A review by Paul Mac / the_honeypot@hotmail.com

The last time Bon Jovi played here, the heavens opened, and you had to wonder if God was a dance music fan. Even in those adverse conditions, however, Bon Jovi put on a hell of a show, and I (almost) forgot about the rising water level in my undergarments!

This time, there was no danger that the set would be augmented by lightning, so it was up to the band to at least provide the thunder. Did we doubt they would? Wellllll....with no 'new' record to promote, there was a small element of doubt. Three songs into the set, I was wondering why it had ever been there.

This was the fourth time I've seen Bon Jovi live, stretching back to the New Jersey tour, and this was definitely the rockiest set they've played. Only two real ballads? What are they thinking? There must have been a lot of people going home with full cigarette lighters! Old favourites like 'Raise your hands' and 'Wild in the streets' went down a storm, and Jon kept his promise that he would have to be dragged of the stage. He eventually was 2 3/4 hours later.

A special mention to support act Matchbox 20, another band I'm a big fan of. It was good to see them live, and hopefully they might play their own show here sooner rather than later. Missed most of Delirious, so I can't comment. In the end though, the night belonged to the Jersey Syndicate. Now that's what I call rock'n'roll.....

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