Key Highlights
- Bon Jovi confirms upcoming stadium shows in 2026 are not a farewell tour.
- The band will perform at Madison Square Garden and across the UK/Ireland.
- Jon Bon Jovi discusses his resilience and motivation behind the tours.
- New version of ‘Forever’ album features collaborations with other artists.
Bon Jovi Defends Upcoming Tours as Not a Farewell
Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Bon Jovi have definitively stated that their upcoming stadium shows in 2026 are not meant to be a farewell tour. Speaking on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, Jon Bon Jovi addressed rumors circulating about the band’s future plans and emphasized his hope for these performances to be joyous ones.
Resilience and Motivation
Jon Bon Jovi shared his personal journey and resilience in overcoming challenges. “I’ve always been a pretty resilient guy, and I’ve always had a will,” he stated. “My wife had said… ‘he would will it into existence’. I would just go and just plough through that field until I got to the other side.” The singer spoke candidly about his vocal cords surgery in 2022 and how it nearly prevented him from continuing to tour. However, he expressed a strong desire to return to the stage for one more time.
“I don’t think this is anywhere near a farewell tour or anything like that,” Jon Bon Jovi continued. “But if it were, you could trust that these few shows that I’ve announced are going to be joy filled because this gratitude, humility, opportunity to go out there and do it again is all heartfelt.” The band has lined up a series of concerts for the summer of 2026, including four nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City and major shows across Edinburgh, Dublin, and London.
Announced Tours
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will embark on a tour that includes:
- July 2026: Four nights at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY
- August 2026: Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (August 28)
- September 2026: Dublin, Croke Park (September 30) and London, Wembley Stadium (September 4)
The general sale for tickets will begin on October 31 at 9am local time. Fans can purchase their UK/Ireland tickets here and US tickets here.
New Album Release
Accompanying the tour announcements, Bon Jovi released a new version of their album ‘Forever,’ featuring reinterpretations of songs from the original with collaborations by notable artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Avril Lavigne, Robbie Williams, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Ryan Tedder, and Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott. This move underscores the band’s continued relevance in the music industry and their willingness to engage with new audiences through innovative releases.
The article concludes by noting that Bon Jovi has already released a 16th album celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary and a Disney+ documentary film titled ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story.’ Jon Bon Jovi expressed his hesitancy to return to the stage due to health concerns but emphasized his commitment to his fans and the joy of performing live.
These upcoming shows represent not just a comeback for Bon Jovi after their vocal cord surgery, but also a testament to their enduring legacy in the music industry. The band’s determination to connect with their fans through these performances highlights the power of resilience and dedication in the face of personal challenges.
