Bon Jovi is set to make a grand entrance in Cleveland as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveils a new exhibit, “Bon Jovi Forever,” celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary. This unique exhibit, opening on June 8, 2024, will span an entire floor and feature never-before-seen artifacts from the band’s illustrious career.
Fans will have the opportunity to delve into Bon Jovi’s journey from their humble beginnings in New Jersey to their rise to global fame. The exhibit promises an immersive experience, showcasing the band’s story and music from inception to the present day.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is offering two early access preview events on June 7 and June 8, giving fans a chance to get a first look at the exhibit before it opens to the public. These events will include a listening experience, exhibit previews, and an exclusive interview with Jon Bon Jovi himself.
Among the featured artifacts in the “Bon Jovi Forever” exhibit are Jon Bon Jovi’s iconic New Jersey leather jacket, his 1959 Gibson J-160E acoustic guitar from the “Blaze of Glory” music video, and the handwritten lyrics to “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Other notable items include Tico Torres’ Pearl kick drum from 1988 and Richie Sambora’s Ovation double-neck acoustic guitar from the “Wanted Dead or Alive” music video.
The exhibit will also include a live Q&A session with the band at the Rock Hall’s Foster Theater, which will be simulcasted at the Rock Hall’s Union Home Mortgage Plaza for all fans to watch. This event is scheduled for 4 p.m. on June 8.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s curator, Andy Leech, has been working closely with the band to archive a significant portion of their collection, primarily Jon Bon Jovi’s personal items. This collaboration has resulted in a comprehensive exhibit that aligns with the release of the Hulu docu-series “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story” and the band’s new album “Forever.”
The exhibit is divided into four sections, each corresponding to a part of the documentary. It features over 60 artifacts, including clothing, instruments, handwritten lyrics, setlists, and never-before-seen videos and images. Highlights include Jon Bon Jovi’s “New Jersey” coat from 1988, his silver-and-black jacket from the “Wanted Dead or Alive” music video, and Richie Sambora’s Ovation double-neck acoustic guitar.
Fans can purchase tickets to experience the new exhibit on opening day. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is also offering an exclusive package for $100, with Rock Hall members paying $65, which includes access to the “Forever” exhibit in the state-of-the-art Foster Theater and an exclusive exhibit preview.
The celebration weekend kicks off on June 7 with a listening experience and exhibit preview, followed by a free outdoor watch party on June 8, where fans can view the Bon Jovi Q&A live on the UHM Plaza. The current band members, including Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, Tico Torres, Hugh McDonald, Phil X, John Shanks, and Everett Bradley, will be present at the Rock Hall, although Richie Sambora is not expected to attend.
Bon Jovi has sold over 130 million albums worldwide, performed in more than 50 countries for over 35 million fans, and grossed over $1 billion in ticket sales globally in the last decade. Their impact on rock music, particularly in the ’80s, is undeniable, with well-crafted rock anthems that have captivated audiences for decades.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, located at 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd. in Cleveland, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are priced at $35 for adults, $30 for Northeast Ohio residents, $25 for youth ages 6 to 12, and free for children ages 5 and younger. For more information, visit rockhall.com or call 216-515-8425.
