Back in October, Jon Bon Jovi told RTÉ that his return to Dublin would be all about joy: the joy of the music, but also the connection he feels with Ireland and its fans.
Now, that long-awaited return is finally here.
Twenty years on from their last Croke Park show, Bon Jovi are back, and Jon Bon Jovi has plenty of memories of that night, from friends joining him to his children whizzing around the stadium on scooters during soundcheck.
This weekend, there are new memories to be made as the band bring their Forever Tour to Croker, and, if Jon Bon Jovi has his way, plenty of craic along the way.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the big gig.
When and where?
Jon Bon Jovi and co are set to rock out at Croke Park on Sunday, 30 August 2026. Gates open at 5pm.
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult and under 14s must be accompanied by an adult and seated.
Watch: Jon Bon Jovi on his wife’s Irish roots and return to Croke Park
Getting there
Croke Park is within easy reach of the city centre and Dublin Airport and is well serviced by transport links.
Walking/Cycling
The stadium is just a 30-minute walk or 10-minute cycle from O’Connell Street in the city centre.
Driving
Increased traffic volumes and local road closures lead to significant delays on concert days. The roads surrounding the stadium are residential and car parking is limited, with restrictions in place. Organisers advise concert goers to use public transport.
Bus
A large number of Dublin Bus routes bring you close to Croke Park and others will get you to the city centre, which is within walking distance. Full details at TFI.ie.
Train/DART/Luas
The closest railway station is Drumcondra at the intersection of Drumcondra Road (N1) and Clonliffe Road, a five-minute walk from the stadium.
The closest DART stations are Connolly and Clontarf, which are both less than half an hour’s walk from the stadium.
The closest Luas stop is also at Connolly Station on the Red Line. The Parnell and Marlborough Green Line Luas stops are also close by.
Who is supporting Bon Jovi?
Special guests for the Dublin show are The Boomtown Rats, fronted by Bob Geldof. The legendary Irish band, known for hits including I Don’t Like Mondays and Rat Trap, will open the show at Croke Park.
What to expect from the Forever Tour
The Forever Tour began in spectacular fashion with a run of sold-out performances at New York’s Madison Square Garden. From there, the tour travelled to Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium before arriving in Dublin, with Wembley Stadium set to host the final show on 4 September.
When asked why Dublin made the cut, Jon Bon Jovi told RTÉ the bond he feels with Irish audiences has always been unique.
“There’s some kind of spiritual connection I have here. I don’t know what it is,” he said.
“I joke and forever have said because my wife’s Irish roots, therefore my kids are Irish. I just aspire to be Irish. I’m applying year after year, trying to be adopted! But the connection that I’ve had here with the people, that’s really what it comes down to.”
Setlist
The exact setlist isn’t known yet, but it’s likely to be similar to the shows from the Madison Square Garden residency in New York back in July – minus Bruce Springsteen’s cameo. The tour is averaging around 2 hours and 11 minutes.
1. Beautiful Drug
2. We Weren’t Born to Follow
3. Lost Highway
4. You Give Love a Bad Name
5. Born to Be My Baby
6. Legendary
7. Whole Lot of Leavin’
8. In These Arms
9. The People’s House
10. It’s My Life
11. Livin’ on a Prayer
12. Raise Your Hands
13. This House Is Not for Sale
14. I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead
15. Keep the Faith
Encore:
16. I’ll Be There for You
17. Bad Medicine
18. Who Says You Can’t Go Home
19. The Promised Land
New album: Forever (Legendary Edition)
Forever (Legendary Edition) is a reimagined take on the band’s latest songs from their 2024 album Forever with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Robbie Williams and Avril Lavigne featuring on the tracklist.
Speaking about the new album, Jon Bon Jovi added: “This album is more than just a collection of collaborations, it is an album borne out of necessity.
“My vocal cord surgery and subsequent rehab was a well-documented journey that played out while releasing Forever in June 2024.
“I was singing well enough in the studio for the recording, but the vocal demands and rigours of touring were still out of reach for me. Without the ability to tour or promote an album we were all very proud of, I decided to call on some friends to help me in my time of need. All are great singers, artists, and also just great people.
“The result is an album with a new viewpoint and new spirit – a collaboration album that proves we all get by in this world with a little help from our friends.
“I feel tremendous joy and gratitude releasing this album and I think it shows in the music. I can say with certainty that there is always something bigger than ME, and that’s WE.”
Any tickets left?
Tickets are available on Ticketmaster but are marked “low availability”.