Jon Bon Jovi reflected on his touring future as he dismissed the idea of following in "fat" Elvis Presley's footsteps.
The vocal cord surgery Bon Jovi received in 2022 has kept him away from his microphone stand, resulting in a touring retirement buzz. While he expressed his desire to return to his old self soon, he declared he would not turn to what Presley became before his death.
Jon Bon Jovi Does Not Want to Become Fat Elvis
Speaking in his new interview with The Sunday Times, Bon Jovi shared his status amid his ongoing recuperation after sustaining an atrophied vocal cord. The health issue led him to take a break to undergo throat surgery and rehabilitation, keeping him away from performing live.
"There is a big difference between being in a studio and going out on the road. We have just recorded a new album. I sing in vocal therapy every day," he said, adding, "But I want to perform for two and a half hours a night, four nights a week - and I know how good I can be, so if I can't be that guy ... put it this way, I don't ever need to be the fat Elvis."
The King of Rock and Roll spent the final days of his life performing. Months before his death, his dramatic physical transformation shocked and worried fans, as he looked bigger than he had during the early years of his career.
At the time of his death, Presley reportedly weighed 350 pounds - around 187 pounds more than what he used to weigh.
One theory claimed his gluttony led him to gain so much weight. James Gregory's 1960 biography The Elvis Presley Story also proved how heavy eater the King of Rock and Roll was.
"Note for his future wife: Elvis loves enormous breakfasts complete with sausage, bacon, eggs, fried potatoes, home-baked rolls, and coffee. He has a tremendous appetite at breakfast. His wife should never develop elegant or expensive tastes," Gregory said.
Presley ultimately died on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42.
READ ALSO: Jon Bon Jovi Health Issues Make Touring Impossible? Singer Shares 'Uncertainty' Over His Future
Jon Bon Jovi Shares His Touring Plans
In a separate interview with Entertainment Tonight, Bon Jovi updated his fans about his progress.
"Day to day, I'm working hard on it," he said, sharing his vocal therapy. "Nothing else matters until I work on getting better. It's up to God at this point. I've done everything I can do. I won't fake it.... the legacy matters too much."
He expected to return to the stage in 2025, but it would reportedly depend on his recovery and throat's condition.
READ MORE: Jon Bon Jovi Reveals Touring Future After Vocal Surgery: 'I Won't Fake It'
