Bon Jovi‘s traditional “Livin’ On A Prayer” show closer came earlier than usual last night at Madison Square Garden, where frontman Jon Bon Jovi ended the concert after about 90 minutes due to vocal issues stemming from a sinus infection. Addressing the crowd, the singer assured them, “We’ll figure out how to reschedule.”
Thursday marked the eighth show of Bon Jovi’s nine-show residency at Madison Square Garden, with shows usually featuring between 20 and 23 songs. After just 13 songs, however, the eponymous frontman told the crowd that he only had one more left in him, inviting singer Pat Monahan (Train) out to help on the “Livin’ On A Prayer” finale.
“I know I’m letting you down, but it’s not like me to do that,” he told the crowd. After singing his final song, he said before walking offstage, “Don’t throw away your ticket stubs I’m going to figure something out okay. Just hang onto it, we’re going to figure out how to reschedule, but I’m going to have to cool it for the night.”
Bon Jovi, Pat Monahan: “Livin’ On A Prayer” — 7/23/26
Video: Harry Ward
A representative for Bon Jovi later shared a statement, writing, “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.”
The band has yet to announce details for the make-up concert, but is scheduled to perform the ninth show of the residency on Sunday. As for rescheduling Thursday’s performance, MSG has a pretty full schedule for the next week, with alternating engagements by Phish (7/24, 7/25, 7/27, 7/29) and Rush (7/28, 7/30, 8/1, 8/3). The next open night at Madison Square Garden isn’t until next Friday, July 31st.
Bon Jovi’s MSG residency and ongoing Forever Tour mark the band’s first extended run of shows in four years. During that time, the lead singer underwent reconstructive vocal surgery that sidelined him for years. The tour’s previous shows occurred without incident, and although the 64-year-old singer’s voice shows some obvious signs of wear, Consequence praised Jon’s valiant effort from the opening notes to the band’s final bows in its review of the first concert.
“If I can’t be great, I’m out,” Jon said at a 2024 Pollstar conference when he was still unsure whether he’d return to the stage.
After the NYC residency, Bon Jovi is due to kick off a series of dates across the U.K. and Ireland on August 28th in Edinburgh. Find tickets and tour dates here and find a full calendar of upcoming MSG shows here.
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