Bon Jovi start nine-date residency at Madison Square Garden
See photos, video and setlist
Bon Jovi made their return at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night (7th July), performing their first large-scale concert since Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal cord surgery.
Eponymous frontman Jon Bon Jovi had previously been battling voice issues for several years, and he told fans in February 2024 that he was rehabilitating after surgery for an atrophied vocal cord.
In June 2025, Bon Jovi played their first full concert in over three years at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee in front of just 1,500 lucky fan club members. Mobile phones were strictly banned at the event.
After Jon Bon Jovi announced he was “fully recovered” last month, Bon Jovi took to the stage for the first of nine sold-out Madison Square Garden shows.
Arriving onstage to a rapturous reception following a video intro, the New Jersey rock legends launched into a cover of The Beatles’ ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ performed in the style of Joe Cocker’s feted rearrangement.
While Jon’s voice wasn’t as strong as his 80s prime, it’s clear that it has significantly improved compared to recent years, and he was able to reach high notes he hasn’t hit for well over a decade – and they were met with cheers from the 22,000-strong crowd.
READ MORE: Bon Jovi: Everything to know about the 'Livin' On A Prayer' legends
Alongside new material from their latest albums, including ‘Forever’ and ‘2020’ songs, Bon Jovi’s 21-song set was packed with classics like ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’, ‘It’s My Life’, ‘Keep the Faith’ and, of course, ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’.
Saving three colossal tunes for the encore, Bon Jovi’s set ended with ‘I’ll Be There for You’, ‘Wanted Dead of Alive’ and ‘Bad Medicine’.
Following the New York residency, Bon Jovi play outdoor shows in Edinburgh and Dublin in August, and a three-night London Wembley Stadium residency in September.
Bon Jovi’s setlist at New York Madison Square Garden:
With a Little Help From My Friends
Beautiful Drug
We Weren't Born to Follow
Lost Highway
Who Says You Can't Go Home
You Give Love a Bad Name
Born to Be My Baby
Legendary
Whole Lot of Leavin'
In These Arms
Have a Nice Day
It's My Life
Livin' on a Prayer
Lay Your Hands on Me
Blood on Blood
Living Proof
This House Is Not for Sale
Keep the Faith
Encore:
I'll Be There for You
Wanted Dead or Alive
Bad Medicine