Hi - Thought I'd write this now as I'll have forgotten it by the morning

Started off with Toploader (I know some of u r fans so I'll say a few words). I thought they were pretty good - better than last time I saw them. Dancing in the Moonlight doesn't hold up very well anymore, but the opener was good & I think the fourth song they did was brilliant (dunno whatits called though). They r also really good live performers whether your into their stuff or not.
Then Chris Tarrent appeared - in the PA bit about 8 rows directly in front of me. Wasted some time giving out a £1000 prize. Then a vid of Phil Collins was shown saying why he couldn't be there & they played a vid of one of his songs. Then came Paul Carrac, Mike Rotherford & the All Stars. I also thought these were good with some well known tunes (SAY It LOUD, SAY IT CLEAR - anyone?) They certainly went down well with the crowd anyhow, especially the last one they did - Looking back over my Shoulder.

Then came the Appletons (after some more Tarrant filler). I actually felt sorry for these when they went off. They put their heart & soul into the performance - which was good. However they didn't help themselves by not interacting with the crowd (maybe not used to a mature audience ) - Saying nothing before the first song, just standing there for a minute in silence. - Same again for the second with them just saying 'GO' to launch into the single. Anyhow - the reception for them wasn't great when they finished, a few polite applauses.

THEN came the event we were waiting for - Tarrant introduced them on the main stage (along with David Seaman - another cool surprise!). They started with LOAP, however when Jon started singing he wasn't on stage - Richie pointed towards the back, & then it clicked - he appeared in the PA bit where Tarrant had been presenting. Just 8 rows in front of me - Larger than Life). People were rushing down the aisle to get a piece of him, but I valued my life & decided to stay put He then went onto the main stage & they followed with Bad Name - A really energetic performance with Jon rarely going into the flat chorus he tended to lapse into (See Crush Tour DVD). Then Its My Life. Then they played 3 new songs (Undivided, Everyday, Bounce). Undivided was amazing. I thought it was goona be all slow - then Jon shouted Hey - Chucked his guitar to some random stage guy & it kicked off. On first hearing I was really impressed. Everyday didn't seem to quite work live. - Although maybe this was down to Richie's guitar - it seemed very flat to start with (out of tune?) Then it went Awol from the Chorus onwards. Bounce was another very energetic track - didn't hit me quite the same way as Undivided although sounded good & got us jumping around, will prob. need a few more listens though.
Then it was Keep the Faith - Jon actually hitting the 'U know your gonna live through the rain' note for the first time in a while (in fact his voice sounded in really good shape tonite - maybe its the arena). Again, the performance was V. energetic & great all round. Then Wanted, Then Bad Medicine / Shout.

I think I didn't miss one out. All in all then - predictable set list (But then it is a one off appearance of around an hour), although still as much fun - made all the better with really energetic performances all round & Jons voice really sounding good.
+ Bon Jovi sounded great in the Arena - Far better than in a stadium!

Oh yeah - & Jon was wearing the same top as he wore for the American Football stunts (I know there was a little discussion about that).
Also - Richies Great Britain Trousers were cool.

All I can say is: ROLL ON THE TOUR

Mike