| 9 June 2006 - Southampton, UK Concert Review |
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Good But Not Brilliant
The Saints Stadium was a great place for the gig. We parked in the city centre and walked a mile or so to the stadium. As usual with football stadiums the organisation was good with polite stewards assisting us to our seats.
Saw them last at Wolvherhampton F.C.'s ground on the last tour and compared to the chaos that is Milton Keynes Bowl, football stadiums are the way to go. First support act weren't bad and Nickleback were very good especially their final number 'You remind me', everyone up and singing, superb. Bit dissapointed they were not shown on the large screen as we could not really see them from up in the stands. Then Bon Jovi took to the stage. 'Last Man Standing' is not in my opinion much of an opening number but it got better as the show went on. I have to say though that some of the new songs from HAND fell rather flat especially 'Bells Of Freedom' everyone just stood there not knowing what to do. Am I the only person that would rather Richie sang one of his own songs than 'I'll Be There for You? I'm a huge Richie fan, fellow guitarist and actually own one of his old guitars but would much rather see John sing the song and let Richie sing something of his own. Whilst on the subject of Richie, has he put on some weight or what? In fact he looked pretty washed out to me compared to the previous times I have seen them. Could it be his new girlfriend is wearing him out? He looked knackered. John was also having problems singing as well hence a couple of long guitar solo's, letting the audience sing the first verse and Richie the second verse of 'Wanted'. Not many encores either, but they were coming to the end of the tour and admire them for putting on as good a show as they did. Not sure about the two extra muscians on stage who for me added nothing to the sound at all, sorry guys. In all all I enjoyed it but hope they are a bit 'fresher' next time they visit the UK. Sorry to read the poor reviews of the Hull gig, I tinkered with the idea of going but glad I did'nt.
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