Bon Jovi Search for Unsigned UK Bands to Support London O2 Arena Gigs

Posted on May 19th 2010 6:00AM by Farah Ishaq

Bon Jovi are seeking five unsigned British bands to support them when they play a month-long residency at London's O2 Arena in June.

The rock 'n' roll dream prize winners will get to play 30 minutes of their own material to a sold-out arena crowd, plus receive expenses of £350 ($500) to get to the gigs in London on June 7, 8, 10, 11 and 13.

The winners will join the ranks of Bon Jovi's other support acts, who include Kid Rock and One Republic.

Guitarist Richie Sambora, announcing the opening act competition, said, "If you want to open one of our O2 shows and think you've got the chops to win, upload a track via www.openforbonjovi.com and we'll be seeing you on tour!"

New acts who think they are ready for the chance to play on the same stage as the the multi-million-album-selling band simply need to submit a video of their band playing live to the competition website by May 31st.

The judging panel will include Bon Jovi's management team, gig promoters AEG Live and new talent agency goNorth.

Bon Jovi -- who were the first group to perform at the O2 Arena in June 2007 -- are the first rock band to take up a month-long residency at the venue. As well promoting their 11th studio release 'The Circle,' they have over 20 years of hits to choose from for their 12 dates (June 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25 and 26).

Prince played 21 dates at the venue in 2007, but the planned 50-date Michael Jackson run of shows last year was cancelled when the pop icon died in June.