In an in-depth interview with Haymai, Jon Bovi Jovi opens up about the “joyous” new Bon Jovi album Forever, his ongoing recovery from vocal surgery, and the inspiration he draws from both rock legends and modern pop icons. As the band celebrates its 40th anniversary, Bon Jovi reflects on their journey, the challenges of the past few years, and what the future might hold.
Haymai: Your new album, ‘Forever,’ is about to be released. This marks Bon Jovi’s 16th studio album and comes in time for your 40th anniversary as a band. What made you decide to focus on new music instead of leaning into nostalgia?
Jon Bovi Jovi: I’ve never had a shortage of thoughts and ideas for new music. We’ve always wanted to continue striving to make great albums. Sure, we could have done a greatest hits or something to celebrate 40 years, but that’s never been our style. I still have things to say, and as long as that’s the case, I’ll keep writing. Plus, I think our fans appreciate hearing something fresh from us.
Haymai: ‘Forever’ is highly anticipated, especially after the success of its lead single ‘Legendary.’ How does it feel to see the positive reception, especially after everything you’ve been through?
Jon Bovi Jovi: It’s mind-blowing, really. Every artist is ecstatic about their new album, but to have ‘Legendary’ become a hit? You have to laugh. You think you’ve got it every time, but I’ve been disappointed more often than I’ve been surprised or pleased. The fact that it’s resonating with people, even after all these years, is incredible. It’s proof that we’re still connecting, still relevant.
Haymai: Speaking of relevance, ‘Legendary’ was chosen as the theme tune for the Japanese drama ‘Blue Moment.’ That’s quite a cultural crossover—how did you react to the news?
Jon Bovi Jovi: Honestly, I was like, “Get the fuck out of here.” It’s wild to think that generations, cultures, and languages may divide us, but our music remains relatable. It’s amazing that we’re still able to have that connection. It’s proof that we’re not dead yet. Music has that kind of power—it transcends boundaries.
Haymai: At one point, the album was going to be called ‘Legendary.’ Why did you decide against it?
Jon Bovi Jovi: It felt a bit too presumptuous. You can call yourself ‘legendary’ in the mirror all you want, but you can’t say it in public—it would just be too much. It’s one thing to think it, another to proclaim it. ‘Forever’ just seemed more fitting for where we are as a band right now.
Haymai: The recent documentary ‘Thank You, Goodnight’ touches on your vocal surgery in 2022. How has your recovery been, and did it affect the making of ‘Forever’?
Jon Bovi Jovi: The process of singing in the studio wasn’t difficult; it was just different. What you see in the documentary was two years ago now, and I’m much further down the road to recovery. But I never approached ‘Forever’ thinking it could be our last album. There’s still a lot of life in this band.
Haymai: You’ve mentioned you’re not ready to book any live shows until you’re back at 100 percent. How’s that process going?
Jon Bovi Jovi: I’m still not confident I could do two-and-a-half hours a night, four days a week. I won’t book a gig until I’ve done that on a rehearsal level. Right now, we’re rehearsing once a month just to see the progress. I’m not there yet, and it blows. But I’m not going to push it. I’ll only return to the stage when I know I can give it everything.
Haymai: You’ve cited The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen as inspirations. How do they influence your perspective on aging in rock?
Jon Bovi Jovi: Those guys are role models, not only to us but to the generation that came after us. The Stones are still setting the bar, McCartney’s still making records at 81, and Springsteen is doing three-and-a-half-hour concerts at 74. People don’t want you to be average—they want you at your best. I don’t ever want to be Fat Elvis. You learn from those who came before you. If I can’t give it my all, I won’t do it.
Haymai: With technology like ABBA’s Voyage avatar show, could you see Bon Jovi doing something similar in the future?
Jon Bovi Jovi: I’m not opposed to it because, to me, it’s a jukebox. It’s no different than people listening to your music on the radio. If it keeps the music alive and lets fans experience it, then why not? But that’s something for down the road.
Haymai: ‘Forever’ has been described as a hopeful album, especially compared to the politically charged ‘2020.’ What inspired this shift in tone?
Jon Bovi Jovi: It’s joyous because we’re on the brink of something. The next six months in America are going to be very telling, and whatever happens will reverberate around the world. There’s a lot of uncertainty, but there’s also hope. The album reflects that—there’s a sense of unity and optimism that we need right now.
Haymai: As you look back on 40 years of Bon Jovi, what do you want your legacy to be?
Jon Bovi Jovi: A good catalogue of good music—that’s what I want to be remembered for. Some people got on this ride in 1984 with ‘Runaway’, others joined in ‘88 with ‘It’s My Life’, and now there’s a new generation discovering us through streaming and Disney+. How cool is that? The journey continues, and as long as the music resonates, that’s all that matters.
Haymai: Final thoughts on the album and your journey so far?
Jon Bovi Jovi: Life is a series of ups and downs, struggles, little victories, and big defeats, all rolled into one. ‘Forever’ is about embracing that journey, with all its twists and turns. After 16 albums, I can finally say I know exactly what I’m trying to say with each song. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m grateful for every moment.
Jon Bovi Jovi’s ‘Forever’ is set to be released on June 7, promising to be a celebration of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of rock music. As the band marks their 40th anniversary, they continue to push forward, driven by a legacy of great music and the promise of what’s still to come.