An intermediate semiconductor structure and method for low-pressure wire bonding that reduces the propensity of dielectric material to mechanical failure due to any wire bonding stresses. Roughened surfaces such as metal pillars or metal dendrites are provided on a bonding pad, bonding wire or both. These roughened surfaces increase reactivity between the bond wire and the bond pad to form strong bonds. This increased activity as a result of the roughened bonding pad and/or wire surfaces reduce the amount of pressure, temperature and energy required for wire bonding, which in turn, avoids damage to the bonding pad as well as the semiconductor substrate.