrival with the sheer, explosive force of “You Give Love a Bad Name.” This is the single that transformed Bon Jovi from a promising rock band into global superstars, and we’re looking at the UK 10-inch shaped pressing on the Vertigo label with the catalog number VERP26.

Released in 1986 as the lead single from their third album, “Slippery When Wet,” this song was a game-changer. From the instant, acapella shout of the title to Richie Sambora’s iconic, driving guitar riff, “You Give Love a Bad Name” is a masterclass in arena rock. Co-written with hitmaker Desmond Child, the track is a perfectly engineered piece of hard rock radio gold, featuring an unforgettable chorus that was impossible to ignore.

This song was the world’s first taste of the sound that would define the era. It was bigger, catchier, and more polished than their previous work, establishing the template for the brand of melodic, anthemic rock that would dominate the airwaves for the rest of the decade. The song rocketed to number one on the charts in the US and was a massive hit worldwide, setting the stage for “Slippery When Wet” to become one of the best-selling albums of all time.

This 7-inch single is a true piece of 80s rock history. On the B-side is another powerful track, “Raise Your Hands,” which would become a staple of the band’s live shows. Owning this single is owning the very spark that ignited the Bon Jovi phenomenon. It’s a snapshot of a band on the cusp of world domination, captured on a perfect slice of vinyl.

For any fan of 80s rock, hair metal, or the history of popular music, this single is an absolutely essential artifact. You can find this iconic record in our store or on our website.