Bon Jovi show they’re giants on stage
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Jon Bon Jovi in action at Etihad Etihad.
Source: News Limited
BON Jovi has been named the No.1 touring act in the world three times in the past five years and they showed why as they kicked off the Australian leg of their Because We Can tour with the help of thousands of backing vocalists at Etihad Stadium.
Rousing stadium-rock anthems, power ballads and a massive stage designed to look like the front of a 1959 Buick Electra set the scene for a sing-along party that went on for several hours and must have left many of the fans nursing sore throats.
Such was the level of enthusiasm displayed by the audience that the concert at times resembled a massive Zumba class as the fans waved their arms in the air and clapped on demand.
It was hard not to get swept up in the atmosphere as Jon Bon Jovi and his band played through their back catalogue of hits, going back 30 years, interspersed with some songs from their latest album, What About Now, and a few cover versions in a “jukebox” segment.
But it was the classics, including Livin’ on a Prayer, Wanted Dead or Alive, Bad Medicine and You Give Love A Bad Name, that the crowd had come for, and Bon Jovi delivered.
The massive Buick set with giant screens on either side could easily have dwarfed the band, but Jon Bon Jovi and regular bandmates Hugh McDonald (bass), Tico Torres (drums), David Bryan (keyboards) and guitarists Bobby Bandiera and Phil X (replacing Richie Sambora) were on top their game, delivering a powerhouse rock show that left no doubt that they were the giants on the stage.
The sound quality was good, with the volume never reaching uncomfortable levels, but remaining clear thoughout the night.
Some people say you don’t have to be a bogan to be a Bon Jovi fan, but it doesn’t hurt.
Judging by the tassles and leather on display there were a few bogans around, but even the non-bogans couldn’t help having a good time.
Bon Jovi will perform again in Melbourne on Sunday night.
