Official June 22, 2008 City Of Manchester Stadium, Manchester thread

you cant have been ar from me, could you see the guys that looked like jon from the side with the girl whith the philly soul shirt on?

Sounded like everyone who went had an amazing time. That's awesome. I can't wait until the two MSG shows! I hope he has something good in store for the greatest arena in the world!

Regards,

Jason F.

Hey all!

Came on to post my thoughts on the gig last night, but what can I say that hasn't already been said?!?! My sixth Jovi gig, my third in Manchester, and definitely the best one I've ever been to! So many unexpected songs and rarities, Dry County, Always, Diamond Ring, Blood on Blood, Blaze, Die For You, Any Other Day, Last Cigarette! Opening with Prayer was such a surprise, and really got the crowd going, and from the opening seconds I knew we were in for something special! I didn't know what song was coming next throughout, which was awesome and testament to the fact that the band are really mixing it up at the moment. Jon's voice was spectacular, so much better than it's been in recent years, he hit every note in Always and I noticed that in Dry County he went for and achieved every higher note, as opposed to playing it safe and singing it lower as he did when I saw them play it in Dublin 2006 and Manchester 2006. He didn't need song sheets for it either this time which I think bodes well for the remaining gigs on this tour, as it's more likely that he'll decide to do it on the spur of the moment if there are banners in the crowd requesting it. I honestly don't think there's a song he couldn't sing in the form he's in at the moment. And it was clear he was loving every minute of the gig, his passion and enthusiasm shone through.

As for Richie, the man was on fire! The Dry County solo was perfect, and I loved the Always extended solo, I actually had tears in my eyes during it. I had become a little tired of Sleep, but how they're doing it now, mixing in covers, really freshens it up, gets the crowd going and was deffo a highlight!

As for the comments about the first encore with three LH songs, on paper it does sound mediocre but it actually worked live, I love WGIGO and AOD but am ambivalent about ILTT, but the crowd were really fired up by that point and really got into it! Yes, I would have preferred Hey God or These Days or This Aint A Love Song, but given what we'd got in the main set, I honestly didn't care!

And as for the comments about the seating section not being up for it, I'm really surprised - I was in block 204, the lower tier seating, quite near the stage, and everyone in my section got up the minute the show started. Most of them stayed on their feet for the duration of the show, although a few did sit down during Diamond Ring and Dry County, then leapt up for HAND and Who Says, which amused me, my Mum and my friend Laura greatly! We felt like shaking them, telling them they didn't know what rarities they'd just witnessed! But there were clearly many diehards in my section - I looked round during the rarities and there were a fair few singing every word! But liljovi93, I'm glad you didn't let the spoilsports in your section put you off and stop you from standing and singing your heart out - good for you! And I thought of you when Always started, cos I knew how much you were hoping for it - I hope it lived up to your expectations!

All in all, an amazing gig with an amazing setlist by a band that's on fire at the moment! For all those who have tickets for the remaining gigs, you're in for a massive treat! Roll on Twickers!

Rach xxx

Well twas a good night......
The first two lines of Prayer i couldnt hear Jon but then they turned up his sound and success....
Didnt like the fact that he didnt say much between the first six songs,but hey let the music do the talking i suppose..
Good set list and great to hear Dry County at Manchester again....
Nice stage,effects ,screens and all...
One gripe why oh why dont the band treat us to a song from the debut album,Roulette,STTH or Get Ready wouldnt go a miss....maybe im wishing for too much!!!!

Oh and i still dont like the fiddle player being on the stage...

Really feel I missed out guys. We really had poor sound towards the back. I feel I have missed out on what could have possibly have been one of my best gigs. Everything was there. Fab crowd, wonderful set, the guys in one of the best rocking moods ever. Yet lack of sound

they never play anything from the debut album barr runaway sadly

Great Review.
Thanks for the part about me Rach... means alot.

Sounds like you have really, it sounded perfect for me.

I am wondering if it was more to the left hand side towards the back. Check out reviews on here, lots couldnt hear either. http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....bon_jovi__coms

Possibly..