Honestly, it felt like it might never happen. After Jon Bon Jovi’s terrifying vocal cord surgery in 2022, the "will they or won't they" rumor mill was spinning at a frantic pace. Fans spent years dissecting every interview and looking for clues in the Thank You, Goodnight documentary. But the wait is over. The band is officially back.
We finally have concrete bon jovi concert dates for 2026, and it's not just a quick "one-and-done" appearance. They are calling this the Forever Tour, which sounds both sentimental and like a promise that the Jersey legends aren't ready to hang it up just yet.
Jon has been incredibly open about his recovery. He compares it to an athlete coming back from a major injury—you don't just jump back onto the field and start sprinting. You rehab. You train. You find a new way to move. Or in this case, a new way to sing.
The 2026 Madison Square Garden Residency
The tour kicks off with something special. Instead of a traditional traveling roadshow right out of the gate, the band is setting up shop in New York City. This isn't just a concert; it's a homecoming.
They’ve booked a massive nine-night residency at Madison Square Garden. If you've ever seen them at the Garden, you know the energy is different there. It’s where they’ve played some of their most iconic shows since 1983.
Here is the current rundown for the New York leg:
- July 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, and 26 (2026).
Basically, they are owning Manhattan for the month of July. Ticket prices are already fluctuating wildly on the secondary market, with some starting around $200 and others skyrocketing into the thousands for VIP packages. If you're looking for the "cheapest" night, the mid-week shows like July 9th or July 14th generally show slightly lower entry points than the opening night or the Sunday finales.
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Taking the Show Overseas: UK and Ireland Dates
After they wrap up in New York, the band is heading across the Atlantic. This is a big deal for European fans who haven't seen a full-scale Bon Jovi tour since 2019.
The European leg focuses on massive stadiums. We're talking about the kind of venues where "Livin' on a Prayer" sounds like a literal earthquake.
Edinburgh, Scotland
On August 28, 2026, they hit Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium. Scotland has always had a massive Bon Jovi following, so expect this one to be loud.
Dublin, Ireland
August 30, 2026, takes them to Croke Park. There's a specific kind of magic when an American rock band with Irish-American roots plays Dublin. It's usually a highlight of the entire tour.
London, UK
Finally, they land at Wembley Stadium. They’ve added multiple dates here due to sheer demand. Currently, you can catch them on:
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- September 4, 6, and 9 (2026).
The September 9th show was a late addition after the first two dates nearly sold out during the presale windows.
Why This Tour Is Different
This isn't just a "Greatest Hits" victory lap, though you'll definitely hear the classics. This tour supports the Forever album and the newly released Forever (Legendary Edition).
What’s interesting about the new edition is the collaborations. You’ve got Bruce Springsteen jumping on "Hollow Man" and Joe Elliott from Def Leppard on "Walls of Jericho." While it's unlikely every collaborator will show up at every stop, fans are already speculating about who might walk onto the stage at the Garden. Having The Boss show up for a night in NYC? It wouldn't be the first time.
How to Actually Get Tickets Without Losing Your Mind
Let’s be real: buying concert tickets in 2026 is a blood sport. The "Artist Presale" usually requires a code from the official website, and for the UK dates, many fans got early access by pre-ordering the album.
If you missed the initial on-sale dates in October 2025, you aren't totally out of luck. Platforms like Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, and StubHub are the primary places to look, but you have to be careful with "speculative" listings. Only buy from verified sellers.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the 10 a.m. local time window on Fridays. That’s often when production holds—tickets held back for equipment or guest lists—are released back to the general public.
Jon’s Vocal Recovery: The Elephant in the Room
There has been a lot of talk about whether Jon can still "hit the notes." He’s been very transparent about the medialization procedure he had, which essentially used an implant to help a paralyzed vocal cord function again.
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He’s not trying to sound like he’s 22 anymore. He’s sounding like a 63-year-old rock star who has survived. The shows in 2026 are structured with more "off" days between performances specifically to protect his voice. That’s why you see those gaps in the bon jovi concert dates—it’s a tactical move to ensure every crowd gets a high-quality performance.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Check the official site first: Always start at BonJovi.com for official updates before hitting third-party ticket sites.
- Set alerts: If a show is sold out, use the "remind me" or "alert" features on major ticket apps. Prices often dip slightly 48 hours before a show when resellers get desperate.
- Verify the venue: Make sure you are looking at the 2026 dates. Some older "tribute band" dates or solo appearances can sometimes clutter search results.
- Book travel early: If you're heading to London for the Wembley shows, hotel prices around Wembley Park are already climbing for those September dates.
The bon jovi concert dates for 2026 represent more than just a tour. They represent a comeback that many thought was impossible. Whether you’re a lifelong member of the Backstage with JBJ fan club or someone who just wants to scream the chorus of "Wanted Dead or Alive" one more time, this tour is going to be a massive cultural moment for rock fans.