Bon Jovi officially launched its 2026 Forever Tour with a sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden on July 7, marking the band’s first tour since 2022 and Jon Bon Jovi’s return following reconstructive vocal cord surgery.
There was understandable curiosity surrounding Jon’s voice heading into the show. Rather than opening with powerhouse hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name,” the band waited until later in the set, putting even more attention on his vocal performance.
The concert began with a cover of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends,” a fitting choice that reflected the support Jon has received from both his bandmates and fans during his recovery. While he appeared a little cautious early on, he quickly settled into the performance and delivered a two-hour set packed with classic hits and newer material.
His voice isn’t the same as it was in the band’s 1980s heyday, but that’s not the expectation. The backing band helped on some of the more demanding vocal moments, yet Jon handled the majority of the show well. His voice remained steady throughout the night and sounded noticeably stronger than it did during the band’s last tour, suggesting the surgery has been a success.
Throughout the evening, Jon thanked fans for sticking with him during his four-year recovery, making it clear how meaningful this comeback is. Although he wasn’t as energetic on stage as in years past, his connection with the audience never faded.
The setlist mixed Bon Jovi classics with newer songs, though only two tracks from the band’s latest album, Forever, made the final lineup. Fan favorites such as “It’s My Life,” “Keep the Faith,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “Bad Medicine,” and “Livin’ on a Prayer” kept the Garden crowd singing along all night.
Richie Sambora’s absence is still noticeable, even though Phil X and John Shanks continue to do an admirable job filling his role. While longtime fans may always hope for a reunion, the current lineup delivered a strong opening night.
No, this isn’t the Bon Jovi of 1986—but it doesn’t need to be. Jon Bon Jovi showed that he can still lead the band with confidence, and if opening night is any indication, the Forever Tour promises to be an emotional and rewarding experience for longtime fans.
The full setlist from the first Bon Jovi 2026 Forever Tour show at Madison Square Garden
Below is the full setlist from Bon Jovi’s first show of the Forever Tour on July 7.
- “With a Little Help From My Friends” (The Beatles cover)
- “Beautiful Drug”
- “We Weren’t Born to Follow”
- “Lost Highway”
- “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”
- “You Give Love a Bad Name”
- “Born to Be My Baby”
- “Legendary”
- “Whole Lot of Leavin’”
- “In These Arms”
- “Have a Nice Day”
- “It’s My Life”
- “Livin’ on a Prayer”
- “Lay Your Hands on Me”
- “Blood on Blood”
- “Living Proof”
- “This House Is Not for Sale”
- “Keep the Faith”
Encore
- “I’ll Be There for You”
- “Wanted Dead or Alive”
- “Bad Medicine”
Bon Jovi’s Forever Tour will continue through Sep. 9.
