The Shocking Truth: Who Is (And Isn't) Touring With Bon Jovi On The 'Forever' Tour?
As of December 23, 2025, the question of "who is touring with Bon Jovi" has a surprisingly simple, yet currently unconfirmed, answer: no official supporting acts have been announced for the band’s highly anticipated 2026 ‘Forever Tour.’ This monumental return to the road follows the release of their 2024 album, Forever, and marks a critical milestone in frontman Jon Bon Jovi’s recovery from a serious vocal cord surgery, making the focus entirely on the main act for now.
The ‘Forever Tour’ is not just another concert series; it is a testament to the band’s resilience and a celebration of their 40th anniversary, kicking off in July 2026. While the legendary rock act has historically brought out major names and rising stars, the current buzz is centered squarely on Jon Bon Jovi’s voice and the core band members who will be taking the stage for the first time in years. The lack of an announced opener keeps fans guessing and speculation high, but it confirms that the main event—the return of Bon Jovi—is the singular focus.
The Bon Jovi Touring Lineup: A Detailed Biography and Profile
For the upcoming 2026 ‘Forever Tour,’ the band will feature a formidable and seasoned lineup, including the core founding members and the musicians who have become integral to the Bon Jovi sound over the last decade. This is the collective who will be playing the new hits from the Forever album and the timeless classics like "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Always."
- Jon Bon Jovi (Lead Vocals, Acoustic & Rhythm Guitar)
- Full Name: John Francis Bongiovi, Jr.
- Born: March 2, 1962, Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
- Role: Founder, primary songwriter, and charismatic frontman. The 2026 tour is particularly significant as it marks his return to full-scale touring after undergoing vocal cord surgery in June 2022, a journey documented in the 2024 Hulu docuseries, Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story.
- David Bryan (Keyboards, Piano, Backing Vocals)
- Born: February 7, 1962, Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
- Role: A founding member and the key instrumentalist responsible for many of the band’s iconic melodic hooks and piano intros. He is also a Tony Award-winning composer for the Broadway musical Memphis.
- Tico Torres (Drums, Percussion)
- Born: October 7, 1953, New York City, New York.
- Role: Another founding member, known as "The Hitman." His powerful, consistent drumming has been the backbone of the band for over four decades. Torres is also a successful painter and sculptor.
- Phil X (Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals)
- Full Name: Philip Eric Xenidis
- Born: March 10, 1966, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Role: Officially replaced original guitarist Richie Sambora in 2016 after filling in since 2013. Phil X brings a fresh, energetic style while honoring the band's classic sound.
- Hugh McDonald (Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals)
- Born: December 28, 1950, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Role: The band’s long-time session bassist who officially became a member in 2016. He has played on nearly every Bon Jovi album since 1994's These Days.
- John Shanks (Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals)
- Role: A Grammy-winning producer and songwriter who has worked closely with the band for years, often joining them on the road to add depth to their live sound.
- Everett Bradley (Percussion, Backing Vocals)
- Role: An accomplished musician who adds essential percussion and vocal harmonies, rounding out the band’s massive stadium sound.
The Unconfirmed Opener: Why No Supporting Act Has Been Announced Yet
The biggest question for fans securing tickets to the 2026 ‘Forever Tour’ is about the supporting lineup, and the most current information confirms that no opening acts have been publicly announced. This is a significant detail, especially for a band of Bon Jovi’s stature, and it points to several possibilities regarding the tour’s focus and structure.
The primary reason for the delay or outright omission of a major supporting act is likely the context of the tour itself. This run of dates—kicking off with nine shows at Madison Square Garden and including major international stops—is a momentous return after Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal cord surgery. The band is focusing on delivering a powerful, full-length performance to prove that the legendary voice is back, healthy, and ready to rock. Every minute of stage time is likely being reserved for the main event, minimizing the need for an extensive opening set.
Furthermore, Bon Jovi has historically been known for lengthy, career-spanning setlists, often playing for well over two hours. The ‘Forever Tour’ is expected to prominently feature tracks from the 2024 album, Forever, alongside their deep catalog of hits, which already requires a substantial block of performance time.
Past Supporting Acts and Potential Future Collaborations
While the 2026 opener remains a mystery, looking at Bon Jovi’s history provides a strong indication of the caliber of acts they tend to tour with. The band has a history of bringing out both established rock legends and emerging artists, offering a massive platform to a diverse range of musicians. This history adds topical authority and helps fans speculate on who might eventually join the bill.
In the past, Bon Jovi has toured with a diverse array of bands, proving their willingness to cross genres and generations:
- Hard Rock Legends: On their early tours, such as the famous Slippery When Wet Tour, they shared the stage with other iconic acts like Twisted Sister, Keel, and Winger.
- Alternative and Indie Acts: They have also toured with bands like The Smithereens and Toloader, showcasing their appeal across different rock subgenres.
- Country Crossovers: During their Lost Highway era, which saw them embrace country influences, they toured with major country stars like Big & Rich, who even joined them on stage for their duet "We Got It Going On."
The band’s 2024 album, Forever, was re-released as a “Legendary Edition” featuring guest artists, which provides another source of speculation. While these artists—including Bruce Springsteen, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, and Jason Isbell—were featured on the album, their inclusion does not confirm a touring role. However, their diverse presence on the record suggests that if Bon Jovi does add a supporting act, it could be a major name from the rock, country, or even pop-rock worlds.
The Richie Sambora Question: The Most Requested 'Touring Member'
No discussion about Bon Jovi’s touring lineup is complete without addressing the elephant in the room: former lead guitarist Richie Sambora. Sambora’s departure in 2013 left a void that Phil X has admirably filled, but the hope of a reunion remains a constant topic among fans.
The most recent and definitive information suggests that Sambora will not be touring with Bon Jovi on the ‘Forever Tour.’ While there was speculation and fan rumors about his return, the official tour announcement features the current, stable lineup. Sambora himself has focused on other projects, and his absence remains a key point of discussion for any Bon Jovi concert series. For now, the ‘Forever Tour’ is a showcase of the band’s present and future, not a look back at the past lineup, cementing Phil X and John Shanks as the guitar duo for this monumental return.
What to Expect from the Bon Jovi Live Experience
Whether or not a supporting act is announced, fans attending the 2026 ‘Forever Tour’ can expect a high-energy, emotionally charged performance. The tour is a victory lap for Jon Bon Jovi’s successful vocal recovery and a celebration of four decades of rock anthems. The current touring band is a collection of world-class musicians who are more than capable of delivering a stadium-shaking show without any opener. The setlist is expected to be a perfect blend of nostalgic hits like "Runaway," "You Give Love a Bad Name," and "It's My Life," alongside the fresh, mature sound of the Forever album. The focus will be on the core band, the legendary songs, and the triumphant return of one of rock’s most enduring voices.
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