Jon Bon Jovi is excited to make some new memories in Indianapolis

Update, April 19: A previous version of this story noted a contest giving local bands a chance to open Bon Jovi's Gainbridge Fieldhouse concert, but Bon Jovi did not select an Indianapolis-area group. This article has been updated to includethat Grand Rapids, Michigan, band The American Hotel System will open.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jon Bon Jovi was faced with a dilemma.

His band had previously recorded an album, "2020," set for a spring release. He described it in an interview as a topical album that also delves into "life, love and loss."

But what was going on in our country during the spring and summer of 2020 was not ignorable, leading Bon Jovi to pen a few more tracks: "American Reckoning," inspired by the murder of George Floyd and ensuing protests, and the pandemic-fueled "Do What You Can."

He chartered a plane from New Jersey to Los Angeles, stayed in an empty hotel with no daily cleaning service and recorded the additional tracks in a private studio.

Indianapolis: Bon Jovi concert coming this spring

The unique experience was not without some levity and learning opportunities.

"I called down to the front desk, and I said what are you supposed to do about any kind of food? And they said most people call Grubhub, and they'll deliver food to your door. And I'm like yeah, Grubhub, and thinking to myself I don't know what that means. I'm going to starve."

"I had to call one of my kids, who from 3,000 miles away ordered me a burger and had it delivered to my room," he said, breaking up with laughter.

The band eventually released the album in October 2020.

"Unlike any album that I've ever had in these 39 years, it was the first one that I feel like I put it out into a black hole," he said. "Because I couldn't go and promote it. I couldn't perform it for big crowds. I have no idea what the reception to the songs is."

After a two-and-a-half-year wait, the band returned to the road this month, with an early stop in Indianapolis set for Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

It felt like a lifetime for a group that has toured regularly and filled arenas for more than three decades.

"That's a long time, and if I had to wait another year for our 40th anniversary, I honest to God may have considered not doing it," Bon Jovi said. "Three and a half years is enough time to think you know, I'm over it."

"But it would be a sin," he continued. "We've worked hard, and we want to share '2020' the album, and I want to go out there and celebrate the 40th and the continued success that we've had."

Indiana: 25 can't-miss concerts, shows and performances coming to Indianapolis in 2022

Grand Rapids, Michigan band The American Hotel System will open the Indianapolis show.

Although itching to get on the road, Bon Jovi said the pandemic break allowed him to "reappreciate my children, my home and my home state." He filled many of his days volunteering for the two community kitchens in his native New Jersey that bear his name.

His band took three weeks to polish up in an empty arena and booked a tour with "seeing some of the places where we've not been for a few years" in mind.

Putting together the setlist was daunting. With 17 albums, "we could play six or seven nights without repeating a song."

"I'm genuinely excited, and I can't always tell you that that's been the case," he said.

Indy: Eagles concert electrifies Indianapolis crowd during 3-hour odyssey

That excitement certainly extends to the Indianapolis stop.

"I know Indy well... how many dinners we've had at (St.) Elmo's over the years, playing cards with the owner for the bill in the back room," he said.

Bon Jovi said he remembers going to basketball and Colts games during their off time, as well as arena football (Bon Jovi previously owned the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League.)

"I've got a lot of memories in that city."

Looking for things to do? Our newsletter has the best concerts, art, shows and more — and the stories behind them

Rory Appleton is the pop culture reporter at IndyStar. Contact him at 317-552-9044 and rappleton@indystar.com, or follow him on Twitter at @RoryDoesPhonics.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Jon Bon Jovi interview ahead of Indianapolis concert at Gainbridge