Borgata Review (from one who was there)

Let me start out by saying that I LOVED the concert. I just read pages of comment here at Dry County and obviously some people were not happy. Apparently the sound and the audience did not come over as well on the webcast as it did in person. The sound inside the Borgata was very, very good. Much better than the usual stadium sound or arena sound. The Borgata is a small place but the audience sounded like a stadium crowd. Perhaps the directional mics for broadcasting cut out a bunch of the audience noise. The audience was not dead or quiet at all, and the band appeared to be having a good time also. You can act or pose when on stage but an audience can tell when a band is really into what they are doing and Bon Jovi were rockin on Sunday night.

One of the things that I like about the Bon Jovi audience is that there are people of all ages there. There were lots of older people but also lots of twenty-somethings and also lots of teenagers. I guess that this means that they appeal to a wide audience.

Also everyone that I talked to after the concert last night thought that Jon sounded better than he has for a while. He may not have hit all the high notes but other than Prayer where he had some problems, Jon sounded good. He obviously avoided many of the high sections on new songs which took away some of their impact. I may hear more problems when I listen to a recording at home, outside of the excitement of a live concert. It sure beat the hell out of last years concert though. This was a much happier more upbeat event, more of a celebration.

Considering that we all know how predictable the setlists can be I was actually surprised that they played that many new songs for a one-off concert. I was pretty sure that they would play what they had released early on their website and I was right: that way at least some of the audience would know the music. The only “extra” song was Miss 4th of July which was very welcome.

I felt the same way that some of you did when I heard Shout start – groan – but I thought that Jon did a good job of introducing the band. I would have liked something more than the same old but I think I understand why he plays the same stuff over and over. He gets a much better reaction from the audience for a known song than for a new song (as do most bands).

All in all – this concert rocked (unlike the last one) and there were 9 new songs played. When was the last time you went to a Bon Jovi concert with 9 new songs heard?

Kathleen

Nice review Kathleen. Personally, I really enjoyed the show. I thought it was pretty good. You could tell by watching that they were having a great time. And although we couldn't hear the audience you could see by the way that they were acting that they enjoyed the show. And I loved hearing the new songs. It was a nice change from the usual. I'm beginnng to feel like Becky...if I never hear them do Bad Name live again, I'll be OK with it. LOL. Anyway, it's been a great week for music in New Jersey and New York this week. The show at the Borgata, U2 doing a surprise show last night, Kenny Chesney, Bon Jovi and Tim McGraw doing the Today Show... Times like this I wish I still lived there (until I go out into the 75 degree weather we have here.... )

Thanks for the review! It's good to hear from someone who was actually there. I know that what we get on-line is not always going to be the best sound or quality.

Becky

Thanks a lot Kathleen. Nice review

I know I'm one of the people who initiated a topic regarding Jon's voice. On one hand..his voice was better this time...on the other...He's still not blowing me away the way he did up to 1996. Something is still missing...and it's not the high notes.

Otherwise...besides the predicatable set ender...I was happy with the show. I neglected to really review the actual show. As always..there were things that I would have changed here and there..but they exceeded my expectations in terms of what they played for the most part and felt it was a rewarding evening...a celebration. In the scheme of the shows that have been broadcast or released on DVD since 2000..this is probably the best one thus far...aside from One Last Wild Night.

thanks for that kathleen.....nice to hear from someone who was there.....i only seen the first hour of the concert too bloodly late over here and not enough beer in the fridge to keep me up .....but it was nice to read your review.....glad you had a great time

Great review Kathleen! It is good to actually hear from someone who was there, as it is always a different experience. I also thought Jon sounded better than usual. Glad that you had a nice time!!

I agree, I think what is missing is the intensity: the absolute conviction that nothing is more important than getting the music across. I also don't think it's age. I think that Jon has his fingers in too many pies. He is spread way too thin, which tends to dilute everything. I think that all of them still put on a hell of a live show - but it's not with the same single minded focus that it used to be.

Kathleen

That is so very well put! I thank you! Honestly!

Very well put! When my husband watched Jon's last two performances, he kept commenting how Jon didn't look "into" it. For example, when singing "It's My Life" it almost looked like he was just reading off of cue cards or something. The emotion was lacking.