Jon Bon Jovi Draws Inspiration from Metallica for 2026 Tour Setlists

Jon Bon Jovi reveals how Metallica’s unique concert approach shaped his band’s 2026 tour plans.

Jon Bon Jovi Chats Metallica-Inspired Setlists for 2026 Tour

If you’re a longtime Bon Jovi fan like me, you know how much thought goes into crafting the perfect live show. Recently, Jon Bon Jovi spilled the beans on taking a page from Metallica’s book for his band’s upcoming 2026 tour. Yep, the legendary rock frontman actually chatted with Metallica’s Lars Ulrich to get the inside scoop on how they keep their concerts fresh and memorable.

Jon Bon Jovi and Metallica’s Lars Ulrich exchanging tour wisdom.

Just last month, Bon Jovi announced a series of UK and Ireland stadium shows alongside a New York residency set for summer 2026, with extra dates already added thanks to sky-high demand. Talk about a comeback!

How Metallica’s ‘M72’ Tour Inspired Two Unique Shows

The buzz is all about Metallica’s ‘M72’ tour, where the metal titans shake things up by performing two entirely different “no repeat” sets over consecutive nights in the same city. Jon explained on Planet Rock how this idea struck a chord with him:

“I was looking to Metallica. And I talked to Lars. I said: ‘So let me get this straight. If you’re only doing ‘Master Of Puppets’ on one night and ‘One’ on one night, is the audience mad that they’re not there [on one of the nights]?’ And he goes: ‘Nope. We have enough songs that it works.’”

— Jon Bon Jovi

Jon’s been rehearsing for hours, four days a week, perfecting sets that could stand alone on different nights. The concept? Two completely separate shows, both packed with hits. Imagine catching Bon Jovi twice in the same city and experiencing a fresh setlist each time. For fans who crave variety, this is pure gold.

A Band with Hits to Spare: Bon Jovi’s Catalog Advantage

One of the reasons this strategy works is Bon Jovi’s rich catalog, spanning decades and packed with anthems that have become part of rock history. Jon noted how his extensive repertoire makes the idea feasible — no repeats necessary!

“[Lars] goes, ‘And your catalog…’ And I went, ‘I’m digging that concept.’ So not that we’re gonna do that, but I have enough songs and enough hits, I could do two separate entire shows and have hits on both sides. So I’m having a lot of fun putting together shows that are multiple-night kind of shows.”

— Jon Bon Jovi

What’s on the Setlist? The Fun Part for Jon

For Jon, the setlist is the one thing he truly controls amid the whirlwind of touring. It’s clear he’s having a blast blending fan favorites with deeper cuts, mixing thrills across multiple performances. The rehearsal routine — two hours a day, four days a week — shows his commitment to delivering something special, night after night.

If you want a taste of the inspiration behind this tour, here’s a clip from the Planet Rock interview where Jon discusses Metallica’s influence on the upcoming shows:

Bon Jovi’s 2026 Tour Dates and Ticket Info

Excited to see this innovative tour in action? Bon Jovi’s 2026 lineup includes three huge shows at London’s Wembley Stadium and stops across the UK, Ireland, and New York. Due to phenomenal demand, additional shows were recently added—so if you want in, it’s time to snag those tickets before they vanish.

The Legacy Continues: ‘Forever’ and Collaborations

Let’s not forget, Bon Jovi dropped their 16th studio album, Forever, last year — a milestone celebrating their 40th anniversary. That album was a heartfelt nod to their journey and even tied into the Disney+ documentary Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story.

October saw the release of Forever Legendary Edition, a fresh take on their previous album with stellar collaborations. Imagine Bruce Springsteen, Avril Lavigne, Robbie Williams, and Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott joining forces with Jon and the band — it’s a powerhouse lineup that’s set to electrify fans.

Metallica Keeps the Momentum Going into 2026

While Bon Jovi borrows from Metallica’s playbook, the metal legends themselves aren’t slowing down. Their ‘M72’ tour continues well into 2026, promising fans more unforgettable nights. If you’re curious about their shows, tickets are still available.

Wrapping It Up: Two Rock Giants, One Epic Tour Season

Jon Bon Jovi’s willingness to take inspiration from Metallica shows just how dynamic and evolving rock tours can be. It’s a reminder that even legends keep learning, adapting, and striving to deliver unforgettable experiences to fans. If you get the chance to catch Bon Jovi’s 2026 shows, expect not one, but two nights packed with unique sets that showcase the breadth and depth of their career.

FAQ

• How is Bon Jovi’s 2026 tour setlist inspired by Metallica?
  Jon Bon Jovi talked with Lars Ulrich and embraced the idea of performing two unique, no-repeat sets over consecutive nights, similar to Metallica’s ‘M72’ tour.
• Are there extra shows added due to demand?
  Yes, additional UK and Ireland stadium dates and New York residency shows were added because of unprecedented fan enthusiasm.
• What albums are Bon Jovi promoting on this tour?
  The tour supports their 16th album Forever and its Legendary Edition, featuring collaborations with several renowned artists.
• How does Jon Bon Jovi prepare for the setlists?
  He rehearses two hours a day, four days a week, focusing on perfecting each unique show to give fans an unforgettable experience.
• Is Metallica still touring in 2026?
  Absolutely! Metallica’s ‘M72’ tour continues through 2026, showcasing their commitment to thrilling live performances.

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