Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jon Bon Jovi says he will be ‘done’ with music if his singing voice deteriorates after vocal recovery

Bon Jovi frontman underwent surgery for atrophied vocal cord two years ago

Ellie Muir
Sunday 14 April 2024 13:14 BST
Comments
Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bon Jovi has said that he will be “done” with music if his voice continues to struggle following vocal injury.

The Bon Jovi frontman, 62, underwent surgery for an atrophied vocal cord two years ago and is currently doing vocal rehabilitation sessions every day.

In a new interview with The Sunday Times, Bon Jovi said that if his vocal capabilities decline and affect his performance, he will be “done”.

“If the singing is not great, if I can’t be the guy I once was … then I’m done,” he said. “And I’m good with that.”

‘If the singing is not great, if I can’t be the guy I once was … then I’m done,’ said Bon Jovi frontman
‘If the singing is not great, if I can’t be the guy I once was … then I’m done,’ said Bon Jovi frontman (Getty Images for The Recording A)

When asked by the interviewer if he is suggesting he will never sing again, he replied: “There is a big difference between being in a studio and going out on the road. We have just recorded a new album. I sing in vocal therapy every day.”

“But I want to perform for two and a half hours a night, four nights a week – and I know how good I can be, so if I can’t be that guy … put it this way, I don’t ever need to be the fat Elvis.”

The “Livin’ on a Prayer” musician said at a Q&A event last week that he is more than capable of singing now that his recovery process is in full swing.

Jon Bon Jovi photographed in February
Jon Bon Jovi photographed in February (AFP via Getty Images)

“I’m well into the recovery. I’m more than capable of singing. It’s just that for me, the bar is two and a half hours a night, four nights a week, before I say we’re going to go and do any shows.”

“So I’m well back on the road to recovery – not a day of it’s easy. Every day is a struggle, but I’m more than capable of doing it again. I’m f****ing Bon Jovi!” he added.

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up
Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

The musician explained that one of his vocal chords was as “thick as a thumb” but the other was “thick as a pinky”, so had the procedure to make them equal again.

Bon Jovi’s experiences of vocal recovery will be depicted in Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, a four-part documentary that charts the journey of four teenage friends from New Jersey who became one of the world’s most successful rock bands.

It then follows the band to the present day and chronicles the frontman’s rehabilitation journey.

The music legend said he was keen to get back on the road and tour when his forthcoming album, Forever, is released on 7 June.

“Like I said, it’s my 18th album and we worked as hard or harder on this album as I did on Slippery When Wet, in fact, harder because we’re not as naïve as we were in 1986,” he said of the album’s making.

“But I do think sometimes about the athlete who eventually has to come to terms with a next chapter in their life,” he said.

Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story will premiere on Disney Plus on 26 April.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in