Originally Posted by Kev

Christchurch rock fans' long-lived prayers have been answered – Bon Jovi will play their only New Zealand concert in the city next January.

Over the past decades, die hard Bon Jovi fans have been resigned to travelling overseas to see the band known for hits such as Livin' On A Prayer and You Give Love A Bad Name.

A website petition has more recently been circulating requesting a full Bon Jovi tour for Australia and New Zealand.

Yesterday the group which has sold more than 120 million albums and played 2500 concerts in more than 50 countries announced it will be stopping over in New Zealand to play a one-off concert at Christchurch's AMI Stadium on January 27.

The band will arrive from Japan via Australia on their Bon Jovi – The Lost Highway tour. After playing in Christchurch playing in Christchurch they head home to the United States to play at a half-time show of the American Football Super Bowl.

AMI stadium is expected to be sold out with fans from around New Zealand attracted by the award-winning group's mix of classic rock anthems and ballads.

Christchurch Mayor-elect Bob Parker announced the Bon Jovi concert yesterday. He said it would be the first of many as part of the city council's strategy to bring in big acts.

"Christchurch is a creative city, with stunning facilities such as the AMI stadium and the Westpac stadium, capable of hosting these large scale events," he said.

Parker, a keen guitarist, said he would definitely be in the Bon Jovi audience: "Absolutely. Can't wait."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4241476a19718...lines_20071018