Bon Jovi announced Sunday that they were canceling their 2020 tour amid fears of coronavirus and promised full refunds to each ticketholder.
“Given these difficult times, we have made the decision to cancel the tour entirely,” the band said in a message on their website. “This will enable ticketholders to get refunds to help pay their bills or buy groceries.”
This announcement came just after the U.S. new unemployment application numbers hit 22 million. Additionally, Bon Jovi was personally affected by the outbreak when band member David Bryan tested positive for COVID-19.
With ticket prices averaging at $93, the band hoped to give back to the fans what so many are missing during the crisis: financial aid.
Jon Bon Jovi is no stranger to giving back, however. The rockstar has made a name for himself outside of music with his philanthropy. He is the founder of the JBJ Soul Foundation, which works to help those facing poverty and food insecurity.
Just weeks before the coronavirus crisis hit the United States, Jon and his wife, Dorothea, opened the JBJ Soul Kitchen at Rutgers University Newark, aimed at providing meals for food-insecure college students.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many touring artists to postpone or cancel their tours. However, the difference between postponement and cancellation can mean the difference between getting money back or not.
Many music fans are having difficulty with getting refunds on shows that have been marked as “postponed”, especially from ticket-selling giants like Live Nation. Bon Jovi’s decision to cancel their 2020 shows ensures that the fans will be able to get their money back, without having to go through the hurdles of postponement policies.
“These are trying times. You’ve always been there for us and we’ll always be there for you,” the announcement said.
