Jon Bon Jovi had a triumphant return to Madison Square Garden and surprised fans with a special guest.
According to videos shared via social media from the Sunday, July 26, concert in New York City, Bon Jovi, 64, was joined by Bruce Springsteen for two duets.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only Bruce Springsteen,” Bon Jovi told the crowd as Springsteen, 76, walked on stage. “The king of the great state of New Jersey. Who says you can’t go home?”
Bon Jovi and Springsteen performed two songs together: the rock band’s song “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” as well as The Boss’ “The Promised Land.”
Not only are Springsteen and Bon Jovi both proud to call New Jersey their home state, but the pair have become close friends over the years. Bon Jovi has spoken highly of Springsteen’s music and cited his work in the E Street Band as his inspiration during the early days of his career.
This show was Bon Jovi’s final performance during his MSG residency. The concert also came three days after Bon Jovi had to abruptly end his Thursday, July 23, show after 90 minutes. After performing his hit “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Bon Jovi shared with the audience he was unable to continue.
“Don’t throw away your ticket stubs. I’m going to figure something out,” he told the crowd. “Just hang onto it. I’m going to figure out how to reschedule.”
Before exiting the stage, Bon Jovi added, “I’m gonna have to cool it for a night. I feel great. I’ll see you again soon. Bye-bye.”
Bon Jovi’s spokesperson told Us later on Thursday that the singer had been suffering from a sinus infection.
“The Bon Jovi concert at Madison Square Garden ended after 90 mins tonight,” the statement read. “Jon Bon Jovi spoke from stage and told fans he has been battling a sinus infection, which led to the show’s early ending. As part of the Bon Jovi residency at Madison Square Garden, Jon has said numerous times that it has been a joy to return to live shows for the band. Updated information will be available shortly.”
While Bon Jovi’s MSG residency has come to the end, the rock star has more performances up his sleeve. Next month, Bon Jovi’s Forever Tour will head to Edinburgh.
Four years ago, Bon Jovi underwent surgery to fix an atrophying vocal cord. While he recovered from the procedure, the Grammy winner was unsure if he would be able to perform live again.
“Although I’m well on the road to recovery and was able to take my time and do a song a day when I made the record, my need, want, desire is to be able to do two-and-a-half hours a night, four nights a week, for months on end,” he said in a March 2024 interview with Boston’s Mix 104.1 radio station. “And so I’m working towards that goal.”
