December 15th, 2013 - Sydney Entertainment Centre - Sydney, Australia

Jayster · #61 12-16-2013, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayDee

Hi Guys, After seeing the show in Sydney last night I registered onto DryCounty just because I'm a bit worried but also curious to find out if other people know something I don't ... All positive and negative comments about the setlists aside, it seemed like JBJ was really struggling and not in the mood last night.

I've seen Bon Jovi three times before (in 1995, 2008 and 2010) and JBJ has always been a very energetic, happy, cheerful and positive performer. Last night something seemed off; in the close up shots on the video screens you could tell he looked weathered and run down, and while walking the stage and hanging on to the microphone he was often more limping than walking. We also noticed the aforementioned shaking hands that didn't look right.

JBJ's comments also just sounded strange - for instance calling his audience "Mother****ers" after the third song - if Axl Rose or James Hetfield would say that you'd go 'sure enough', but as far as I know JBJ has never been like that. He also made snarky comments about people being given free tickets, one he even made directly to the record company reps "who were giving away free tickets"- it is rather unusal and bad form for any artist to be so openly pissed off at his record company reps during a concert.

Maybe he just had a cold and was a bit over it, or maybe he only found out on the day he was playing a smaller venue, but he was giving off a weird vibe. It just looked like an unhappy band; halfway through the show my wife said to me "I wouldn't be surprised if this is their second-last ever gig" - and I could only agree with her.

The "One for you, one for me"-Line as an introduction to several lesser knowns songs sounded a bit unfriendly, and during the block of ballads with The Fighter/Thick as Thieves/Blood on Blood JBJ appeared strangely emotional. It seemed also seemed telling that the band members were not introduced anywhere during the gig. And I don't mean just the hired guns; Bryant and Torres got no mention or introduction either. All the above might explain why 'Keep The Faith' wasn't played; it seemed as if Bon Jovi lost the faith. I'd love to know if anyone else there felt the same way as us?

Short answer to your question is no.

In fact, I felt the complete opposite from you. I felt like he was letting loose and was much more a rock star than he has been recently and it was about the music rather than the production of the "show".

He spoke a lot more in between songs than he normally does, so he wasn't in a mood.

He seemed pretty damn fresh faced to me considering he played 2 hours 36 mins to 80, 000 on Saturday.

He has known for ages that he was doing an arena show, so that wasn't an issue - they did Perth Arena too. I didn't notice any limping - just his usual strutting.

He just took the opportunity to act himself I think. What you saw was the real Jon.

That cheesy grin still popped up plenty, so I really don't think you need worry about him.

Savvi · #62 12-16-2013, 09:47 AM

A fun photo of Jon. He's not looking too worried/sick here

StickToYourGuns45 · #63 12-16-2013, 09:54 AM

Hey all, finally I'm home so I can give my opinion of the gig. This was the 8th time I've seen the band, 7th in Sydney. I thought that this show was truly amazing and in the top two I've seen from the guys! I think Jon was more into this show than he was for the last show in Sydney in 2010.

I will disagree with most people and say that When We Were Beautiful was an excellent opener, it just seemed to keep building and was excellent when paired with Loves The Only Rule. The whole band was on fire from what I saw, especially Jon. Sure his voice was not at it's best, but my god he gave his all. I definitely agree with Jayster, he was in a super playful mood. He was extremely talkative and told a nice story about writing The Fighter.

I can see what people are saying about the setlist not being that good, but he sold the shit out of every song. Work For The Working Man absolutely rocked and worked so much better than back in 2010, I think I like the song now. I thought the run of Hallelujah, The Fighter and Thick As Thieves was really good, and the crowd reactions to the songs were better than I expected.

I finally, after 8 shows got to hear Always!!!!

Hopefully someone recorded this show because it was truly something special.

BobbyJovi · #64 12-16-2013, 10:26 AM

The band was on fire and Jbj showed why hes one of the best frontmen when on song.

Had a couple from work who were bj virgins and they loved it.The 2 people near me said it was incredible.

From my point of view the setlist was great.I wouldve loved for them to drop the xmas songs and play in these arms or have a nice day.We needed a rocking tune at the end.But that show proved to me that the boys havd still got it.My 10 th time sering the bnd and one of the best.

Jayster · #65 12-16-2013, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savvi

A fun photo of Jon. He's not looking too worried/sick here

That's a cool photo!

bonssong · #66 12-16-2013, 02:51 PM

It's not a bad setlist, but it's not as great and awesome as some people are making it out to be... maybe it's just me.

I don't think it was so much the setlist as the atmosphere on the night.The band and audience became as one ...The band were happy and really into it with the crowd.This arena was one of the first places Bon Jovi played in 1987 on there first visit to Australia.Maybe this had a bit to do also with night .It was a very special night..I loved the setlist and the band were very happy.Jon was not on auto pilot as he has been .He was just rolling along and doing songs he knew the fans wanted and doing the ones he liked as well...

angelsambo · #67 12-16-2013, 02:51 PM

Bon Jovi Love Is The Only Rule
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4crLF...ure=youtu.be&a

DryCounty · #68 12-16-2013, 04:02 PM

When We Were Beautiful

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgMh3rDbt5Y&feature...

This is just so wrong as an opener. There are so many great openers in BJs catalog, why this one?

DryCounty · #69 12-16-2013, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelsambo

Bon Jovi Love Is The Only Rule
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4crLF...ure=youtu.be&a

It's scary how much better that one sounded only a couple of months ago in Europe. He really struggles with the chorus. Still, I hope it will appear in Brisbane.

Great to see Phil banging his head though

jovifan93 · #70 12-16-2013, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DryCounty

When We Were Beautiful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgMh3...uyGwhqhweNbpMw

This is just so wrong as an opener. There are so many great openers in BJs catalog, why this one?

I see your point, but it's a great song and I would think that followed by Love's The Only Rule it would be a really nice build up.

December 15th, 2013 - Sydney Entertainment Centre - Sydney, Australia

Tour Discussion