A very blah New York Times Review

As a big fan of the group, it's hard to not scrutinize every detail of the shows...it would be nice to just take everything as pure enjoyment, and as a casual fan, and just go and enjoy the show...but sometimes it's hard to do that...

Personally, I think Jon is taking the group on a detour for this tour - the whole opening number with the country music, the country-influenced album, and the like. I don't discourage experimentation, because taking chances and doing something different is always good in my book... And no one can blame Bon Jovi for really trying to capitalize on a country market, since if they were trying to capitalize on a music genre, they might pick one that 9 out of 10 people in America don't hate - "I like everything, except country" is a common mantra.

Personally, I just think Richie is on stage thinking, "alright Jon, you done yet? Can we play Prayer and Bad Medicine and get on with the rock show?"

I don't mind this music, but it's about context - I don't want Bon Jovi screwing around with Blaze of Glory and adding a fiddle, quite frankly. But that's their artistic choice, so I support it. But I just hope that by the next tour, it's an experiment that has ended.

I doubt it though - I mean, Jon and the band are older, and Jon has toned down the rock star clothing, cut his hair (i think he'll grow it back long, but who cares anyways), and added more playing members to shift into middle age, and who can blame them? It's more a "show" than a rock concert now.

That's what I admire about the Police - the three of them just came out and rocked it, no ensemble, when I saw them earlier this year.

I know that I'll enjoy the shows I'm going to...I know they can still rock, and sound amazing.

I like country music, but in its own context I guess.

Regarding the New York Times review, I dont' think it was terrible - i liked how no matter how hard they tried to insult Jovi, they couldn't deny Jon's a real rock star, and that the guys are respectable, and can still play and fill arenas.

I just wouldn't trust a reviewer who calls Bon Jovi "synth rock"?????, and who compares them to U2, as if they need to be U2.

Why can't Bon Jovi be who they are, without being torn down for not writing the Joshua Tree 2? And if they tried, they would say their not sticking to the formula, and trying to be like U2. So basically, the comparisons are lazy journalism.

Everything in its right place, and thats where I stop analyzing. It's just rock music. I'll enjoy the shows, i know i will, and i'll accept artistic experimentation, to a point. Enough badgering every decision, setlist and otherwise,to death (i'm speaking about myself). However, if they stick a fiddle on Prayer, I'm done.

Wait, wait, wait...critics trashing Bon Jovi.....SAINTS PRESERVE US

I hate to say it, but I think the review has some merit. The past few tours Bon Jovi seems to be "going through the motions". As a fan since 1984, I can only say the concerts from 1985 - 1993 were MUCH better, IMO.

As far as having to play some songs: They have to play Wanted, Bad Name, Prayer and It's My Life. Even though I dislike two of these, I realize most people at the shows expect to hear these and they would be glaring ommissions if they were not included in the show.

One thing that always gets me about Bon Jovi fans who complain about the set lists, do you realize that not many bands from the 80's (or 70's) still put out new alums every few years, go on tour fro them, and then play 5, 6, 7 or more of those new songs in concert. These new songs alone make it a new concert each time out. Sure we'd love to see a change in some of the classic's, but the average Jovi fan (ie: not a die-hard posting on the boards here) WANTS to hear those.

It's like when I go see Def Leppard, I want to hear Rock Of Ages, Photograph, Foolin', Love Bites, etc.... That's why I am there. Or if I go see Bryan Adams..... I want to hear Heaven, Summer of '69, Cuts Like a Knife, etc....

When the casual fan goes to see Bon Jovi they want to see Wanted, Prayer, Bad Name, BTBMB, It's My Life, etc....

Do you want to hear them with violin and pedal steel added?

Ice

Exactly! Hell, I live in NJ and am only going to one show.Too many years of the same stuff, and although they put on an awesome live show, what is the point of watching the same show over and over and over again. I can't see spending all that money to watch them sing Bad Medicine, Bad Name, etc. yet again. Blech! Give me something unique on Saturday...PLEEEASE!!

NO!!!

While the additional instruments don't distract too much - they aren't really necessary to the old arrangements either. As others have said - add them for the new stuff since it was recorded that way but don't **** up (or clutter up if you prefer) the older stuff.

Always was never a staple live song. Should have been, but never was.

Just been through youtube.
I want me rock band back.