What About Now Tour
A global stadium spectacle celebrating resilience and the enduring power of rock anthems.
The What About Now Tour stands as a monumental chapter in the live history of Bon Jovi, serving as the global showcase for their eleventh studio album. Launched in late 2013 and extending well into 2014, this tour was more than just a concert series; it was a celebration of enduring resilience and a direct response to the band's legacy following a period of personal challenges for its frontman. The production brought together massive stadium crowds across North America, Europe, and Asia, reinforcing the group's status as one of the world's most consistent touring acts.
- Album Supported
- What About Now
- Primary Era
- 2013-2014
- Tour Type
- Stadium Arena Tour
- Key Regions
- North America, Europe, Asia
- Lead Performer
- Jon Bon Jovi
Lore & Background
Visually, the tour was defined by its grand scale and intimate moments of connection. The stage design often featured a central arena surrounded by screens that broadcasted the energy of the crowd back to the performers, blurring the line between artist and fan. It was a time when the band leaned heavily into their identity as storytellers, using the live environment to amplify the emotional weight of songs about overcoming adversity. The tour solidified their reputation not just as rock stars, but as cultural touchstones who could fill arenas with a sense of communal hope.
In Their Own Story
The roar of the crowd vibrates through the floorboards as Jon steps into the spotlight, the humidity of a packed stadium mixing with the scent of sweat and excitement. Behind him, a massive screen flickers to life, showing faces from thousands of miles away, united by a single melody. He doesn't just sing; he speaks directly to the sea of raised hands, his voice cracking slightly on the high notes—a raw reminder that even legends feel the weight of the world. As the final chord rings out, the silence before the applause is heavy with shared emotion, a moment where time seems to stop for everyone in the arena.
Reader's Guide
The tour kicked off in late 2013, quickly expanding from intimate arenas to massive outdoor stadiums across continents. The setlist evolved throughout the run, initially focusing heavily on new material before gradually shifting to include more classic hits as the tour progressed into its second year. Notable guest appearances included local musicians and surprise collaborations that added unique flavor to specific regional dates. One of the most memorable moments captured on video was the band's ability to turn a standard rock anthem into an impromptu sing-along event, where the crowd's voice often drowned out the instruments entirely. The production featured elaborate lighting rigs and pyrotechnics that synchronized perfectly with the music's crescendos. Fans remember the tour for its emotional depth, particularly during slower ballads where the band would pause to acknowledge the journey they had shared with their audience over decades.
Did You Know?
- The tour was named after the album it supported, which marked a return to more personal songwriting themes for the band.
- It featured one of the largest global runs in the group's history, touching down in numerous countries across three continents.
- Several performances from this era were recorded and later released as part of official live collections or broadcast on television.