[BOuNce_JOVI]

Originally Posted by Becky

More details... last time was just a comment about the setlist.



Round Two

I thought Saturday’s show was a mighty improvement over Friday’s. The greatest part of that improvement was in my self. I talked with Jen quite a bit before the show and decided that I was going to enjoy it for what it was because there are some things I can’t change. What’s right isn’t always what is easy. I’m not one for really singing along. I mouth the words, but I don’t usually vocalize them because I’m there to hear Jon sing, not to hear myself sing! This night, I sang along with those Bon Jovi anthems and meant every word. It was like the biggest inspirational pep talk I could have ever given myself. Note to self: remember what it’s like to sing those songs and take them into the way you live.

The band really gave us a different set list from night one—hallelujah. Through the two nights, we heard 11 of the 13 tracks on the US version of Have a Nice Day. Other songs that varied were In These Arms, Blood on Blood, Always, Bed of Roses, Born to Be My Baby, Just Older, and Everyday. I was absolutely THRILLED to hear I Want to Be Loved, One Last Cigarette, and Welcome to Wherever You Are. I was just as happy about not hearing Complicated since they’ve played it at the 3 of the 4 shows I’ve seen this tour and it’s just not a good song IMO. I know other people like it, but I think the lyrics are among the worst the band has ever written. I loved the imagery they used with I Want to Be Loved. They side of the video screen showed red outlines of a house, shoes, a fork and spoon and a teardrop or blood drop (my first thought since they pictures are in red) during the first verse. Then it showed a cross, the earth, and a dove as the song progressed and some other images that I don’t remember exactly. Toward the end of the song, the main part of the screen showed a red toned dove flying away. It was a very moving use of images to compliment the intense lyrics of the song. The band sounded great doing the Beach Boys-esque part of One Last Cigarette and Jon commented at the end that they did a good job and he really enjoyed it. So I’d look for it to make more appearances. The only change they didn’t make that I was wishing for was hearing the duet version of I’ll Be There for You since Richie sang it solo the first night. I like the duet so much more, but would like to hear the electric version with Jon on vocals for a change too. I wish Richie would take on a different song like You Give Love a Bad Name (seems appropriate). I’d still like to be at a show where they pull Wild is the Wind out of their box of tricks too. Jennifer Nettles came out for Who Says You Can’t Go Home and Jon introduced her as his little sister. Richie escorted her on and offstage. When they played Just Older, Richie walked over to Jon gave him a man hug and they get those smirks on their faces that let you know they do have some secrets they’re taking to the grave. They behave similarly during Story of My Life, which is a song I hope stays in the set list on future tours. Once again, Welcome to Wherever You Are brought me to tears. If I keep hearing that song live, I guess I won’t be able to say “I usually don’t cry at concerts” much longer. That’s okay with me. The song is gorgeous! Everyday was so unexpected that I didn’t even recognize it at first. There was a sweet moment when Jon was at the fan pit. He was playing his black acoustic and saw a little boy and handed his pick to that child, making sure that no one else attempted to snatch it from the kid. The boy’s eyes got huge and he said, “Thank you!” in awe. Then he went on to play air guitar with that pick the rest of the time he was there. I think >someday we’ll read a story about some new singer who said his life changed when Jon gave him a pick and he knew that he was destined to be a rock and roll star.<

I’m not sure what I’m destined to be—maybe I’ll be a psychometrist for another 24 years and retire. Maybe I’ll get my Ph.D. in clinical psychology instead. I know I’ll never be a rock and roll star, but Bon Jovi’s music will always be part of my life. At least some things are certain in an ever-changing world. Jon didn’t give me a pick, but he gave me a pick-me-up. That’s why I keep going back for more.

jon gave me a pick in 1986 when i heard you give love a bad name and i knew there still was real love

[VanJovi]

Very nice review Becky, I really enjoyed reading it. I'm glad you had such a great time at the shows.

[jenn1189]

Originally Posted by Becky

More details... last time was just a comment about the setlist.



I talked with Jen quite a bit before the show and decided that I was going to enjoy it for what it was because there are some things I can’t change. What’s right isn’t always what is easy. I’m not one for really singing along. I mouth the words, but I don’t usually vocalize them because I’m there to hear Jon sing, not to hear myself sing! This night, I sang along with those Bon Jovi anthems and meant every word. It was like the biggest inspirational pep talk I could have ever given myself. Note to self: remember what it’s like to sing those songs and take them into the way you live.

