In a new interview with Sound On Sound, Jon Bon Jovi confirmed that he will be releasing a new version of the band’s 2024 album “Forever” that features collaborations with other artists.
Though he did not reveal the singers and musicians who will appear on the LP, he did share a few details, telling writer Joe Matera:
“This is an album that we’re very proud of, and I think it’s the best Bon Jovi record since ‘Lost Highway’ or at least ‘Have A Nice Day’. We love every song on it and it was a joy to make this album, but I just wasn’t ready to go and book shows post-surgery recovery. So, I reached out to a number of friends and I said, ‘If you guys would sing a verse here and there, it’ll give this great album another life.’”
He continued, saying that he hopes Bon Jovi will be able to get back on tour soon: “My focus moving forward is on the re-release of ‘Forever’, and God willing, getting back out on the road and running that project through its life.”
Bon Jovi’s guitarist Phil X also recently revealed the band has been getting together for secret rehearsals. ”I can’t disclose too much information, but I can disclose that we were rehearsing, working on some music, and rocking out, and that’s it actually,” he said.
“I’m hoping [we get some shows], I got my fingers crossed. It’d be nice to get out there again,” he added.
“Forever” marked Jon’s return to the studio after undergoing surgery in an attempt to repair his damaged vocal cords in 2022. As a result of his vocal issues, Bon Jovi were unable to tour in promotion of the album.
Last June, Jon told The Guardian that his voice is still not healed enough for him to go on tour.
“It’s a work in progress,” he said at the time. “There’s no miracle. I just wish there was a f*cking light switch. I’m more than capable of singing again. The bar is now: can I do two and a half hours a night, four nights a week? The answer is no.”
But the 63-year-old musician is not ready to retire and give up the possibility of playing live again. “It lights you up when you’re out there. As long as I have the ability, I will write songs and make records.”
