Originally a 1986 arena-rock anthem, Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive” took on new life in a famed acoustic performance during the ’90s. Stripped of its electric roar, the Unplugged version highlighted the song’s raw songwriting and cowboy-on-tour spirit through Richie Sambora’s twangy twelve-string guitar and Jon Bon Jovi’s heartfelt vocals. This acoustic rendition, which the band played at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards (helping to kickstart the Unplugged craze), proved that a great song works even without amplification. The renewed popularity of “Wanted Dead or Alive” in the ’90s showcased Bon Jovi’s enduring appeal and influenced many rock bands to explore acoustic arrangements. It remains a fan favorite — whether plugged in or pared down, the song’s outlaw imagery and anthemic chorus carry the same electric charge.