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Bon Jovi Kick Off Wembley Stadium Comeback: Stage Times, Setlist & Tickets

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Jon Bon Jovi poses on the Wembley pitch during a special announcement of the "Forever Tour" at Wembley Stadium on October 24, 2025

Bon Jovi Return to Wembley Stadium for Three-Night London Residency

Bon Jovi are back in London for the first time in seven years, launching a three-night stint at Wembley Stadium as part of their 2026 Forever Tour. The legendary New Jersey rock band, fronted by Jon Bon Jovi, will perform on Friday, September 4, Sunday, September 6, and Wednesday, September 9, with gates opening at 5pm each night. Support comes from British singer-songwriter James Bay, who is expected to take the stage around 6:30pm on Friday and Wednesday, and 6pm on Sunday. Bon Jovi themselves are slated to start at approximately 7:45pm on the weeknight shows, with an earlier 7:15pm start on Sunday to comply with curfew restrictions.

The Wembley dates mark the culmination of the UK leg of the Forever Tour, following performances at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium on August 28 and Dublin’s Croke Park on August 30. The tour, which kicked off with four sold-out nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden in July, is the band’s first major trek since Jon Bon Jovi underwent vocal cord surgery. The shows come amid the release of their 16th studio album Forever (2024) and its companion Forever (Legendary Edition), which features collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Robbie Williams, and Avril Lavigne.

For fans still hoping to attend, tickets remain available for all three dates through official outlets like Ticketmaster, though availability is limited. The shows are expected to wrap up around 10:15pm on Friday and Wednesday, and 9:45pm on Sunday.

Stage Times and Support Act Details

When Do Doors Open?

General admission doors open at 5:00pm for all three Wembley Stadium concerts. VIP Early Entry ticket holders can enter from 4:00pm. The curfew is set for 10:30pm on Friday and Wednesday, with a slightly earlier close on Sunday.

Who is Supporting?

James Bay, the English singer-songwriter known for hits like "Hold Back the River" and "Let It Go," will open all three shows. His set times are scheduled as follows:

When Does Bon Jovi Hit the Stage?

Based on the tour’s typical schedule, Bon Jovi will likely perform a two-hour-plus set. Expected start times are 7:45pm on Friday and Wednesday, and 7:15pm on Sunday. These are subject to change, so fans are advised to arrive early.

Context: A Comeback Seven Years in the Making

Bon Jovi’s return to Wembley is significant for several reasons. The band last performed at the iconic stadium in 2019, and the intervening years have been marked by personal and professional challenges for the group. In 2022, Jon Bon Jovi revealed that he had undergone vocal cord surgery, a procedure that threatened his singing career. His recovery and the subsequent release of Forever marked a triumphant return to form, with the album debuting to positive reviews and the single "Legendary" receiving heavy radio play.

The current lineup, which includes longtime members David Bryan (keyboards) and Tico Torres (drums), alongside guitarist Phil X, bassist Hugh McDonald, and percussionist Everett Bradley, has been touring extensively. Guitarist John Shanks, who joined the band officially in 2024, also features. Notably absent is Richie Sambora, who left the group in 2013, but fans have grown accustomed to the current iteration’s energetic live shows.

The Wembley concerts are part of a broader trend of classic rock acts dominating stadium tours in 2026, with the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and the Eagles all undertaking major residencies. For Bon Jovi, the London dates are particularly emotional, as the band has a long history with the city. Their 2000 shows at Wembley were among the first to sell out the then-new stadium, and the band has consistently cited London as one of their favorite cities to perform in.

Setlist Predictions: What Will They Play?

The exact setlist for Wembley has not been announced, and as with any tour, it may vary slightly from night to night. However, based on performances at Murrayfield and Croke Park, fans can expect a career-spanning set that mixes 1980s anthems with newer material. Songs almost certainly on the list include:

From the Forever album, tracks like "Legendary," "Living Proof," and "Waves" have been performed regularly on the tour. The band has also been known to throw in covers or deep cuts to keep things fresh. As reported by Setlist.fm, the Edinburgh show included a moving tribute to the late Bruce Springsteen collaborator, and fans at Wembley might be treated to special guests.

