Forty years after Bon Jovi released 'Slippery When Wet,' the landmark album that catapulted the New Jersey rock band to international superstardom, legendary rock photographer Mark “WEISSGUY” Weiss is bringing the celebration back to the Jersey Shore.
On Friday, November 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, The Art Spot Gallery in Asbury Park will host a special 40th anniversary photography exhibition celebrating Bon Jovi’s 'Slippery When Wet' era through the lens of the photographer who captured some of the band’s most unforgettable moments.
The exhibition will feature rare and iconic photographs taken by Weiss during Bon Jovi’s explosive rise to fame. From the original 'Slippery When Wet' album cover photo shoots to backstage dressing rooms, life on the tour bus, behind-the-scenes adventures, and electrifying live performances, the photographs offer fans an intimate look at Bon Jovi during one of the most exciting periods in rock history.
The evening will also mark the premiere of a brand-new ROCK SCENE RELOADED special collector’s issue, dedicated entirely to Weiss’s photographs of Bon Jovi during the 'Slippery When Wet' era.
40 YEARS OF 'SLIPPERY WHEN WET'
Released on August 18, 1986, 'Slippery When Wet' became one of the most successful rock albums of the decade, producing three enduring hits: “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.”
The album helped transform Bon Jovi from an up-and-coming New Jersey band into international rock superstars, filling arenas and captivating millions of fans around the world.
Weiss was there to document the journey. His photographs captured the band’s personalities, friendships, backstage antics, and larger-than-life performances, creating a visual record of a defining moment in rock ’n’ roll history.
The Art Spot exhibition brings those moments together, offering fans a rare opportunity to revisit the excitement of the 'Slippery When Wet' years through photographs taken by someone who experienced them firsthand.
PREMIERING THE NEW ROCK SCENE RELOADED BON JOVI SPECIAL ISSUE
One of the highlights of the exhibition will be the premiere of an all-new ROCK SCENE RELOADED collector’s edition, devoted entirely to Bon Jovi’s 'Slippery When Wet' era and featuring the photography of Mark “WEISSGUY” Weiss.
Featuring 100 full glossy pages, the special issue takes readers on a visual journey from the album cover sessions and recording studios to backstage moments, life on the road, and the massive world tour that followed.
Packed with rare photographs, iconic portraits, pin-ups, centerfolds, and behind-the-scenes images, the magazine celebrates the music, style, personalities, and excitement that defined Bon Jovi’s breakthrough years.
The special issue will make its debut at The Art Spot, where fans can meet Weiss, view the exhibition, and celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of rock’s most influential albums.
Weiss will also be signing copies of his acclaimed photography book, "The Decade That Rocked."
LIVE MUSIC BEGINS AT THE ART SPOT
The celebration gets underway at 5:00 PM at The Art Spot Gallery, located at 1100 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park.
At 6:00 PM, Bon Jovi tribute band Never Say Goodbye will perform a special acoustic set, bringing the music of Bon Jovi to the gallery during the anniversary exhibition.
The festivities then continue across the street at the legendary Wonder Bar, where doors open at 7:00 PM and Never Say Goodbye takes the stage at 8:00 PM for two full electric sets celebrating the music of Bon Jovi.
Special guest Bill Panyik, who performed with Jon Bon Jovi in one of his early bands, will also be part of the celebration.
ROCK YOUR LOOK — THE ULTIMATE ROCK ’N’ ROLL CONTEST
Fans are encouraged to break out their leather jackets, big hair, bandanas, ripped jeans, and best 1980s rock ’n’ roll looks for the ROCK YOUR LOOK CONTEST at the Wonder Bar.
Contestants will have the opportunity to show off their rock-star style onstage, with judging taking place following the first electric set and winners announced after the second set.
The grand prize is a professional photo shoot with legendary rock photographer Mark “WEISSGUY” Weiss, giving one lucky fan the opportunity to step in front of the camera of the photographer who captured some of rock’s biggest stars.
Additional prizes include classic rock photographs, magazines, T-shirts, and more.
Fans who register in advance at ROCKSCENE.COM will receive a 'Slippery When Wet' Bon Jovi poster.
EVENT DETAILS — FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2026
THE ART SPOT GALLERY — 5:00 PM TO 7:00 PM
1100 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
40th Anniversary 'Slippery When Wet' Photography Exhibition
Rare Bon Jovi album cover, backstage, tour bus, and concert photographs
Premiere of the new ROCK SCENE RELOADED Bon Jovi Special Issue
Meet photographer Mark “WEISSGUY” Weiss
"The Decade That Rocked" Book Signing
6:00 PM — Never Say Goodbye Acoustic Performance
WONDER BAR — 7:00 PM DOORS / 8:00 PM SHOW
Across the street from The Art Spot, Asbury Park, NJ
Never Say Goodbye — Two Full Electric Sets
Special Guest Bill Panyik
ROCK YOUR LOOK Contest
Grand Prize: Professional Photo Shoot with Mark “WEISSGUY” Weiss
Additional Prizes and Rock ’n’ Roll Giveaways
Wonder Bar tickets: $20 HERE
The Art Spot gallery exhibition is open to all until Dec 6th (check times and days open at the Art Spot). For contest registration and additional information, visit ROCKSCENE.COM.
