It’s become a bit of a cliche to complain about Jon Bon Jovi’s live singing voice. But if you were one of the many thousands of fans who saw Bon Jovi in action at the Xcel Energy Center Sunday night, it might be hard to remember that his vocal instrument isn’t exactly flawless.
Whether the band is soaring through an anthemic ballad like “Livin’ on a Prayer” or bouncing along to an upbeat rocker such as “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” the crowd can’t help but sing along. And the fact that many of these songs are anthems that even non-fans will recognize is just another reminder that the ’80s rockers aren’t going anywhere.
Bon Jovi is one of the last remaining rock bands that still packs arenas and stadiums for a good chunk of their tour. They’re proving that the era of arena rock may be nearing an end, but they’ll be able to rely on their massive catalog to keep them in the spotlight.
The New Jersey-based outfit’s first show of their 2022 world tour was an explosive rock spectacle that featured pyrotechnics, a large stage, and a band bursting with energy. From the opening riffs of “Runaway” to the closing notes of “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Bon Jovi sounded like a band that has been performing together for decades.
Drummer Tico Torres busted out headbanging backbeats, while bassist Alec John Such laid down melodic licks. Keyboardist David Bryan knew when to shine with a solo and when to lay back in the soundscape of the music. Guitarist Phil X added a heft to the anthems and showed true musical chemistry with touring guitarist John Shanks. And the mighty voice of Jon Bon Jovi soared above this tight rock ensemble to shout out lyrics that spoke to everyday people – about love, lust, and the thrill of youth.
Jon Bon Jovi is a musical icon, and this translates in the crowds that pack arenas and stadiums to see him perform his greatest hits. It’s also why he and the rest of the band keep coming back to play shows, year after year.
If you can’t make it to a bon jovi concert this summer, then be sure to catch them when they return to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul next April! Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.