Introduction
In 2013, during an electrifying performance at Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Wasen Festival, Jon Bon Jovi noticed something that caught his eye amidst the sea of fans. There, in the massive German crowd, stood a young boy holding a sign with a daring proposition: “Jon, do you dare to rock with me to ‘Wanted’ on stage?”
Without hesitation, the rock legend accepted the challenge.
The audience erupted as 11-year-old Marco was escorted from the crowd onto the main stage—a dream moment that would make any rock enthusiast green with envy. The young fan looked every bit the part of a rockstar-in-training, sporting a leather jacket, worn jeans, and a bandana that perfectly captured the essence of classic rock. But as the crowd would soon discover, Marco’s rock credentials extended far beyond just his appearance.
The interaction began with some playful banter, with Jon quipping to the audience, “I’m not Justin Bieber, y’know”—drawing laughs from the crowd. What followed was nothing short of magical. Initially shy, Marco quickly found his confidence after Bon Jovi playfully dubbed him “Jon Bon Marco” and handed him a microphone. When the young fan finally unleashed his voice during their duet of “Wanted Dead or Alive,” the audience was visibly stunned. His surprisingly powerful vocals, delivered with authentic cowboy swagger and impressive pitch control, earned thunderous applause and visible admiration from every member of the band.
In a touching moment of mentorship, when Marco almost accidentally stepped into Phil X’s guitar solo spotlight, Bon Jovi gently guided the boy aside with a reassuring hand on his shoulder. It was a subtle but meaningful gesture—the rock icon ensuring his young protégé not only had his moment to shine but also learned valuable stage etiquette in real-time.
The footage of this heartwarming performance has since garnered over 2.45 million views online, with fans worldwide commenting not just on Marco’s remarkable confidence, but on Bon Jovi’s genuine warmth and evident joy in sharing his stage. As one commenter perfectly captured: “Jon Bon Jovi isn’t just a rock legend—he’s a legend of a human being.”
This extraordinary encounter transcended being merely a concert highlight; it represented a beautiful demonstration of humility, passion, and music’s unique ability to connect across generations. And for young Marco? It was an unforgettable introduction to rock stardom that couldn’t possibly have begun on a more spectacular note.
Video
Lyrics
It’s all the same, only the names will change
Every day it seems we’re wasting away
Another place where the faces are so cold
I’d drive all night just to get back home
I’m a cowboy
On a steel horse I ride
I’m wanted dead or alive
Wanted dead or alive
Sometimes I sleep, sometimes it’s not for days
The people I meet always go their separate ways
Sometimes you tell the day by the bottle that you drink
And times when you’re alone, well, all you do is think
I’m a cowboy
On a steel horse I ride
I’m wanted (Wanted) dead or alive
Wanted (Wanted) dead or alive
Oh, and I ride
Ooh, I’m a cowboy
On a steel horse I ride
I’m wanted (Wanted) dead or alive
But I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back
I play for keeps ’cause I might not make it back
I’ve been everywhere, (Oh yeah) still I’m standing tall
I’ve seen a million faces and I’ve rocked them all
‘Cause I’m a cowboy
On a steel horse, I ride
I’m wanted (Wanted) dead or alive
And I’m a cowboy
I got the night on my side
And I’m wanted (Wanted) dead or alive
And I ride (And I ride), dead or alive
I still drive (Still drive), dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive