Runaway (Bon Jovi song)

Infobox Single
Name = Runaway


Artist = Bon Jovi
from Album = Bon Jovi
B-side =
Released = 1983
Format = CD single
Recorded = June 1982
Genre = Hard rock
Length = 3:50
Label = Mercury Records
Writer = Jon Bon Jovi George Karak
Producer = Tony Bongiovi Lance Quinn
Certification =
Last single = -
This single = "Runaway"
(1983)
Next single = "She Don't Know Me"
(1984)

"Runaway" is a Bon Jovi song. It was originally written and recorded in 1982, by Jon Bon Jovi (then still under his given name of John Bongiovi), before the formation of the band Bon Jovi. The track was recorded by Jon Bon Jovi and a group of studio musicians known as "The All Star Review," which included Hugh McDonald (bass) (who now plays bass for the band Bon Jovi) and Tim Pierce on guitar (from Rick Springfield's band at the time). The keyboard intro was written by Mick Seeley (then of "John Bongiovi and the Wild One's", and later with SouthSide Johnny and the Asbury Jukes).

In 1983, local radio station WAPP 103.5FM "The Apple" had a contest, held in conjunction with St. John's University, to search for the best unsigned band. After the song won the contest, it became an instant hit in the summer of 1983.

Runaway was later released as the first single from Bon Jovi's self titled debut album. It hit the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 at #39 in early-1984 and became the band's first Top 40 hit in US. It should also be noted that it is the only song from the bands' first two albums that is still performed live.

In recent live performances, frontman and occasional rhythm guitarist Jon Bon Jovi has been known to do a short guitar solo near the end of the song, something which he has rarely (if ever) done before onstage.

A dance/club remake of "Runaway" was released in July 2008 [http://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Knock-Three-Times/dp/B001CY6JOE [http://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Knock-Three-Times/dp/B001CY6JOE/] ] by "DJ Freddy Retro featuring Jim Davis Jr." on Casa Records [http://www.tunecore.com/music/casarecords [http://www.tunecore.com/music/casarecords] ] .

The song was recently featured on a MasterCard commercial.

References