According to a new interview with Gary Graff from Billboard, BON JOVI's upcoming What About Now? will mark a musical "evolution" for the band, but not to the point that might be off-putting to group's worldwide legion of fans.

Guitarist Richie Sambora tells Billboard that "Jon (Bon Jovi) and I, when we get together it sounds like Bon Jovi. It sounds like us. That's basically the way it is and what comes out comes out." But for What About Now?, due out this spring, he says the band and co-producer John Shanks focused on dynamics, and "just basically pushing the production a bit more or lessening the production so you're a bit more naked. It goes both ways on this particular record. We've stripped it down, taken some away and added some different elements."

Meanwhile, Sambora says the album's first single, 'Because We Can', which drops January 7, is indicative of the album's upbeat tone to the album. "The lyrics are very positive - obviously 'Because We Can,' 'What About Now?,' it's all empowering and that's what we were trying to get to. We were trying to get some positive lyrics. That's kind of where we landed."

Read more at Billboard.

Bon Jovi recently announced the first set of US dates, taking them from coast to coast on their Because We Can – The Tour. The tour will kick off in Uncasville, CT on February 9th, treating fans to one-night-only performances in US arenas nationwide, plus multiple stadium shows including a two-night stand at MetLife Stadium in the band’s home state of New Jersey.

Ensuring that there is truly something for every fan, Bon Jovi is offering a wide range of ticket options, starting at $19.50 (plus service charges). Tickets will go on sale in select markets beginning Friday, November 30th. Visit BonJovi.com for up-to-date information.

“As AEG Live embarks on its fourth collaboration with one of today’s greatest original rock bands, it is no surprise that they are going to sell out stadiums and arenas around the globe, since Bon Jovi has consistently delivered the goods to their hardcore and new fans alike,” said Randy Phillips, President & CEO of AEG Live. “‘Because We Can - The Tour’ will again showcase Bon Jovi’s immense catalog of hits and some incredible new music from the forthcoming What About Now album and the signature state-of-the-art production that have become the hallmarks of Bon Jovi tours.”

Overwhelming demand for the band’s previously announced Canadian dates has already led to second shows in Montreal and Toronto, and Bon Jovi has plenty more in store. The band will expand their current tour schedule with additional North American dates including Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA; Ford Field in Detroit, MI, and many more. The current tour itinerary is listed below, with further details to come. View US tour announcement video below:

The tour, promoted by AEG Live in the US, Canada and the UK, will debut brand new songs from Bon Jovi’s upcoming album. What About Now, to be released in spring 2013, loading even more ammunition into the band’s huge arsenal of hits. The group’s return to the road in 2013 will launch the latest chapter in an ongoing blockbuster run which has already secured Bon Jovi’s status as the essential live rock band – having performed more than 2,700 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 35 million fans. Because We Can – The Tour will make its way across the globe with dates in Europe, the Far East, Africa, Latin America and Australia.

North American dates:

February

9 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun
10 - Washington DC - Verizon Center
13 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre
14 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre
17 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
18 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
20 - Kanata, ON - Scotiabank Place
21 - Pittsburgh, PA - Consol Energy Center
27 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena

March

1 - Tampa, FL - Tampa Bay Times Forum

2 - Sunrise, FL - BB&T; Center

5 - Charlotte, NC - Time Warner Cable Arena
6 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena
9 - Cleveland, OH - Quicken Loans Arena
10 - Columbus, OH - Nationwide Arena
13 - St. Louis, MO - Scottrade Center
14 - Louisville, KY - KFC Yum! Center
16 - Oklahoma City, OK - Chesapeake Energy Arena
17 - Lubbock, TX - United Spirit Arena

April

2 - Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome
3 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place
5 - Winnipeg, MB - MTS Centre
7 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
10 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center
11 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
13 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
14 - Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena
16 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
17 - Salt Lake City, UT - EnergySolutions Arena
19 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center
20 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena
23 - Glendale, AZ - Jobing.com Arena
25 - San Jose, CA - HP Pavilion

July

12 - Chicago, IL - Soldier Field
24 - E Rutherford, NJ - MetLife Stadium
25 - E Rutherford, NJ - MetLife Stadium

The tour will also hit the following cities, with additional details to come:

Memphis, TN

Milwaukee, WI

Philadelphia, PA

Portland, OR

Raleigh, NC

San Antonio, TX

Seattle, WA

State College, PA

Vancouver, BC