Jon Bon Jovi, the celebrated lead vocalist of the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Bon Jovi, is focused on his health over immediate touring plans. Following vocal cord surgery in 2022, the 62-year-old rocker hesitates about embarking on a rigorous touring schedule.
The acclaimed frontman, a Grammy recipient, acknowledged undergoing “extensive reconstructive surgery” on his vocal cords and discussed the significant effects this has had on his personal and professional life. His reflections came during a panel at Pollstar Live and continued at a Hulu panel for the Television Critics Association, both happening in February 2024. The surgery took place 19 months prior, as reported by PEOPLE.
Bon Jovi revealed that he sought the expertise of a physician in Philadelphia who performed a procedure known as medialization. This was necessary due to the severe atrophy of one of his vocal cords. “Common issues like nodules are one thing, and then there are deviated septums and other complications from wear and tear. The only thing I’ve ever inserted in my nose is my finger,” he candidly shared.
He demonstrated a significant discrepancy between his vocal cords, using his thumbs, with the healthier one overshadowing the compromised one. The vocalist noted that medical professionals rectified the issue by inserting a plastic implant. “I’ve been undergoing rehabilitation for nearly two years now, striving to regain my former condition,” he stated. Now, he feels he is on the brink of reclaiming his true self.
He mentioned, “My return to the stage happened on Friday night,” referring to his performance at the MusiCares Person of the Year award ceremony on February 2. “With the album completed, my focus is now on building up to performing for two and a half hours, four nights a week, before I consider touring seriously. However, I have great trust in my physician.”
As the band announces their 16th studio album, “Legendary,” set for release in June 2024 through Island Records, Jon Bon Jovi’s aspirations to tour remain tempered by the need for a full recovery. The upcoming album, described as a “return to joy” by the singer, coincides with the band’s 40th anniversary, a testament to their enduring legacy in the music industry.
Jon Bon Jovi, comprising Bon Jovi alongside bandmates David Bryan, Tico Torres, Phil X, and Hugh McDonald, last toured in 2022. Their previous album, “This House Is Not For Sale,” supported by a global tour spanning 2017 to 2019, demonstrated the group’s unwavering appeal.
“Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” set to premiere on Hulu on April 26, promises an in-depth look at the band’s journey. It will offer fans unprecedented access to personal stories, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with both past and present members. This docuseries, alongside the release of “Legendary,” celebrates the resilience and creativity of one of rock music’s most beloved acts.
As Jon Bon Jovi and his bandmates prepare for the next chapter in their illustrious journey, the anticipation for “Legendary” and the accompanying documentary underscores Bon Jovi’s enduring impact on the rock music landscape.
