Back to WhamATC’s question. I decided to compare this show to my favorite post 2000 shows because I only saw 6 shows prior to that and have seen probably 30 since.

St. Louis, 2000: It was an amazing performance. Bon Jovi has been out of the spotlight for a while and were back with a huge hit single and a new generation of fans. It was one time Jon actually did come back and start playing after the band had gone offstage. He came back alone and stared Never Say Goodbye and, of course, the place went nuts. He was soon joined onstage by the rest of the band. There seemed to be an electric connection between Jon and that crowd. It was perfect.

Omaha, 2005: I pick this as my 2nd show because of the transformation my life has gone through since the previous Bon Jovi shows I had seen. My father died unexpectedly in December 2003, turning my world upside down. I couldn’t even listen to Bon Jovi for a while because of all the memories associated with my dad. During that period of mourning, I found Keith Urban who had some songs that helped me cope, went to see him live in May 2004, and it was the first time I had smiled or enjoyed myself in months. Also, I didn’t watch videos at that point, so I honestly didn’t know he was his own lead guitarist—and an amazing one at that. Maybe I lost my mind.. I don’t know, but I saw him probably a dozen or more times before that Omaha show. So, I actually went into Omaha wondering if Bon Jovi or Jon could still impress me. He had to live up to a guy who was a great singer and a phenomenal player.

And did he ever! During that show I remembered everything that had made me a Bon Jovi fan to start with and had no doubts left that Jon was the premier frontman for me. It was like I came home that night.

Sunday in New Orleans, it was like Jon came home. He was full of the joy that I am used to seeing from him. He was enthusiastic, energetic, and most of all, his happiness was bringing everyone in that arena happiness. I felt like something was off last year and I wasn’t sure if it was emotional or physical or both. New Orleans only made me wish I could go to every show possible before this band retires.