See, Becky! I told you, just let it all go and have fun. You're at a concert to let go of your worries, not think about them even more.

[Adam D]

Here's my review of the second night in Tampa. Drinks for everyone who gets through it this time.


I couldn't wait to get back to the Forum the next night for the second show. The day seemed to go SO slow, as I was counting the hours. This may make me sound a little fanboy-ish but I always get such a charge walking into the arena because it hits me that I'm now in the same building as my favorite band. I hit the ground running, tearing through the concourse level to Sec. 110 Row G, five rows from the floor tonight. I was really excited for my mom when I saw how close our seats put us to where Jon would be for the start of Last Man. We had just gotten the tickets for this show a few days earlier off Ebay and I'm glad we did considering the changes in the setlist.

Right on cue, the lights went down and Richie started attacking his guitar on stage. Jon made his way to the podium to start the song and even I must admit, I was a little star struck. The guy was about five feet away from us. It was a surreal feeling knowing that one of my idols was singing one of my favorite songs so close to where I was. The song sounds "fuller" when played live and you can tell how personal it is to Jon and that adds alot to the song. One of my favorite parts of the show both nights. Bad Name followed of course and I expected Complicated next but was pleasantly suprised when they skipped over it and went right into Born To Be My Baby. With this being the first song I ever heard by them back when I was five, the show wouldn't be complete without it. Story Of My Life sounded really good to me; I was glad to hear it both nights as it's one of my favorites on the new record. I really love the line "I hope you're by my side when I'm writing the last page." The added slowdown after the solo was a nice touch. Runaway, with the time machine intro once again, was also a lot of fun.

The Radio Saved My Life Tonight made another apperance and it's not bad but not one of my favorites live either. I love it on the box set but because Jon sings it much lower live, I feel it loses much of it's power. I would have loved to hear Bells Of Freedom again instead of Radio as much like Last Man, the song gains something in a live setting. Since the shows, Bells has become even more of a favorite of mine on the album. Now to change things up. Just Older was next and I was happy that my mom got to hear it, considering she had just become a grandmother for the first time just days before. It's one of the best from Crush but the crowd didn't seem to know it well, much to my suprise. Sad that most people only know the singles. A very personal song to me was next on the list and that's I Wanna Be Loved. When Jon announced it, I let out a loud "YEAH" and everyone in my section seemed to be looking at me. A dark song about having issues with the parents, tt started a little off as Richie seemed to have some problems with the talkbox but they quickly got it on track. It was kinda awkward considering the company I was with but I was very happy to hear it. .

The guys then played a few verses of the Tom Petty hit I Won't Back Down acoustic as an intro to Have A Nice Day. Considering I love the song anyway, it was cool to hear them cover it and I think it works great as an intro. The title track is a great live song, the crowd really seems to eat it up. The current single, Who Says You Can't Go Home was next and I expected it to be done the way it was the previous night wth just the guys. To my utter suprise, Jon called out Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland and they did the duet version. I really do like her voice (not bad to look at either) so this was an unexpected highlight for me. They really do have great chemistry together and I think it adds another layer to the song. The "It's Alright" part is also fun especially from an audience participation standpoint.

It's amazing to see the crowd react once It's My Life starts. EVERYONE stands and sings at the top of their lungs. It's so cool that the band has been around long enough now to touch so many different generations. One would think from my age, that I'm one of the newer fans that discovered the band because of It's My Life, as I was tapped from behind by a lady who was shocked to see I knew all the words to every song. I'll Be There For You with Richie singing lead was once again very emotional and I was in awe at the solo at the end. Just an awesome guitarist. Blaze was good once again with Jon in the crowd. I really liked how they did it this tour. The arrangment breathed new life into the song.

I was hoping for it and I got it. They played Always and I lost it. It's my second favorite song ever by the band and I have so many memories attached to it. Even done in TLFR style, it was a winner for me and my #1 highlight of the entire weekend. The lyric is so desperate it becomes haunting and it will always be extremley personal to me. After all the emotions that song brought out in me, the trifecta of Bad Medicine, Raise Your Hands and Prayer was more than welcome. Prayer was amazing as always.

