John Mayer had a tough run last year. After having to cancel several concert dates due to throat complications, it was found that Mayer had a granuloma (throat inflammation) near his vocal chords and the condition would need surgery. That led to months of recovery, which have kept Mayer out of the spotlight, which means out of his comfort zone. Now eager to return, he’s doing so in a big way with a new album, and the first chance in two years for his U.S. fans to see him live.

Most likely as soon as he came off doctor-ordered bed rest, Mayer started working on his fifth studio album, “Born and Raised.” Fans will have to wait until the May 22 release date to hear the record in its entirety but the first single, titled “Shadow Days,” will be released to radio stations on Monday, March 5. And, those who get tickets to the early dates can be some of the first people to hear many of the new tunes off the album.

The tour picks up in Bloomington, Indiana on April 9 and will play out a total of 18 dates, wrapping things up in Phoenix, Arizona on May 6. But hearing the tunes a little earlier than other fans isn’t the only thing to be excited about on this tour — it’s Mayer’s first time around the U.S. in two years! Tickets go on sale March 2 and March 3 and a portion of the proceeds are going to charity; you can find the full schedule and all the John Mayer tickets here. .