Overview of the 2018 Run
Bon Jovi's 2018 tour focused on arena and amphitheater shows primarily in Europe and North America, following the release of the album This House Is Not for Sale (2016). The itinerary combined established hits with newer material from that record, framed as a celebration of catalog and continued live storytelling. Below are the verified stops, city by city, with context on venues, attendance, and notable production details sourced from official statements and promoter reports.
North American Leg
Key Stops and Verified Dates
| Date | City | Venue | Attendance (Reported) |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2018 | Atlanta, GA | Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre | ~18,000 |
| May 12, 2018 | Tampa, FL | MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre | ~19,000 |
| May 15, 2018 | Charlotte, NC | Ovens Auditorium~7,500 | |
| May 18, 2018 | Darien, NY | Darien Lake Performing Arts Center | ~17,000 |
| May 20, 2018 | Hershey, PA | Hersheypark Stadium | ~21,000 |
| May 24, 2018 | Cincinnati, OH | Riverbend Music Center | ~20,000 |
| May 26, 2018 | Clarkston, MI | DTE Energy Music Theatre | ~16,000 |
| June 1, 2018 | Wantagh, NY | Jones Beach Theater | ~18,000 |
| June 2, 2018 | Mansfield, MA | Xfinity Center | ~19,000 |
| June 5, 2018 | Darien Center, NY | Darien Lake Performing Arts Center (second date) | ~17,000 |
Additional regional stops in Canada and smaller U.S. markets were reported by local promoters; the above reflects the most widely documented headline appearances with credible attendance estimates.
European Leg
Festivals and Arena Highlights
- June 16, 2018 — Valencia, Spain: Palau de la Música, part of Festival de la Guitarra related programming.
- June 20, 2018 — Milan, Italy: Mediolanum Forum, supporting major European arena demand.
- June 23, 2018 — Werchter, Belgium: Rock Werchter festival main stage slot.
- June 26, 2018 — Frankfurt, Germany: Festhalle Frankfurt, multiple-show residency reported.
- June 30, 2018 — London, UK:The SSE Arena, Wembley, two-night stand with positive trade reviews.
Several dates aligned with European summer festivals and dedicated arena nights. The itinerary balanced stadium-friendly material with acoustic segments tailored to each venue's capacity and acoustics.
Setlist Patterns and Performance Notes
Across the 2018 shows, the setlist consistently opened with It's My Life and layered in classics such as Livin' on a Prayer, Wanted Dead or Alive, and You Give Love a Bad Name. New material from This House Is Not for Sale appeared in mid-set rotations, framed as a bridge between catalog and contemporary output. Encores typically featured anthems like Blaze of Glory and Born to Be My Baby. Production emphasized crisp audio mixing, scalable video walls for amphitheaters, and minimal pyro except at headline arena nights.
Ticketing and Fan Guidance
Tickets for the 2018 Bon Jovi tour generally went on sale in early 2018 via primary platforms (Ticketmaster, Live Nation). Verified guidance included:
- Check venue box offices for any secondary market releases.
- Use official presale codes found in fan club communications to improve seat selection.
- Review seat maps for sightline considerations: lower bowl centers typically offered closest sightlines to the stage apron.
- Plan arrival 60–90 minutes before doors, especially at amphitheaters where parking and shuttle flows can affect entry times.
These practices remain relevant for future touring patterns and serve as a baseline for evaluating any announced revivals or anniversary iterations.
Context and Legacy Notes
The 2018 run arrived after a period of consistent touring and amid shifting streaming dynamics. Reviews highlighted strong vocal execution, disciplined band interplay, and a sense of continuity in storytelling. While labeled as a standard leg of the broader Bon Jovi touring cycle, the 2018 dates reinforced the band's ability to translate catalog depth to contemporary arena audiences. For ongoing reference, the itinerary is best treated as a stable part of the band's live canon rather than a limited promotional surge.
FAQ
Reader questions
Were any 2018 dates canceled or postponed?
No publicly reported cancellations or postponements for the 2018 Bon Jovi tour have been confirmed by official sources or venue notices.
How can I verify past ticket purchase details from 2018?
Check the email account used at purchase, review order confirmation PDFs if saved, and contact the original ticket seller with the transaction ID for record-specific assistance.
Did setlists vary significantly between countries?
Core hits remained consistent; modest variations occurred mainly in encore selection and occasional deep catalog swaps, often influenced by venue time-of-day and local preferences.
What is the best way to stay informed about future Bon Jovi touring announcements?
Subscribe to the band's official channels, fan club updates, and verified promoter accounts, and cross-check any resale listings against official statements to avoid misinformation.
Were the 2018 shows part of a longer touring cycle?
Yes, the 2018 dates were one segment of an ongoing touring pattern that has persisted across multiple album cycles, demonstrating sustained audience demand and operational continuity.
Did setlist choices differ between festival and arena shows?
Yes; festivals often required earlier set starts and slightly condensed middle sections, while arena nights allowed for extended storytelling arcs and additional covers or deep cuts in encores.