The band’s forthcoming LP ‘Forever’ arrives in June
Rock icons Bon Jovi have revealed another sampling of their new album. The record’s second single, “Living Proof,” is out now. It follows the previously released “Legendary.” The New Jersey band’s forthcoming album, Forever, is slated for arrival on June 7 through Island Records and UMG. Stream the official lyric video for “Living Proof” below.
“This record is a return to joy,” says frontman Jon Bon Jovi. “From the writing, through the recording process, this is turn-up-the-volume, feel-good Bon Jovi.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers’ sixteenth studio album Forever will be available on CD, signed CD, cassette, standard black vinyl, limited edition Ocean Waves vinyl, limited edition Ocean Waves vinyl plus an exclusive Instant Photo, limited edition 45 RPM double-LP gatefold black vinyl, and digital download. The lead single “Legendary” is available now as a clear 7-inch vinyl single. Additionally, the band has curated a special merchandise line surrounding the release, which includes t-shirts and hoodies.
Check out all the physical versions of the album, cover art, and tracklisting below.
Many fans were hopeful that this new record could mark the reunion between Bon Jovi and former founding guitarist Richie Sambora, who left the band back in 2013. Although it’s confirmed that Sambora was not involved with the new album, the door for future collaboration isn’t completely shut. In a recent interview with Audacy, Jon Bon Jovi said that there’s “nothing but love” between Sambora and the band.
“Hey, the door would always be open,” Jon said when asked about the possibility of performing with Sambora again. “It’s not that, but 11 years ago for reasons that were certainly nothing to do with the band, he walked out. There was no animosity, there was nothing but love. But we had a show that night and subsequently had one the next night, and for 11 years, I’ve been making records and doing shows. So everyone knows where the bus stops, you show up at work…but there’s nothing but love. So Richie’s gone on, on his own and he raised his daughter. So if he wanted to show up and play sometime [with Bon Jovi], he knows the songs. No animosity, I could promise you that.”
Along with the release of their new music, Bon Jovi are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their landmark self-titled debut album, Bon Jovi. The band recently revealed a very special reissue of the album. The announcement is the first in a series of upcoming surprises celebrating their four decades as a band.
“We can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we released Bon Jovi – the record that changed our lives forever,” the band said. “We can’t wait to share more with you! Thank you to everyone who’s been a part of our journey so far.”
The limited-edition ruby color vinyl features a new alternate cover design, high-end tip-on jacket, and an exclusive lithograph from an early Ross Halfin photo session of the band. The album has been newly remastered from the original tapes for this release. The exclusive vinyl is limited to just 5,000 pieces.
The limited edition cassette includes for the first time full lyrics and the band photo from the LP sleeve, elements missing from its original release on tape. In addition to the vinyl and cassette, the band has curated a special merchandise collection surrounding the record which includes t-shirts, a long-sleeved tee, tote bags, and a calendar.
Released on January 21, 1984 through Mercury Records, Bon Jovi’s self-titled LP peaked at No. 43 on the Billboard 200. The record’s lead single, “Runaway,” put the New Jersey band on the map. The track gave Bon Jovi a hit on the Hot 100, and would go on to become a staple song in the band’s storied catalog. Since its release, Bon Jovi has been certified double platinum by the RIAA.
Hulu recently announced a new Bon Jovi docu-series ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story.” It is the first documentary about Bon Jovi will full cooperation from all band members, past and present. It is set to premiere on Friday, April 26 exclusively on Hulu.
Back in October, Jon Bon Jovi was named the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year. He was honored at the annual benefit on Friday, February 2 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, two days ahead of the 66th annual GRAMMY® Awards. MusiCares is the Recording Academy’s philanthropic organization which provides people in the music industry with health and human services, as well as mental health assistance and addiction recovery.
During a red carpet interview with E! News at the MusiCares Person of the Year event in Los Angeles on Friday, February 2, Jon Bon Jovi confirmed that new music is on the way, but he was being coy about upcoming tour dates.
“Well, I don’t know about the road yet,” Bon Jovi stated, “But the [new] album is coming in June, single in March. It’s called “Legendary.” In fact, I’m gonna play it tonight, so we’re very excited about the record and the film, and everything to go with this 40th [anniversary.]”
Jon Bon Jovi has been extremely busy as of late. In addition to working on new music with the band, the legendary frontman is opening up his very own restaurant and bar in Nashville, Tennessee. JBJ’s Nashville this spring, a massive restaurant and bar on the Lower Broadway stretch in Nashville, Tennessee. At 37,000 square feet, JBJ’s Nashville will be the tallest nightlife attraction on Broadway. With the opening JBJ’s, Jon Bon Jovi joins other high-profile entertainers who own hotspots in Nashville like Jason Aldean, The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, and Eric Church, who opens his Chief’s on Broadway on April 5.
“We’re looking forward to having a place in Nashville that we call home,” Jon Bon Jovi said. “When Big Plan Holdings and the team of Josh and Tara Joseph asked us if we were interested, it wasn’t because we were just another rock band, it was because we are a band with deep roots in Nashville. We have had wonderful times in Nashville recording several albums and working with some of the finest people in all the music business. I can’t wait to toast all of Broadway and get to know our neighbors!”
“As the first ground up development on Lower Broadway since 2017, the development has allowed us to position JBJ’s to be the most operationally efficient establishment in the heart of Music City,” said Sean Marshall, President of BPH Hospitality.
“The vision for JBJ’s extends beyond a singular bar; it’s about shaping the future of hospitality,” adds Eric Russell, Chief Investment Officer at BPH. “Our commitment is reflected in the scale and innovation of this project.”
The design of JBJ’s Nashville aligns with the city’s Broadway Historic Preservation Overlay, ensuring a seamless blend of the past’s charm with an innovative future. Its strategic location at 405 Broadway, a site steeped in musical lore, promises entrances on both Broadway and 4th Avenue and two fifth-story outdoor rooftop decks with breathtaking panoramic views along with a myriad of other unique and special surprises.
In October of 2020, Bon Jovi released their politically-conscious LP, simply titled – 2020. Originally slated for release in May, the record ended up being pushed back to October because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart.
“I don’t think anyone will forget what their lives were like between March and September of 2020,” Bon Jovi told Rolling Stone of their new album at the time. “I think this is the Spanish Flu all over again. But none of us, you and I or our parents, were alive 100 years ago. So this is that moment for us. This song won’t be about shoulder pads and having a hairstyle. This will mark a moment in time.”
The album followed up their 2016 smash hit, This House Is Not for Sale. The record hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums chart.