Armin Van Buuren Admits “It Wasn’t Easy” to Remix a Bon Jovi Classic, ‘Keep The Faith’

A groundbreaking fusion of trance and rock, this long-awaited rework redefines a classic.

Armin van Buuren has lived through countless career-defining moments, but few compare to Jon Bon Jovi gracing the stage at Ultra Music Festival in 2024 with an official remix of “‘Keep The Faith”. The legendary rock icon joined the Dutch DJ on stage to unveil a reimagined version of ‘Keep The Faith’, sending shockwaves through both dance and rock communities. Now, the track is finally here, merging two distinct yet powerful musical worlds.

EDMNOMAD caught up with electronic titan and Armada music label boss, Armin van Buuren after a successful 2-day ASOT festival, on his Jon Bon Jovi remix. Read the full exclusive interview here.

A Rock Anthem Reborn in Dance Music

Bringing Bon Jovi into the electronic scene was a bold move, but Armin van Buuren knew exactly what he was doing with the remix.

“I’ve been a massive fan of Jon Bon Jovi for years,” Armin reveals. “I remember buying his album as a kid. I chose ‘Keep The Faith’ because it’s such an iconic song, and I felt it would work well in an electronic production. Judging by the crowd’s response, I think we nailed it!”

The collaboration started as a passion project, blending Bon Jovi’s anthemic energy with Armin’s signature trance euphoria. The challenge? Maintaining the soul of the original while crafting a club-ready banger.

“It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure,” Armin admits. “But rock energy can be a great undercurrent for trance music. The raw synth riff has a bit of a rock guitar edge, in my mind. Add a thick kick drum and a powerful drop, and it’s ready to demolish clubs.”

The Iconic Ultra Music Festival Moment

What began as a studio experiment turned into an unforgettable live moment when Jon Bon Jovi stepped onto Ultra Music Festival’s main stage. The unsuspecting crowd erupted as the rock legend delivered a historic surprise performance with Armin.

“Reworking this track was an incredible honor,” Armin shares. “But having Jon Bon Jovi join me on stage at Ultra was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Rock music has always inspired me, and I’ve been a Bon Jovi fan for ages, so this was truly special. I’m thrilled the track is finally out in the world.”

Jon Bon Jovi himself embraced the collaboration wholeheartedly, proving that rock and dance music share the same electrifying spirit.

“Bon Jovi songs have had some unique and epic moments over the years,” the rock legend shares. “But this is truly a highlight. Armin is a total pro, and I was thrilled to work with him on this track. I had a blast at my first Ultra—the crowd was absolutely electric. Thanks to Armin for having me.” Jon Bon Jovi concludes.

The Legacy of ‘Keep The Faith’

Originally released in 1992, ‘Keep The Faith’ was the lead single from Bon Jovi’s album of the same name. The track reached #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed into the top 10 in the U.K. and Canada, becoming a rock anthem of its era.

Now, Armin van Buuren delivers the first official dance rework, injecting modern electronic energy into a timeless hit. With Bon Jovi’s unmistakable vocals and Armin’s trance-driven production, this remix bridges generations and genres, proving that great music knows no boundaries.

Would Armin van Buuren reimagine more rock classics in the future?

“Why not?” he says. “I look back at the process and think it was an amazing experience. Every artist is different, and I’m willing to work with anyone who brings something fresh and exciting to the table.”

With ‘Keep The Faith’ now unleashed into the world, fans can experience the magic of this groundbreaking collaboration—one that unites rock and trance in an unforgettable way. Stream it here.