Jon Bon Jovi's journey to the top with the Giants Stadium holds a special place in his heart. The Sayreville-born rocker vividly recalls the magic of that iconic venue. In 1989, when he finally made it there with Bon Jovi, it was a moment of great significance.

The Magic of Giants Stadium

Bon Jovi often spoke of the unique charm of the Giants Stadium. It was the place where dreams came true. As a surprise guest deejay on SiriusXM's E Street Radio on November 25th, he played "Wrecking Ball" by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. This song held a special meaning as it was about the tearing down of the stadium. Giants Stadium was the venue where the New York Giants and the Jets played football, creating countless memories. For Bon Jovi, playing there in 1989 was beyond his wildest dreams.The stadium was open from 1976 to 2010 and witnessed 24 performances by Springsteen and the E Street Band starting in 1985 with the "Born in the U.S.A." tour. E Street closed the stadium with a five-show run in late September and early October of 2009, debuting "Wrecking Ball." The last song played was "Jersey Girl," adding to the emotional farewell.

Opening MetLife Stadium

Bon Jovi shared that the agreement was for E Street to close the Giants Stadium while Bon Jovi was set to open MetLife Stadium in May 2010. The song "Wrecking Ball" with its powerful lyrics was the perfect anthem for this transition. Being in the stadium for games and shows was a blessing, and Bon Jovi cherished those memories.

Fall Sundays in MetLife Stadium

In the 1980s, Bon Jovi spent fall Sundays in MetLife Stadium, hanging out with the champion Giants. He also took on the role of DJ, playing a variety of songs including "The Promised Land," "Born to Run," "Darkness on the Edge of Town," "Atlantic City," "Adam Raised a Cain," "Murder Incorporated," and a duet with Springsteen on "You Give Love a Bad Name" recorded in 1998 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank during a benefit concert for a slain Jersey Shore police officer.

The E Street Band's Legacy

For Bon Jovi, the E Street Band was like the Beatles when growing up in New Jersey. As a young boy, he would drive to Asbury Park, cutting his teeth in the music business. He was lucky to encounter members of the Jukes and the E Street Band in the bars. On magic nights, he might even run into Southside or Bruce himself.The E Street Band's influence and presence at the Giants Stadium left an indelible mark on Bon Jovi and the music scene. It was a place where history was made and memories were created.Subscribe to app.com for the latest on the New Jersey music scene.Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at cjordan@app.com.