The boys are back! After a four-year hiatus, iconic rock band Bon Jovi has announced that their new tour will begin on July 7, 2026. Fans are ecstatic, as many wondered when — or if — they might ever tour again. Even lead singer Jon Bon Jovi wasn’t sure.
Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesIn 2022, the former “American Idol” mentor reluctantly underwent vocal cord surgery after progressive issues dating back to 2015. Currently, the “Forever Tour” consists of only seven dates spread over two months, with four shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden and three in Europe. It remains to be seen if they plan to extend it, based on Bon Jovi’s vocal health.
Bon Jovi Admits ‘One Cord Was Dying’ Before Breakthrough Surgery
“I think that I can confidently say that I can go and do my 2 1/2 hours night after night after night,” Bon Jovi told Savannah Guthrie on “Today.”
“One of my cords was atrophied, and the strong one was pushing the weak one around,” he explained. “And this [weak] one was dying.” While he’s uncertain why exactly one vocal cord was damaged, he chalks it up to 40 years of performing.
“I found a surgeon that did an implant outside of the vocal cord to help them build back to what they needed to be,” Bon Jovi continued. “The road has been long. It’s been tough. But I persevered.”
“I don’t do it for the applause, I’m not that applause junkie,” he added. “I do it for the joy, and I do it for the art. And the rest of it is great because I’m good at it.”
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for NetflixBon Jovi Exhausted All Options Before Agreeing to Surgery
While seven years of vocal cord issues sounds frustrating, Bon Jovi insists he tried everything. “You name it, I did it,” he told People in 2024. “Anything holistic, Eastern medicines, technology, I would try it. If you came to me and said, ‘I know a Santeria doctor with a voodoo chicken,’ bring him in. I don’t care, I’ll do it.”
“And I tried everything, and I exhausted every possibility before I wanted to succumb to a surgery,” he added.
It turned out to be his friend, Shania Twain, who convinced him. She had the same surgery with the same doctor years before.
“Not only did she reassure me that it would be OK, but I think she also pulled my leg a little bit because she told me I’d be out there a lot sooner than I have been,” Bon Jovi told People. “She says, ‘Well, I told you that because I knew that you might back out otherwise.’ And so, I couldn’t wait to get the operation.”
Jelly Roll Joins Bruce Springsteen and Avril Lavigne for Bon Jovi’s ‘Forever’ Re-Release
While his band hasn’t headlined any tours in a few years, he hasn’t stopped making music. In 2024, they released their 16th studio album, “Forever.” Bon Jovi also collaborated on a remixed version of their song “It’s My Life” with Pitbull, called “Now or Never.” The duo performed the single at the 2024 Latin Grammy Awards.
Most recently, the band announced they’re re-releasing “Forever” on October 24, featuring guest vocalists Bruce Springsteen and Avril Lavigne. But one name — a fellow “American Idol” alum — has many fans doing a double-take: Jelly Roll. The country artist sings on the redemption song, “Living Proof.”
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