| 23 February 2003 - Atlantic City, NJ, USA Concert Review |
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Magical
I have seen Bon Jovi play enough shows to know they are true professionals when it comes to serious rock and roll in the live arena.
I recently saw the band play their shows at Continental Airlines Arena and they were two amazing performances. Kicking butt in their hometown is always nice!
However, the show in Atlantic City was different to the earlier shows and there was definitely an additional magic to what they did. The passion and energy and emotion emerged straight off the bat. Band and audience were getting off on each other and it was an incredible night. Every band member was "on" at Boardwalk Hall. Tico did not miss a beat, he is amazing to watch. David's passion comes alive in every song. Hugh was relaxed and laughing with Richie throughout the show. Richie sounded electric, his guitar playing, his emotion, there was something stirring in his soul and we had the priviledge of bearing witness to this multi-talented man. Jon's energy was overflowing and he was the consumate frontman yet again for his people.
A surprise in the form of "Wanted Dead Or Alive" coming about forty minutes into the show but I always enjoy when they mix it up and do something no one is expecting. "In These Arms" is always a personal pleasure for me and the final encores of "Rock And Roll Music" and "Twist And Shout" were a great way to finish off proceedings. There was only one ballad, "I'll Be There For You as sung by Mr Sambora, and truly the evening did not call for anything else low-key. It was upbeat and switched on and full of life.
Once again the Goo Goo Dolls were mighty fine and they are a great choice to kickstart the evening. It is good to see the audience appreciate and support the band.
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