With stops scheduled in North America and much of Europe, the Jon Bon Jovi Live 2011 tour will hit the road on February 9 in State College, PA. Tickets are still available to all upcoming shows, although if you are a real fan, you might want to consider one of several "experience" packages offered to members of the fan club.

From a souvenir chair to take home, signed memorabilia and pre-show eats, you can have it all. There are even special offers, strictly for JBJ fan club members, which give you a shot at getting back stage - the ultimate concert experience. No doubt there are plenty of people who would love to get up close and personal with this iconic band.

Opening Act - Day One

Lorenza Ponce is slated to open for Bon Jovi for the February 9th kick off show, after years of transforming herself from a new age artist to a rock artist who just happens to play on a violin. She has opened for other acts such as Neil Young and the Dixie Chicks.

The Band's History

Originating in Sayerville, New Jersey, and formed in 1983, Bon Jovi is best known for original rock anthems and hard rock style. Named for lead singer, Jon Bon Jovi - born John Francis Bongiovi, Jr - the band consists of guitarist Richie Sambora, David Bryan on keyboards, Tico Torres on drums and bassist Hugh McDonald.

Bon Jovi has put out 15 albums thus far, and sold over 130 million of them worldwide. With many awards under their belts, and a static team, Bon Jovi has played in over 50 countries to date. They have taken two breaks from performing together, pursued solo careers successfully and ran the most profitable tour of 2010.

More Venues, More Jon Bon Jovi

The band recently announced that is going to extend the tour by 11 new dates in North America. Popular demand is behind the additions, and at present the final concert of the tour is scheduled to take place in Lisbon, on July 31, 2011. This will give more fans an opportunity to see the band before they take some time off once again.

Details of where and when the band will play are available on the official band website as well as the connected tour website. From the site visitors can book tickets, travel arrangements and join the JBJ club, for additional advantages.

Jon Taking a Break

There is no reason to worry that the band is breaking up, report insiders. Rather, after several very busy years, the members simply want to rest for a while. A two year hiatus is planned at this time in order to allow everyone an opportunity to pursue some individual projects and relax.

When asked about the announced interval guitarist Richie Sambora stated that the band wants to stick around at least as long as the Rolling Stones have.

A Little Disgruntlement

Not everyone is thrilled that Bon Jovi is starting their next world tour at the Jordan Center. The coach of the Nitanny Lions, Penn State's basketball team, is unhappy that his team will be denied use of their home court for several days, right in the middle of the season. Not that Bon Jovi is the first disruption, as the team deals with such situations on a nearly yearly basis.

With the certain knowledge that the group will be taking a long break after their 18 month tour, this is the time for fans to get themselves to the show. Bon Jovi has displayed that is capable of taking time off and coming back stronger than ever, but as the members of the band age, who knows what will happen four years down the road.

Eager audiences await the band out on the road and the show promises to be just as good as ever.