Jon Bon Jovi has played down speculation that Bon Jovi’s upcoming tour could be their last.
The Livin’ on a Prayer rockers have announced a run of stadium shows in 2026 but the frontman has denied suggestions that it will be the band’s farewell.
Jon, who had surgery on his vocal cords in 2022 that left him doubting if he would tour again, told the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast: “I’ve always been a pretty resilient guy, and I’ve always had a will. 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. When I couldn’t [tour], because I physically couldn’t, that was disheartening, but I didn’t want to not do it. I’m not doing this for the applause, I’m not doing it for the money, I’m not doing it for the fame.
“I’ve had enough of all of it. But I would like to feel that joy and the resonance, even if it were only one last time. I don’t think this is anywhere near a farewell tour or anything like that, 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.”
Bon Jovi’s Forever Tour will begin at New York’s Madison Square Garden next July before the group performs shows in the UK and Ireland and Jon is delighted to be hitting the road with the Bad Medicine artists once again.
The 63-year-old singer said: “There is a lot of joy in this announcement – joy that we can share these nights together with our amazing fans and joy that the band can be together.
“I am lucky enough to be able to hold a light out to the audience each night and stand in their reflection for a tremendous collective experience – I get to stand in the WE of our concerts. And I’ve spoken extensively on my gratitude but I will say it again, I’m deeply grateful that the fans and the brotherhood of this band have been patient and allowed me the time needed to get healthy and prepare for touring. I’m ready and excited!”