I personally don't much care what the critics think of a Bon Jovi show. They didn't buy my tickets. But, when the fans start to uprise, that is something to take note of. I do wonder, however, if the majority of fans don't really care and that it is only a select handful of fans that really notice the repitition in shows and are crying for variety. The reason I mention that is that I don't think the vast majority of the concert goers spend a lot of time downloading/buying BJ concerts. Thus, it doesn't strike them as stale. Where as the fan who is into everything Bon Jovi starts to feel like they are watching reruns. It's hard for the band to do something *new* when what is new for one show isn't new for the fan who downloaded everything.

Now, I don't think there is anyway they can pass off the ISWID/Bad Medicine/Shout as new. They've essentially been doing that since the KTF tour and it is so old now. It was cool the first time... a hundred times in though... <shrug>. My other gripe would be the "Twist and Shout." I took my brother to a BJ concert with me not to long ago and his most memorable comment was: "Great show, but they totally lost me when they did the Twist and Shout thing." I totally agree.

But, I would say give it time. I don't think a "true" formula for the setlist will emerge until a few weeks in. Our discussion can be much more informed then.

-eric