Bon Jovi Guitarist Sends Exciting Message Before Return to Live Show After Four Years

Bon Jovi fans have a reason to cheer. The band is finally coming back to the stage after more than four years, and guitarist Phil X shared an exciting message about the comeback during a recent interview.

In the interview with Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation, Phil X confirmed that the band has been rehearsing and that Jon Bon Jovi is sounding strong. This is great news because Jon had vocal cord surgery in 2022, which paused live shows for several years.

The band’s last live performance was on Apr. 30, 2022, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Since then, fans have been waiting for their return.

Now, the wait is almost over. The band is launching their Forever Tour, starting with a residency at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The tour kicks off on July 7, 2026, and includes multiple dates through July 26, 2026. 

After the MSG shows, Bon Jovi will travel to Europe with concerts in Edinburgh, Dublin and London, including multiple nights at Wembley Stadium.

Phil X said the plan is moving forward fast. He explained that the number of shows grew quickly, and what started as four nights at MSG expanded to nine shows due to high demand. He even said his wife told him, “You’re doing eight days at Madison Square Garden now,” and then it became nine.

Phil X also shared his guess that a world tour could happen in 2027, but he believes the band wants to make sure everything is planned correctly before traveling widely again.

During the interview, Eddie Trunk asked about Jon’s voice after the surgery and recovery. Phil X said that Jon’s singing is getting better and better every time they rehearse.

Phil X also shared a humorous moment from a December rehearsal. After a band dinner, Jon said to him, “So, tell me about Triumph.” 

Phil X replied that Jon was impressed by how much he plays and joked that he might be in three bands next year.

Phil X also spoke about his other project, the Triumph tour, where the band is moving from a three-piece to a larger group. He explained that the original members will play the entire set, and Phil X, Brent and Todd will help with extra music and harmonies.

Phil X also mentioned how the band is sharing moments during songs. He said Rick often tells him, “After I do this song, I’d like you to have a moment and do your guitar thing.” Phil X described this as “pretty amazing.”

Since the Forever Tour hasn’t started yet, the exact setlist isn’t confirmed. But fans can expect a mix of classic hits like:

• “Livin’ on a Prayer”
• “It’s My Life”
• “Wanted Dead or Alive”
  “You Give Love a Bad Name”

Phil X also hinted that the band will be stronger live because they now have more singers on stage and more instruments, making the sound richer and more exciting.

Related: How Phil X Went From Bon Jovi Fan to Their Full-Time Guitarist