When Jon Bon Jovi, lead vocalist of Bon Jovi, announced the Forever Tour 2026, fans got a surprise: a stadium show at Croke Park in Dublin on August 30, 2026. The Irish ticket‑master MCD Productions disclosed four price tiers – €82.25, €91.25, €96.25 and €116.25 – all fees included. This marks the band’s first Irish gig since July 10, 2013, and signals Jon’s full‑throttle return after a year‑and‑a‑half vocal‑cord recovery.
Background and the tour announcement
Back on October 23, 2025, The Irish Times ran a short piece confirming the Dublin date, citing an official press release on MCD’s website. The press release also listed four other stadium stops: three nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden (July 7, 9 and 12) and a show at Scotland’s Murrayfield Stadium on August 28. The itinerary was framed as a celebration of the band’s 43‑year career, with the Dublin leg positioned as the grand finale of the European swing.
Ticket details and the presale puzzle
Ticketing is being handled entirely by MCD Productions, a subsidiary of Live Nation Entertainment. Fans can register for an exclusive presale portal, but the exact opening date hasn’t been announced. What is clear: anyone who pre‑orders the “Forever (Legendary Edition)” album from the band’s online store will receive a presale code. The tiered pricing mirrors the band’s recent U.S. shows, where seats in the lower bowl start at $95 and premium stands climb above $150. MCD says the €82.25 ticket will sit in the general admission lawn, offering a classic festival vibe, while the €116.25 tier grants a view from the lower tier of the stadium bowl.
Jon Bon Jovi’s health saga and the Hulu documentary
Just weeks before the tour reveal, Hulu dropped Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, a six‑part docu‑series that follows Jon’s 2024‑2025 vocal‑cord surgery and the grueling rehab that followed. In a candid interview with the series’ producer, Jon admitted, “There were days I wasn’t sure I’d ever sing again.” The documentary, streamed on Hulu, earned a 92 % Rotten Tomatoes score and reignited fan enthusiasm worldwide. His statement to MCD summed up the mood: “I’m lucky enough to hold a light out to the audience each night… I’m ready and excited!”
Tour dates, logistics and the Irish connection
The full schedule reads like a road‑trip mixtape:
- July 7 – Madison Square Garden, New York
- July 9 – Madison Square Garden, New York
- July 12 – Madison Square Garden, New York
- July 14 – Madison Square Garden, New York
- August 28 – Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
- August 30 – Croke Park, Dublin
Impact on fans and the Irish live‑music market
Local promoters estimate that the Croke Park concert could inject €12 million into Dublin’s economy – from hotels and pubs to transport services. Music‑tour analyst Fiona O’Leary of Irish Music Business Association notes, “Big‑name stadium shows act as a catalyst for the entire city’s hospitality sector. A sold‑out Bon Jovi night will likely fill every room in the Temple Bar area for days after.” For the band, the gig is more than a paycheck; it’s a symbolic full circle after Jon’s health scare, proving the “brotherhood” he spoke of still sings loud.
What’s next? Presales, promotions and the road ahead
While the exact date for general ticket sales is still under wraps, MCD promises a “rolling release” of promotional content – teaser videos, backstage clips, and a limited‑edition tour merchandise line – beginning in early February 2026. Fans who missed the 2013 Dublin show can now purchase a commemorative 13‑year‑anniversary wristband, a nod to the long wait. As for the band’s broader schedule, Jon hinted during a recent interview with BBC Radio 2 that a North‑American leg may follow the European dates, though no venues have been confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Croke Park concert take place?
The show is slated for Sunday, August 30, 2026, as the final stop of the European leg of the Forever Tour 2026.
How can fans get presale tickets?
Fans who pre‑order the “Forever (Legendary Edition)” album from the official Bon Jovi store will receive a presale code. Registration for the exclusive presale portal opens later this winter.
What are the ticket price tiers?
MCD Productions listed four price points: €82.25, €91.25, €96.25 and €116.25, all inclusive of fees. The cheapest tier grants general‑admission lawn access, while the highest tier offers seats in the lower bowl.
Why is this concert significant for Irish fans?
It’s the band’s first Irish performance since July 2013, ending a 13‑year gap. The event also comes after Jon Bon Jovi’s recovery from vocal‑cord surgery, marking a triumphant return to the stage.
What economic impact is expected?
Industry analysts project roughly €12 million in direct spending for accommodation, dining and transport, with additional indirect benefits for local businesses throughout the weekend.
