Eighties rock has aged well judging from the lively, very physical set that veteran rockers Bon Jovi delivered. The night was an onslaught of music, energy, and talent.
They opened their two hours and forty-five minute show at Denver's Pepsi Center last night with the song "That's What The Water Made Me" a new one off their latest CD called "Because We Can." Without missing a beat we heard "You Give Love A Bad Name," "Born To Be My Baby," "Raise Your Hands" - and wow, you knew you were at a Bon Jovi Concert!
Jon has a magical conection with the audience. He has a way of engaging. "Today's April 16th isn't it?" he says. "So I get up this morning and look out my Hotel window and see 13 inches of snow." Well that set the crowd off. The echos of laughter and cheers still ring in my ears. You gotta love Colorado weather.
Bon Jovi's "Because We Can" live show is fantastic– soaring guitars, solid rhythm and amazing vocals entertained us all night long. Jon's interaction with the fans while on stage is so much fun to watch. He accused the ladies of using him as a 'Boy-Toy' and taking photos of his ass - which I admit - I'm guilty.
Combining old classics with new tunes Jon got the party started. As he prepared to sing "Because We Can," he got serious for a moment and spoke of Boston to let us know that he still has hope. That love can and always helps. Classic hits like "Bad Medicine," "Runaway," "It's My Life" and "Wanted Dead or Alive" had the audience singing along, fists pumping through the air.
Whatever song was being played Bon Jovi kept the vibe going with his incredible on-stage energy as well as his solid vocals. All the rousing, radio-heavy songs proved pace and control are not an issue for Jon, the band or his fans. They were ready and waiting to sing along to those hits which kept coming thoughout the entire show.
During the four song encore there were a few shout outs and when Jon thanked the audience for coming out in between snow storms to spend time with him the fans loved it. Ending the set, Jon strapped on an acoustic guitar, leading the band into the show's most anticipated song "Livin' On A Prayer." Thousands of fans were on their feet singing as the night came to an end!
Favorite Performance: "Keep The Faith" Favorite Moment: Singing "Livin' On A Prayer" with nearly 18,000 other people.
The bottom line is Bon Jovi is a powerful and provacative musical force that must be seen as well as heard. It's plain ol' feel good music!
Oh What A Show!
The set list was as follows:
That's What the Water Made Me,
You Give Love a Bad Name,
Born to Be My Baby,
Raise Your Hands,
Lost Highway,
Whole Lot of Leavin',
It's My Life,
Because We Can,
What About Now,
Runaway,
We Got It Goin' On,
Keep the Faith,
(You Want To) Make A Memory,
Bed of Roses,
I'll Be There for You,
Last Man Standing,
We Weren't Born to Follow,
Who Says You Can't Go Home,
I'll Sleep When I'm Dead slipping into covers - Dancing In the Streets and Start Me Up,
Bad Medicine
Encore:
Dry Country,
Wanted Dead or Alive,
Have a Nice Day,
Livin' on a Prayer
Note: Phil Xenidis (aka Phil X) done a fine job filling in for Richie Sambora.