Encore started with a dissapointment. Everyday is not one of my favorites (ironic considering my user name) even on the weaker Bounce album. I think it works and sounds much better on the record. It wasn't so bad though as it was another change from the previous night. Welcome To Wherever You Are has quickly climbed up the list of all time favorite songs for me and I was thrilled to hear it as well. The idea that where you are in life is exactly where you are supposed to be, that everything happens for a reason and that we need to keep our heads up even during the most difficult times, really resonates with me. This time last year, I was a mess. If someone would have told me a year later that I would have a whole new outlook and goal in life, I would've called them crazy. Just an incredibly uplifting song.

Jon NAILED it, everyone around me didn't know the words of course but they all seemed suprised at the end and I think the song went over very well. That, along with Always, were the two songs I was really hoping to hear and the inclusion of both really sent me over the top. When Last Cigarette started, I think everyone in the place thought it was Keep The Faith. I like the song live much more than on the album and the "Beach Boys" breakdown in the middle where the huge screen went all black and white and a superimposed Brian Wilson appeared next to Jon, was just insanley cool. I was really suprised at the amount of new songs they played over the two nights. Ten of the twelve off the record, the two that weren't played haven't been played at all yet so I feel pretty lucky and I think the shows have given me a new apperciation for the album.

No Jovi show would be complete without Wanted and it followed suit just as it should. The song cements everything the band is about in a five minute opus and was once again a great capper to a great night. Treat Her Right, a cover song to really end the night was a lot of fun and much preferred to the run into the ground cover, Shout.

[SamboraQueen21]

Hey~ despite never getting my brownie I read your review there.

We have the same tastes in alot of songs. I love BELLS and I am dying to hear it live this summer. Same with LAST CIG. Also WELCOME is awe-inspiring and one of my favorites as well. I cried when I heard it. And yup Everyday... eww.

For my drink ~ I am SUCH a lightweight.... it's pathetic. I'll just take a Smirnoff's Ice.

[jenn1189]

Originally Posted by JBJEveryday

Here's my review of the second night in Tampa. Drinks for everyone who gets through it this time.

Another great review!

I'm in the mood for some wine...I've had a shitty day.

[bjcrazycpa]

Thank you for your Tampa night #2 review. I am with you on loving Always!! I think done in TLFR style it does give it a more haunting feel. Great review.

deb

[Captain_jovi]

Originally Posted by bjcrazycpa

Thank you for your Tampa night #2 review. I am with you on loving Always!! I think done in TLFR style it does give it a more haunting feel. Great review.

deb

That's a good word to describe that version. The accordian just adds this..air of desperation.

[bjcrazycpa]

Originally Posted by Captain_jovi

That's a good word to describe that version. The accordian just adds this..air of desperation.

Yep, that's it, much more desperate.

deb

[Shulamix]

Hi all! New to the site, but thought I'd post since I was at the show and got to relive again while reading the reviews. I have seen this show and the Sunrise show on the tour. Toyed with going to Vegas but seats never worked out. Very upset though since they sang Never Say Goodbye, my all time favorite which I have never seen performed live. After seeing the sunrise show (we were 10th row floor dead center in front of Jon), I immediately decided to take a road trip up to Tampa. I liked the setlist for the most part. There were some good changes from the Sunrise show (Just Older and Last Cigarette were good). The energy was a bit off though for me since it seemed as though maybe they were a bit tired from the night before and trying to conserve some energy for the Daytona 500 the next day. But hey that's just my take. Friends who went to the Friday show said there was a little more pep. After some serious ticket searching, I wound up with seats right by the catwalk on Dave's side. I know what you mean about him being like 5 feet in from of you. While I was lucky enough to get a high five from him, I definitely think he was over on Jenn's side more.
When did someone grab Richie? I really don't recall seeing that and none of the other 3 -5 girls I was with mentioned it either. Was it in the begining? Only reason for asking is that I thought there was a lot less interaction bewteen the band and the pits that night versus other times I've seen them. I also thought Jon used the catwalks less than he did in Sunrise which was a bit disappointing since I scouted so hard in hopes of him coming over more. Well that's my 2 cents. I'm hoping for a great stadium tour. Since I have lots of family and friends in NY/NJ, it's a great excuse to go!