"Memphis" brings Bon Jovi to Beverly

By THOMAS LAKE

Staff writer


BEVERLY - These women slept in their cars near the ticket windows on a bitterly cold night, waiting to be first to get seats for the Gillette Stadium show. They bought season tickets for the Philadelphia Soul, his new arena football team, even though none of them live within 200 miles of Philadelphia. If Jon Bon Jovi told them to jump in the river, well, you never know.

Two members of Bon Jovi, the '80s hair band that can't stop rocking, appeared at the North Shore Music Theatre last night to see the new musical "Memphis." Waiting breathlessly for them were at least five of their biggest fans - all part of the Backstage With Jon Bon Jovi club.

"Best live band in the world," said Arlington resident Sarah Purcell, 22. "I did 16 (shows) this year."

Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan, who co-wrote the music for "Memphis," stepped onto the scene at about 7:30 p.m., dressed in a dark double-breasted jacket and shiny blue tie.

"He looks awesome!" said 40-year-old Cheryl Quattrini of Tyngsborough, as a growing crowd surrounded Bryan.

Do you like Massachusetts? someone asked.

"I've seen the inside of this building ... " said Bryan, 41, indicating the theater.

"David, you're hard to get pictures of (at concerts)," said Maureen Robidoux, 38, of Pelham, N.H.

"Tell that man in the middle to move," Bryan replied. "Those lead singers ... "

Bon Jovi himself appeared at 8 sharp, wearing a red leather jacket and blue corduroys, and the fans nearly smothered him. Almost mechanically, he began signing autographs.

"I've got a blank check, Jon," a man yelled. "Can you sign that, please?"

As Bon Jovi waded toward the theater's front doors, the mob flowed with him - but it dispersed once he reached the lobby. Instead of finding his seat, he headed for the men's room.

Two guards were posted at the door, just in case.

The show's after-party took place at Finz restaurant in Salem, where close to 20 yards' worth of red carpet awaited the stars. But at about 11 p.m., theater officials got word that Bon Jovi would not attend.

He told them his wife was sick, and he was taking her home.

"Which was admirable," said a clearly crestfallen Julie Arvedon, spokeswoman for the theater.

Bryan drew hearty cheers when he finally showed up at almost 11:30. He ambled down the red carpet, pumping his fist once, and disappeared inside the restaurant.

Minutes later, members of the Backstage With Jon Bon Jovi fan club were still outside, searching for ways to crash the party.

Their adoration was not wasted on Bryan.

"It's great," he said. "You're nothing without your fans. You really are nothing. You're home alone."


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