[dcj28]

Great show imo and well above expectations considering they played a long show the night before. Jon in great spirits and seemed to raise his game to compensate for his missing “friend”. Phi X played well enough to stop me thinking who wasnt there and seemed to get a decent enough reception. He seemed to enjoy himself too constantly smiling and getting into the gig.
Loved the instrumental at the end of Faith and although people moan about the mid ser lull i didnt really notice it as i just went to enjoy.
A couple of negatives were that fronstage seems too bare with just Jon and Phil on there,cant see why Bobby or Hugh cant fill the lhs of the stage.
Definitely backing tracks on Because we can but although i hate the cd version it sounded good live.
8 out of 10

[kleman]

WOW, Jon sound so good, his voice is in much better shape now then it was 1 month away.

HD Bon Jovi Always Live - Villa Park, Birmingham...

[gabriele]

that's true. good version.

[Walkerboy]

Jon must have done something right - The Times gave it a 4 star review!!!
No paper EVER gives them more than 2 star........

[erniemac]

I've been to almost all of the Midlands gigs since These Days, plus a few further a field, Cardiff, Mancs.

I have to say in the 8 or 9 times I've seen the band - That was without a doubt the best show I've been to. ( I know there are people who see more than one in one tour, but just giving my opinion some context).

Venue - Knocks spots of the other true Midlands venues, Stoke, Wolves, Molinuex, Coventry ... Really hope they get there
General Organisation - Getting out was a bit of a farce on foot, let alone by car but you don't mind after a great gig.
Set List - For me .. just right ... I've learnt over the years that being a true die hard fan you'll never come away with a perfect set list you can only hope that you get a few gems, rarities, or personal favs.
Performance - As I said above best I've seen Jon, I was worried that no Richie was ganna spoil the show - but hey it forced them to raise their game to another level.
Positives I took two non Bon Jovi fans with me, both came away saying they'll certainly go back and see them again, that's a first, I know the people I coaxed in to coming to Manchester last year felt ripped off. I think you do get a fair few "neutrals" - last night will have won them over.

For the first time in a long time, as a fan it's made me want to go to another Gig straight away. I wasn't particularly looking forward to this one as much as I have others in the past ... I guess no Richie, a pedestrian new album and a poor show last time didn't raise expectations.

Loved the extra encore.

Finished on my Fave all time track - Blood on Blood.

Excellent.

[efpg0708]

Originally Posted by kleman

WOW, Jon sound so good, his voice is in much better shape now then it was 1 month away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4H7ehAEivc

Way to go Jon !! This is so much better than the last perfomances.

I feel so happy for those who were at these two last shows !

[KeepTheFaith2211]

No reaction for 'Hey God'.

[LeaJovi]

Originally Posted by KeepTheFaith2211

No reaction for 'Hey God'.

If I was there when he said "These Days" I would've bled my throat out screaming.

Anyways, this is fun. This is what a BJ show should be.

[eddie73]

Originally Posted by KeepTheFaith2211

No reaction for 'Hey God'.

I was screaming my lungs off for HG, would of gone mental if they had pulled it outthe bag

[LeaJovi]

Originally Posted by eddie73

I was screaming my lungs off for HG, would of gone mental if they had pulled it outthe bag

Yes, Hey God was the best in rarity/awesomeness ratio. I would've wanted that.