Montclair Film Festival Announces Jon Bon Jovi in Conversation With Stephen Colbert

Jon Bon Jovi, the frontman of one of rock’s most enduring bands, will take center stage with late-night host Stephen Colbert for a special evening of conversation at the 2024 Montclair Film Festival.

The event, scheduled for Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), offers fans a rare opportunity to hear Bon Jovi reflect on his remarkable journey, both as a musician and as a philanthropist.

With more than 130 million albums sold globally and hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name” that defined the sound of rock in the ‘80s, Bon Jovi’s impact on popular music is undeniable. The band’s 1986 album Slippery When Wet spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and tracks from that album still resonate with fans today.

As the conversation unfolds, attendees can expect Colbert to delve into Bon Jovi’s experiences that led to iconic moments, including the band’s 2018 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Bon Jovi’s charitable work will also be a focal point of the evening. Through his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, established in 2006, Bon Jovi has raised millions to help combat issues of homelessness and hunger. His innovative “pay it forward” model at his JBJ Soul Kitchens—nonprofit community restaurants—has provided over 100,000 meals to those in need, ensuring that anyone can enjoy a meal, regardless of their ability to pay.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jon Bon Jovi to the Montclair Film Festival and to share what promises to be a special evening of conversation,” said Montclair Film Artistic Director and Co-Head Tom Hall.

“As an artist who embodies empathy and community, Jon’s work represents the values that inspire
everything we do at Montclair Film. We look forward to a wonderful night.”

This appearance comes during a banner year for Bon Jovi, following the release of the Hulu docuseries Thank You, Goodnight, which charts the band’s rise from New Jersey clubs to international superstardom. The series has given fans a behind-the-scenes look at more than four decades of music, performances, and personal moments, adding fresh perspective to Bon Jovi’s celebrated career.

Tickets for the Montclair Film Festival’s Evening of Conversation with Jon Bon Jovi, hosted by Stephen Colbert, will go on sale to Montclair Film and NJPAC members on Oct. 2, with general sales beginning Oct. 4. All proceeds will benefit Montclair Film’s programs and NJPAC’s arts education initiatives, helping to support arts programming across New Jersey.

As Bon Jovi sits down with Colbert, the audience will likely be reminded of the enduring power of music and the ways in which it intersects with community activism—a theme that has been present throughout Bon Jovi’s career. With 10 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, including 2016’s This House Is Not for Sale, Jon Bon Jovi remains as relevant as ever, continuing to inspire both on stage and off.

More information about this event can also be found at montclairfilm.org.

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