A review by Tommy / tom@bonard.fsworld.co.uk

Hot on the heels of the 'Crush' Tour came the 'One Wild Night' Tour and I jumped for joy when my tickets arrived for the Milton Keynes gig. It was really one of the best nights of my life. Following excellent support from Delirious? and Matchbox 20, Bon Jovi finally exploded onto the stage, kicking off a triumphant three hour(!) set in true rock style. I cannot remember the exact order, but the endless set list ran something like this:

* ONE WILD NIGHT
* RAISE YOUR HANDS
* IT’S MY LIFE
* KEEP THE FAITH
* LAY YOUR HANDS ON ME
* WILD IN THE STREETS
* YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME
* CAPTAIN CRASH & THE BEAUTY QUEEN FROM MARS
* JUST OLDER
* IN THESE ARMS
* BED OF ROSES
* BORN TO BE MY BABY
* BLAZE OF GLORY
* I GOT THE GIRL
* BAD MEDICINE
* SHOUT
* SOMEDAY I’LL BE SATURDAY NIGHT
* SAY IT ISN’T SO
* TEQUILA
* TWIST AND SHOUT
* I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU
* WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
* LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER

This was the first time I had seen Bon Jovi, and after initially thinking they were not a particularly exciting live band (having previously heard some fairly unremarkable live stuff), I was not in the least bit disappointed. Seeing the boys in action left me in awe for a long while afterwards!

The atmosphere was electric and the whole band were on top form - Richie played like no other man on earth (the big screens making his fantastic solos even more majestic), and David was clearly enjoying himself. The tight rhythm section of Tico and 'HUGE' McDonald was very impressive, Tico reducing his drums to matchsticks. It was only Jon that was slightly off form. Ever since 'These Days', his voice hasn't been the strongest as it has been (proven by the fact that the key change in 'Livin' On A Prayer' was almost entirely carried by Richie and David that night). Standout tracks were: 'Raise Your Hands', 'Bed Of Roses', 'Bad Medicine', 'Shout', 'I'll Be There For You', 'Wanted ...' and 'Livin' On A Prayer'. Only qualm: where were 'Always' and 'Thank You For Loving Me'? But, all in all, a damn good night! Highly recommended.

Apologies for the long review, and I could go on longer, but I'll stop!

Rating: 10/10

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