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27 July 2001 - E. Rutherford, NJ, USA Concert Review 31 July 2001
No Strangers In This Town

A review by Paul / NewJerseyBrit@aol.com


Never has a concert lived up its expectations as this one as Bon Jovi returned to the hallowed turf of Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. From the moment Jon and the boys set foot on the stage shortly after 9pm to the very last firework at 11:20, the stadium was in danger of collapsing. After spending close to 10 out of the last 12 months tourin, where else better than to end the tour in your own backyard with 60,000 of your closest friends. Not to mention the VH1 camera's and something like 150 radio stations broadcasting the whole event across the air-waves.

'One Wild Night' started the night off with a bang. The guys looked pumped up for the night; having the camera's there was a bonus. - they were determined to have a good time thats for sure. Jon was bouncing around the stagelike the Duracell (or is it the Energizer) bunny. Richie was strutting his stuff like no-ones business - the man is undoubtedly the most talented guitarist there is bar none. Tico was in command on the drums as always and living up to his nickname of 'The HitMan', while David and Hugh kept the rhythm going with faultless keyboard and bass playing.

Taking a step back in time and 'Raise Your Hands' followed. For me it was the first time I've witnessed that song live; it rocked and therefore should be included in all future set lists because I say so. Four regulars followed suite. 'You Give Love A Bad Name', 'Born To Be My Baby', 'Livin' On A Prayer' and 'Bed Of Roses'. The crowd were in full voice (what else do you expect?) and could carry all the songs on their own, but when Jon started 'Prayer' on his own and left it to the crowd to finish - what a moment!!

'Stranger In This Town' followed 'Bed Of Roses'......this man is a genius. I saw Richie a couple of years ago and was hoping that he would get a chance to sing. For those of you that chose this momentto get a drink etc when Richie stepped uyp to the mic should be ashamed of yourselves - that is just plain ignorance. Is not a case of Jon "not letting" Richie have his moment, its just that why should someone as talented as Richie have to put up with that, no wonder he doesn't sing at every show.

Back to the present day now as the band belted out 3 successive songs from 'Crush'. 'It's My Life' is fast becoming everyone's 'pick-me-up' song and is close to becoming a national stadium anthem - forget Queens 'We Will Rock You' - Bon Jovi will rock EVERYONE!!! The guys were having so much fun it was plain to see as Jon put his arm around Richie's shoulders a number of times as they shared the same mic. 'I Got The Girl' and 'Just Older' completed the trio of recent material much to the crowds delight.

Next came one of the bands most famous bass lines.....'Keep The Faith'. One of the bands all time greats that is 10x better when its performed live because Richie and Tico get the licence to go crazy on the improvisation at the end of the song. The pair of the stay in tune with each other right to the final chord and beat - truely breath-taking.
Time to saddle up next as the guys treated us to Jon's 'Blaze Of Glory'. To finish the set list of were 3 that are always a permanent fixture on the set list - 'Lay Your Hands On Me', 'I'll Sleep When I'm Dead' and 'Bad Medicine/Shout'. 'Lay Your Hands On Me' was as flawless as ever as we were given an extended opening to the song by some mean keyboad playing by Dave and some serious drumming by Tico. 'I'll Sleep When I'm Dead' saw Jon form a conga line with those fortunate enough to be guests at the side of the stage for the show and culminating with fans from both sides of the stage actually ON stage with the band. 'Bad Medicine' as always incorporated 'Shout' into the medleyto leave the fans breathless and exhausted after bouncing around.

The first encore saw a welcome return of 'Always'. A cahnec to let the fans feet calm down a little and to raise their arms and bring out the lighters, swaying to and fro'.Jon was in great voice and Richie was also in fine form for the song that many fans had feared they might not hear again. Following 'Always' was the other song from 'Crossroad', 'Someday I'll Be Saturday Night'. A rousing song to end the first encore leavongthe fans begging for more.

The second encore arrived. We were asked to rise for the national anthem as Richie entered the stage wearing his trademark Stetson and grasping his double-neck guitar that wsa ready for soem serious playing. Time to get the glow sticks!! It worked - from the floor I was surrounded by a sea of orange glow sticks that impressed Jon that he got Richie's attention and they both admired what they saw before them.
The night ended with 'Tequila' and 'Twist & Shout' and left the fans wih sore arms, legs, feet and no voice - YET still wanting more.



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