BON JOVI have vowed to reclaim the title of “the essential live rock band” with their Because We Can world tour and album next year.

They’re planning to travel round the planet in support of upcoming album What About Now, which they say will match their achievements of the past.

The tour starts in Canada on February 13 with six shows confirmed. They’re set to announce dates in the US, Europe, Far East, Africa, Latin America and Australia in the coming weeks.

A statement says: “The group’s return to the road in 2013 will cap an incredible run which has secured BON JOVI’s status as the essential live rock band, having performed more than 2700 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 35million fans, and earning the number-one grossing worldwide tour twice in just three years.”

What About Now, BON JOVI’s 12 studio album, is due for release in spring 2013.