Perspective: Nostalgia Meets New Material

Bon Jovi’s Wembley residency underscores a larger trend in the music industry: the enduring power of legacy acts. While new artists struggle to fill venues, veteran bands like Bon Jovi are commanding stadiums, thanks to a devoted fanbase that has grown up with their music. The addition of two extra shows due to “phenomenal demand” is a testament to the band’s staying power.

For Jon Bon Jovi, now 64, these performances are also a personal victory. His recovery from vocal cord surgery was documented in the 2024 documentary Thank You, Goodnight, which aired on Hulu. The film showed the singer grappling with the possibility that he might never sing again. His return to the stage has been met with emotional responses from fans, many of whom feared the worst.

At Wembley, the band is not just playing to nostalgic fans but also introducing their music to a new generation. The Forever (Legendary Edition) features collaborations with contemporary artists like Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson, bridging the gap between classic rock and modern country. This cross-genre appeal has helped keep Bon Jovi relevant in an era where streaming dominates.

The London shows also have economic implications. With tens of thousands of fans descending on the Wembley area, local businesses are set to benefit. According to reports, hotels near the stadium are fully booked for the weekend, and restaurants are preparing for a surge in customers. The concerts add to a busy autumn calendar in London, which includes the NFL games at Tottenham and the return of the London Marathon.

Logistical Information for Concertgoers

For those heading to Wembley Stadium, here’s what you need to know:

Last-Minute Tickets and COVID-19 Considerations

As of September 4, tickets are still available for all three nights, although Friday’s show is nearly sold out. Fans can check the usual outlets like Ticketmaster, See Tickets, and the Wembley Stadium box office. Resale platforms like Twickets and StubHub may offer last-minute deals, but be wary of scalpers. The Manchester Evening News advises that official resale is the only safe option.

There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place, and masks are optional. However, attendees are encouraged to wash hands frequently.

The band’s label, Island Records, has also released a special Wembley edition of Forever, featuring a live recording of "Livin' on a Prayer" from the Edinburgh show. This limited-edition vinyl is available at the stadium’s merchandise stands.

A Look Ahead: What’s Next for Bon Jovi?

After the London shows, the Forever Tour continues with dates in Europe and Asia, before wrapping up in South America in December. While there are no immediate plans for another album, Jon Bon Jovi has hinted in interviews that the band is already working on new music. “We’re not done yet,” he said in a recent interview. “The creative spark is still there.”

The Wembley concerts also coincide with the 40th anniversary of the band’s formation in 1983. A documentary, Bon Jovi: 40 Years, is scheduled for release later this year, featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews with all past and present members.

For fans who have followed Bon Jovi since the early days of "Runaway," these shows are a reminder of the band’s resilience. As the My London article points out, Bon Jovi’s music has soundtracked generations, from the big-haired era of the 80s to the pop-rock dominance of the 90s and their evolution in the new millennium. The Wembley residency is both a celebration and a farewell — though Jon Bon Jovi is quick to correct that. “Farewell, yeah, but we’ll keep coming back. As long as you keep singing along.”

For additional context on how other events are shaping London’s cultural scene, check out our piece on Kate's 2017 Words on William and Harry Resurface as Reunion Looms. And if you’re looking for financial advice on attending big-ticket events, our article on Why Low-Rate Borrowers Dominate Extra Mortgage Payments might offer an unexpected perspective.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out

Bon Jovi at Wembley Stadium is more than just a concert — it’s a moment in rock history. With a setlist that spans four decades, a support act that adds international flavor, and a venue that’s hosted the world’s biggest acts, it’s an unmissable event for any music lover. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, the shows promise high energy, raw emotion, and a few surprises. Secure your tickets now, plan your journey, and get ready to sing your heart out.

For live updates from the shows, follow our live blog on Today’s News, and check back for reviews and photo galleries. For more on the band’s history and discography, visit the Bon Jovi official site.

Reporting by [Your Name], SEO Journalist.

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