'Like a big brother': Jon Bon Jovi opens up about his enduring friendship with Bruce Springsteen
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: Singer Jon Bon Jovi is reflecting on one of the most meaningful relationships of his career, opening up about his decades-long friendship with singer Bruce Springsteen in the People's cover story while preparing for a major return to the stage.
Calling him "a dear friend" and "like a big brother," Bon Jovi shared how Springsteen inspired generations of New Jersey musicians. He also reflected on his recovery from vocal cord surgery and the renewed perspective on life he has gained as he prepares to embark on the band's 'Forever Tour.'
Jon Bon Jovi says Bruce Springsteen inspired generations of New Jersey musicians
“I consider myself, jokingly, the prince of New Jersey,” Bon Jovi said of his place in the succession of Garden State music royalty, reflecting on his beginnings at the iconic Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and the influence of Springsteen.
Reflecting on Springsteen's influence, he said, "Being from New Jersey and being at all in the music business, you had to know what the E Street Band was, even if it wasn't your musical tastes. He is the cornerstone of rock and roll."
He continued, "Of course, there was Frank Sinatra, there was Frankie Valli, there was Whitney Houston; there's incredible singers, but the E Street Band was hugely important for anyone who picked up an electric guitar."
He also explained how Springsteen's success inspired aspiring musicians in the state.
"Becoming very good friends over the years remains one of the highlights of my career because they were our Beatles. They made the impossible possible — 25 miles from your house was a guy that was making records."
He further said, "They weren't just the posters on the wall; it was just right there. So when you're 17, that's like seeing Jesus and the disciples."
The singer previously spoke about their friendship in his 2024 docuseries 'Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,' revealing that the two often take long drives together.
He shared, "He was a hero, growing up. [The E Street Band are] all 12, 13, 14 years older, so they're like big brothers. And then, our connection is deep, on a whole different level of friendship, because how many guys can talk like we can talk, in close quarters, about life, and love, and loss. So our relationship is deep, and he's a dear friend of mine, and he really is like a big brother."
Jon Bon Jovi calls upcoming 'Forever Tour' a rebirth after vocal cord recovery
On July 7, Bon Jovi will launch the band's 'Forever Tour,' their first in four years and the first since he underwent surgery for a strained vocal cord. The tour begins with a nine-night residency at Madison Square Garden before continuing with sold-out performances in England and Ireland.
“It’s not about perfection. It’s about excellence,” he said, adding that the next chapter of touring "is a rebirth."
The singer's perspective on life has also shifted following his health struggles. Four years ago, he underwent surgery after a damaged vocal cord threatened his ability to perform.
"I’d often joked and said the only thing that’s ever been up my nose was my finger. I never did anything to hurt the cords; I didn’t have any excesses. I’m a trained vocalist. I’ve practiced the craft," Bon Jovi said.
"So when a doctor had to explain to me that one of the cords was literally atrophying, it was confusing."
While the procedure was successful, Bon Jovi said there was uncertainty about whether he would ever tour again. After years of vocal exercises, coaching, and rehabilitation, he is now ready to return.
"I’m fully recovered," he said. "It was longer than I’d ever expected, but it had to be right. We never lost faith."
The experience also taught him to appreciate life's simplest moments.
"Well, outside of work, what brings me joy is realizing that the sun is shining. It sounds a little trite, but it’s not. I used to always have my nose to the grindstone, always put my head down, thinking of tomorrow, never living in the today."
