Source: dailyrecord.com

RUTHERFORD -- If perspiration is any measure of fan loyalty, it was a sweat fest at Giants Stadium Saturday night, when Bon Jovi came home again for its grand finale of eight sold-out shows.

With a soft spot for homegrown bands, Bon Jovi sponsored a "Have a Nice Gig" contest to give unsigned talent a shot at big-time exposure as its opening act, plus a record deal.

Two Morris County-area bands, Mendham-based Snoozebox and Hey Tiger fronted by Roxbury native Christine Alessi, experienced their half-hour of fame at previous shows. The grand prize, however, went to The Yards, a Pittsburgh-based rock band that opened the final show Saturday.

Next, Nickelback unleashed its rock fury, awakening the age-diversified audience to its on-stage talents as it pounded out hit after hit such as "Someday,""Feelin' Way Too Damn Good," and "Figured You Out,"all the way to what lead singer Chad Kroeger called "the song that made Nickelback," before belting out the powerful "How You Remind Me," circa 2002.

Stunning fans with a semi-punctual appearance, the Bon Jovi foursome -- Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan and Tico Torres -- casually strutted on stage shortly before 9:15, launching into Elton John's "Saturday Night's All Right for Fighting."

Wasting no time and again shocking the audience with nostalgia, they rewound to 1986 with "You Give Love a Bad Name."

Building anticipation in timeline form, Bon Jovi took the crowd on a "ride," from 2006 to 1982, launching the video of daddy's girl learning fast in "Runaway."

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