Who thinks Arena shows would be better?

They could mix it up I guess, play the obvious stadiums like Wembley Stadium, but then play arenas like Sheffield Hallam?

DEFINITELY agree, the atmosphere at Wembley Arena 2002 was amazing! Of course, it could have something to do with the fact that it was my first time seeing the band, but I was quite literally right at the back (second to back row in the upper stall) and still had an amazing time. And everyone who was at the 02 says it was brilliant as well. Personally, I reckon seeing them at Hammersmith has the potential to be phenomenal

I'm not a big fan of stadium shows in general, I much prefer arenas or complete open air shows (think Hyde Park or Milton Keynes). Stadiums to me just seem to want to straddle the middle ground between the two, with mixed results.

I'm gonna make it my absolute mission to go to the next UK Bon Jovi arena show, cos I think it's very unlikely that they'll ever go back to a full arena tour when they can still sell out stadiums, just a couple of promo shows here and there. I was hopeful actually that the Lost Highway tour would be a tour of smaller, more intimate venues, with a later Greatest Hits tour taking them back to stadiums, but the LH tour just sort of metamorphosed into a regular tour, which in a way was kind of a shame

Sorry for the long post, I've thought a lot about this over the years!

I completely agree with all of that. I think the LH tour was meant to be smaller in every way, and the promise of a successful ($$$) tour drew the band into the big tour we're used to. I really wanted to see them play the O2 again, and other arenas. Ya never know, if they're still rockin' in 10 years...

im sure they will be rocking in 20 years

someone said hammersmith, thatd be immense

I definately prefer arena shows. More intimate, more intense in another way than huge stadiums and as Kathleen says, let it rain! who cares. I thoroughly enjoyed the stadium shows in the UK this year but I could definately do without the waiting and queing and waiting.

I forgot o2! That was a good atmosphere also Way better than a stadium!

seen 3 arena shows MSG twice and O2....and 16 stadium.
arenas have the best atmosphere no doubt and not queuing all day is a bonus.

but:

1) it might not be the case in all arena shows, but the majority are all seated. i for one do not like that.
2) if it is seated and you want to be close you have to willing to spend! £150+ for sure.
3) in the uk i reckon this will be seen as losing their fan base - 'only being able to sell out smaller venues'.
4) there is something special about a stadium show in the height of summer. when it's been sunny all day and the show starts in the evening sun and finishes in the night....you can't beat it.

I don't mind, either or... I went to a bunch of Bon Jovi shows and they were indoor except Central Park of course. I went to see the Boss at Giant's Stadium and it was so electric. I just enjoy being at the shows. I actually just read that arena shows usually have more die-hard fans because the venue is smaller and more compact.

Stadiums normally hold 50,000+ people, so there are usually more casual fans. This would mean that more rare tunes would come out in smaller venues, but I don't know if I believe this. I mean, I guess it could be, but hmm... Maybe it's true that more casual fans attend stadium shows because of the size, but the setlist? Not sure about that.

To me, I enjoy both though. No complaints what-so-ever from me.

Regards,

Jason F.

I certainly wouldn't miss the queing all day if it went to arenas!

I remember back in the day haha when you had to be on the phone as soon as tickets went on sale to get the best tickets! Ahhhhhhhhh those were the days.... got plenty of decent tickets too

And the lovely green sky and the tornado watch and shortened show of Giants Night 1 in 2006. And, for me personally, having bronchitis and standing in the rain 1000 miles from home like a moron without the sense God gave a goat. That cured me of any further desire to attend another stadium show.