Recent news headlines involving Bon Jovi have hinted at a possible post-tour hiatus for the veteran rock group. So it might have come as a surprise to some when the band announced earlier this week the addition of a dozen more dates on their upcoming tour of North America.
The new Live 2011 Tour leg sticks primarily to eastern and southern U.S. and Canadian markets. The fresh round of dates begins with an April 30 headlining set at Jazz Fest in New Orleans, with the regular tour dates picking up May 3 at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, ON.
The late spring leg includes concerts on May 7 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT, and May 15 at Amway Center in Orlando, FL. The Live 2011 Tour completes its North American circuit May 22 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO.
Ticket prices are consistent with Bon Jovi’s earlier domestic dates this year, starting just under the $20 mark and reaching up to the $150 range, based on Ticketmaster.com listings. New onsale start-dates and times vary depending on market tomorrow, with the earliest beginning February 4 and others starting February 7, 9 and 11.
Market-specific ticket information can be found on Bon Jovi’s official Web site.
The previously announced spring 2011 tour launches soon, with opening night set for February 9 at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, PA. Before the latest addition of dates, 21 concerts were confirmed through March 25 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON.
Initial ticket sales for the original Live 2011 Tour dates have been strong, landing Bon Jovi on top of TicketNews’ exclusive event rankings late last year. The rock veterans are still riding high on the success of the Circle Tour in 2010, which earned Billboard Touring Award nominations for “Top Tour” and “Top Draw,” and was named the No. 1 worldwide concert tour by industry publication Pollstar.
But after the Live 2011 Tour wraps, it’s unclear when fans will next see Jon Bon Jovi and his eponymous band on the concert circuit.
During a recent conference call, drummer Tico Torres told reporters, “Sometimes you need to get away so people can appreciate you better,” according to Rolling Stone. He estimated that he and his bandmates would need “a couple years off for sure” after 2011.
Guitarist Richie Sambora wasn’t as quick to commit to such a lengthy hiatus. “We do need a little bit of a break, but not that much of a break,” he was quoted, and adding later, “We’re gonna keep on going and writing new, great songs, go in the studio and make great records, evolve more and get back into stadiums and give people a great, great show.”
Bon Jovi – Live 2011 (Late Spring) itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)
| April 30 | New Orleans, LA | New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival |
| May 3 | Ottawa, ON | Scotiabank Place |
| May 4 | Montreal, QC | Bell Centre |
| May 6 | Uniondale, NY | Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum |
| May 7 | Uncasville, CT | Mohegan Sun Arena |
| May 10 | Columbus, OH | Nationwide Arena |
| May 12 | Des Moines, IA | Wells Fargo Arena |
| May 14 | Atlanta, GA | Philips Arena |
| May 15 | Orlando, FL | Amway Center |
| May 17 | Houston, TX | Toyota Center |
| May 19 | Memphis, TN | FedExForum |
| May 21 | Milwaukee, WI | Bradley Center |
| May 22 | St. Louis, MO | Scottrade Center |
