Rock star Jon Bon Jovi says his band "never doubted me" as he prepares to return to touring after four years, saying he is "fully recovered" from his vocal injury.
The 64-year-old US musician has kept a low profile since he underwent vocal cord surgery after they began to atrophy, and has spent the last few years recovering from the procedure.
Frontman Bon Jovi and his rock band will kick off their first tour since his injury next month, with the singer hailing his comeback as a "rebirth".
In an interview with People magazine, the singer said: "I'm fully recovered. It was longer than I'd ever expected but it had to be right. We never lost faith."
"I think that this is a rebirth. It is simply about the joy," he added.
