# Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet album history

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bon-jovi-slippery-when-wet-album-history
> Updated: 2026-08-20T13:31:35.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

As the Bon Jovi album ‘Slippery When Wet’ approaches its 40th anniversary, details regarding its production and history have resurfaced. Released in 1986, the record became a global phenomenon, selling over 28 million copies worldwide and featuring hits such as ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’ and ‘Livin’ on a Prayer.’

Jon Bon Jovi recently provided insight into a last-minute redesign of the album’s cover art. The original design, which featured a highly sexualized image of a woman’s torso, was reportedly deemed ‘career suicide’ due to its provocative cropping. This issue was identified after 500,000 copies had already been printed. To rectify the situation, a new design was created featuring the album title written on a wet black trash bag, a concept inspired by the aesthetic of AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black.’

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Jon Bon Jovi explains redesign of ‘Slippery When Wet’ album cover

Jon Bon Jovi revealed how he avoided ‘career suicide’ by replacing the provocative original cover of the 1986 album ‘Slippery When Wet’ with a design featuring text on a wet trash bag.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jon-bon-jovi-explains-redesign-of-slippery-when-wet-album-cover

### 2026-08-17: Bon Jovi album Slippery When Wet approaches 40th anniversary

Bon Jovi’s landmark album ‘Slippery When Wet’ approaches its 40th anniversary in August 2026, celebrating the record that propelled the band to global superstardom with hits like ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bon-jovi-album-slippery-when-wet-approaches-40th-anniversary

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Cite as: Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet album history. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bon-jovi-slippery-when-wet-album-history