The power ballad[3] was allegedly recorded by Jon Bon Jovi because Emilio Estevez requested Bon Jovi's song "Wanted Dead or Alive" for the soundtrack to Young Guns II, but Bon Jovi did not think the lyrics—about the band constantly touring—fit the theme of the Western movie. However, the request inspired him to write "Blaze of Glory" with lyrics more topical to the film.
In 1990, guitarist Aldo Nova wrote the main guitar riff used in the Jon Bon Jovi song, "Blaze of Glory".[4] In 1991, to return the favor, Jon Bon Jovi worked with Nova to release Blood on the Bricks on Bon Jovi's label Jambco Records.[4]
The song features a music video and remains a crowd favorite with Bon Jovi fans, despite the fact that the song was not released as one of the band's singles, and only by Jon. The track is notable for the performance of Jeff Beck on guitar. The music video was filmed at The Rectory near Moab, Utah.
* Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
^Breihan, Tom (October 4, 2021). "The Number Ones: Jon Bon Jovi's "Blaze Of Glory". Stereogum. Retrieved December 8, 2023. The song is probably too long, and it's definitely chasing the same mythic country-rock grandeur that Steve Earle brought to 1988's "Copperhead Road