Before they formed as Bon Jovi, John and the guys played in various bands in Jersey. Many times they played in the Trenton area at places like Carnegie Hall and The River. 

Hugh McDonald was an old buddy of Steve Mosley. He and Steve toured and recorded with the David Bromberg Band and Phoebe Snow. He also played on Bruce Foster's "After The Show" album. He later toured with Clarence Clemmons and the Red Bank Rockers.

John Bongiovi (on right) with Jack Ponti in 1980.
This was when he first joined the band, The Rest.

Richie Sambora in 1980 when he was in the band, The Next.

Lord Gunner Group
l to r: Lance Larson, John Mulhern (?), Steve Rava, Rickie DeSarno and Tico Torres in 1980 when he was part of the legendary Asbury Park band.

Alec John Such (4th from left) in 1980 when they were in the very popular cover band, Phantom's Opera. Richie's friend Louie Russomano is on the left.

That's Hugh McDonald in the back row, center with the hat. This is from the cover of the 1975 David Bromberg Band album: "Midnight On The Water". On the front row, far right is Steve Mosley who played drums with Richie in the Next.

Atlantic City Expressway
David Bryan Rashbaum - back row 1st on left
John Bongiovi - bottom center