[MJB12]

Alright, I went to the Dallas show last night. I haven't really been around this board much over the past few years. Last show was the Chicago show in October 2013, and was originally only planning on going to the (now-postponed) Denver show next month. However, I was in Dallas on a business trip and was able to grab a last minute ticket under face value. I actually got to see Twenty One Pilots at the arena the night before, and despite sitting in the same section both nights (section 111, lower bowl in the back half of the arena), I had wildly different experiences. The Twenty One Pilots show was amazing - full of energy, crowd hanging on every second, huge production, huge everything.

This show was just okay. It was the least fun I've ever had at a Bon Jovi concert out of the 6 I've been to, and without a doubt the worst crowd I've been in. I don't think I need to say anything that you all probably don't already feel, but these guys aged a lot in a few years. The last few tours I didn't worry so much about Jon's voice or the setlist, but this time I really had to. I was disappointed at the no-frills staging and very little video screens. I have to say, respect for Jon playing so many songs off the new album, but maybe I would have preferred to see that move on the last couple albums, not this one. Sure, at least I know all the songs that were played...the crowd clearly did not. I swear I was the only person standing up in my section for 75% of the night and definitely the only one dancing around or moving. Nobody looked like they wanted to be there. I get not everyone is going to know the deep cuts, but I'm sorry, I just can't get over not knowing even the mid-singles and set regulars at this point, if you're going to pay that much for a ticket to see Bon Jovi. So many people around me just sitting down, checking Facebook, talking, texting, basically doing anything but paying attention to the show.

Again, I know this behavior is not unusual at shows in the US. I've just always been able to tune it out and have a good time. But last night, just so much was off about the whole concert experience. Labor of Love was just a slap in the face at that point. I actually even like Because We Can.

I'm kind of okay that the Denver show has been postponed and I probably won't be able to go now. I'm just not sure this time around if I'd want to do it again. (And I see a lot of multiple shows of a lot of different artists).