Buffalo News show review
Bon Jovi played before some 20,000 people inside HSBC Arena Friday, on the eve of a four-night, sold-out booking in Toronto. There were no real surprises. Just plenty of fist-pumping, arena-pop anthems, and a mother lode of face time with singer Jon Bon Jovi and guitarist Richie Sambora, his musical partner and on-stage foil for the past 23 years.
In 2005, Bon Jovi topped the 100-million-albums-sold plateau. Based on Friday's show, this band is just getting started.
Opening with his personal manifesto, "Last Man Standing," Jon Bon Jovi - emerging, a la U2's Bono (and Kiss' Paul Stanley) on a satellite stage to the rear of the arena - coaxed Beatlemania-level squeals from the capacity crowd, and proceeded to work the fans like a consummate professional from that point forward.
The hits came fast and furious, reminding us that this is a seasoned act capable of summoning arena-rock rapture systematically. Bon Jovi the band knows how to work a crowd old-school, like it used to do it in the '80s, and play energetically, play well, be a well-oiled machine and give the people what they want.
What they wanted was clearly "You Give Love a Bad Name," which came second, and featured an earsplitting sing-along, all laid at the feet of the buff and beaming Jon. Keep in mind that, for the faithful, this band can do no wrong.
---
Read the rest of the article by following the link below...
Related URL: http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060121/1002721.asp
|