If you’re a Bon Jovi fan, this is the show to go to. It’s not a concert like you’ve been to before. There’s no pyro, no confetti, no balloon drops and Jon doesn’t wander into the audience like he used to. But the massive network of lights and video screens still proved rock-show worthy.
As darkness descends, the sound improves and Jon draws on years of experience and a formidable force of will to gradually provide the expected stadium rock experience. He can get 15,000 people to stand on command, clap with their hands above their heads or join in mass a capella choruses. And he can do it while looking like he’s having the time of his life.
He’s not as strong at the higher notes anymore, but he remains an expert showman, first and foremost. He’s got a young soul to him and has an uncanny ability to connect with the audience. He was a rock n’ roll legend in the ’80s, and he’s still one now.
The band is a tight unit. Lead guitarist Phil X had some major shoes to fill, but he did an outstanding job of keeping up with Jon and delivering his signature guitar solos. He even broke a string during “Keep the Faith.” And drummer Tico Torres is one of the best in the business.
Singer Jon Bon Jovi isn’t the most technically gifted singer in rock history, but he’s got a lot of charisma and is great at reading the crowd. His voice seems to be getting a bit rougher as he gets older, but he’s always been able to deliver the classics like “Slippery When Wet,” “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.”
There are some fans that feel that Bon Jovi is overrated, but it’s hard to argue with the fact that they’re an excellent live act. This is especially true for their older material when they can really let loose on the songs that made them famous in the ’80s and ’90s. They’ve also managed to stay popular through the era of grunge when many other bands fell by the wayside.