After taking a long break following the creation of “Alter the Ending,” the newest Dashboard Confessional album, front man for the band Chris Carraba is very happy to hit the road once again, and in particular is thrilled about opening up the first leg next year of Bon Jovi’s tour of North America.

Carraba said, I love the band. They are amazing. The songwriting prowess they possess has inspired me very much, although it probably isn’t obvious in my songwriting. They are also one of the archetypes in terms of live bands from the past thirty years. I am really looking forward to watching them play each night.

Carraba added, when I was just a young kid I heard something Bon Jovi said that has stuck with me. He said if a song couldn’t stand up with only an acoustic guitar that meant there really wasn’t a song there. I think that there is a lot of truth in that. That boils it down to the simplest equation. If it really is a good song it will be effective. It is a very good litmus test.

The dates for Bon Jovi start in Seattle on February 19 and will continue through until April. They are only part of the planned touring for Dashboard Confessional in 2010. Carraba along with John Lefler, guitarist, are playing acoustic dates currently in support of “Alter the Ending.” The album debuted on Billboard 200 at No. 19 in November.

The acoustic shows are being done instead of a tour of the full band. It was canceled abruptly due to a family emergency that was not disclosed. Carraba has continued to be discreet regarding the circumstances leading to the cancellation. He would only confirm it didn’t involve any of his family.

Carraba said, I really can’t say very much in order to respect the situation. Everyone is dong well. I think that we are through the thickest part.

Dashboard Confessional will be playing some headlining shows in between the Bon Jovi dates. They are also planning there own headlining North American tour as well as into other territories.

Carraba said, I hope to also do lots of shows with lots of my friends. It took us lots of time making this record as well as taking us off the road a lot. I am looking forward getting back out there to have the camp experience of touring life.

We probably will not be home too much next year. I am very happy about that.