Bon Jovi to take up residency at O2 Arena

With 2,600 concerts under their belt since they formed in Sayreville, New Jersey, 26 years ago, Bon Jovi have probably filled more stadiums in their time than any other rock band. Now the group that opened London's O2 Arena to mark its conversion from the Millennium Dome are to take up residency there.

They will become the first act since Michael Jackson to schedule an extended series of shows at the venue. The King of Pop's sudden death left 750,000 fans disappointed and a 50-date hole in the O2's calendar.

AEG, which is owned by the US billionaire Philip Anschutz, will be hoping to recoup some of its lost £300m by bringing one the world's most assured seat-fillers to the UK next June. Organisers still had to confirm how many shows the rockers intended to perform.

Rob Hallett, of residency promoter AEG Live, said: "When Jon Bon Jovi opened the 02 with the words, 'Hello London, welcome to your new home', little did he realise that we were already plotting to make it his new home. Bon Jovi are the best live band in the world. This one could run and run."

Tickets for Bon Jovi's O2 residency – part of The Circle Tour – will go on sale on 30 October.