Fender Telecaster player Bruce Springsteen has been named by Bon Jovi as one of their main influences.
Frontman Jon Bon Jovi revealed that he has always enjoyed hard rock over the years.
However, he noted that he and electric guitar player Ritchie Sambora are also keen fans of artists such as Springsteen, Elvis Costello and Bob Dylan.
"They were storytellers," he told the Metro.
"It wasn't just about being heavy metal meatheads."
Bon Jovi said that this combination of influences is one of the ingredients behind the band's distinctive sound.
The rock group, whose hits include Livin' on a Prayer, Keep the Faith and It's My Life, have notched up 25 years in the music business.
However, their frontman insisted that he is not interested in becoming a nostalgia act and has a keen eye on the future.
The band are currently gearing up to play a residency at the O2 Arena in London as part of their world tour next year.
