The Circle Tour was a worldwide concert tour in 2010 by American rock band Bon Jovi to promote their 11th studio album The Circle (2009).[2] The tour started in North America and progressed to Europe, South America, Asia and Australia. It included a 12-night run at the O2 Arena in London and four nights in East Rutherford, New Jersey to celebrate the opening of the Meadowlands Stadium. The tour was the #1 top-grossing concert tour for 2010 in the United States.
Bon Jovi also played a free performance for fans and former season ticket holders of the Jon Bon Jovi-owned arena football team The Philadelphia Soul on March 24, 2010, a few hours before the band's show at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center. The band ended the first year of the tour in Australasia, playing two shows in New Zealand and eight shows in Australia.[3]
Background
Bon Jovi started the stadium leg of the 2010 Circle Tour by playing the inaugural show at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Three sold-out shows on May 26, 27, and 29 prompted the addition of another tour date at the venue at the start of the second North American leg on July 9.
The band played a free performance for fans and former season ticket holders of the Jon Bon Jovi-owned arena football team The Philadelphia Soul on March 24, a few hours before the band's show at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center. On June 7 they became the first band to play on the roof of the O2 Arena in London, England. The performance was shown outside on a large screen with a PA system. Trained mountaineers helped the group to reach the top of the roof, which was 58 meters above the ground.
The tour featured a circle-shaped stage with five large robots, choreographed to move with the music and onstage production, which each had a 6' by 9' Nocturne/ Vidicon LED screen attached to their articulated arms. They were provided by RoboScreen and designed by Andy Flessas.[4]
Opening acts
Bon Jovi held a contest, called SuperBAND Tonight, in which North American bands competed for a chance to perform as their opening act at some of the concerts.[5] The winners were announced in a press release. More information can be found at: Bon Jovi's The Circle Tour Announces Winners of Contest.
Fuel supported the Hersheypark Stadium show on May 19
Kid Rock supported the O2 Arena shows on June 22, 23, 25 and 26.[6][7]
OneRepublic supported the O2 Arena shows on June 17, 19 and 20.[7]
Kid Rock supported on July 9, 15, 17, 20, 21, 24, 28, 30 and 31.[6]
Train was the special guest on the first night at the Meadowlands Stadium. Gavin DeGraw was the special guest for the second night, and OneRepublic was the special guest on the third.[8]
Jeff Kazee – Hammond organ, keyboards, backing vocals (one-off show in March and another show in June as a substitute for David Bryan who was attending the Tony Awards)
Notes
^ abcdThe score data is representative of the four shows in East Rutherford, New Jersey at the New Meadowlands Stadium on May 26, May 27, May 29, and July 9 respectively.
^ abcdThe score data is representative of the 12 shows in London, England at the O2 Arena from June 7 through June 26 respectively.
