Chicago review-- Daily Southtown
 

Bon Jovi still has that bounce


Sunday, July 13, 2003




By Eloise Marie Valadez
Staff writer


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bon Jovi had no problem rocking the Tweeter Center Friday evening.
With a large screen video backdrop, bright lights and energy that didn't waver, the New Jersey-based band delivered an impressive 2½-hour show filled with fan "singalong" favorites and selections from the newest release, "Bounce."

It's been 20 years since Bon Jovi first emerged onto the music scene, and the band is still a solid unit as its members continue to attract fans with their unbridaled enthusiasm and fresh approach to new material.

The group took the stage about 9 p.m., opening with the upbeat "Bounce" followed by the crowd favorite "You Give Love a Bad Name."

Spitfire lead singer Jon Bon Jovi had the crowd's attention from the show's first number, as he never refrained from jumping in place, running around the stage or interacting with band members Richie Sambora, David Bryan, Tico Torres and Hugh McDonald.

Guitarist Sambora occasionally offered polished extended solos, while Torres proved a heavyweight on drums.

Bon Jovi's set list soared with tunes such as "Runaway," featuring great guitar riffs by Sambora; "Everyday," from "Bounce"; "Born to Be My Baby"; and the revved-up "It's My Life."

Particular standouts included "Livin' on a Prayer," which began with an a cappella section sung by fans; "Wanted Dead or Alive," with strong vocals from Bon Jovi; and "Keep the Faith," in which Bon Jovi danced wildly and launched into his signature backside wiggling move.

Other numbers that got fan approval were "Raise Your Hands," Sambora's vocal solo on the hit "I'll Be There For You" and the 1950s classic "Shout."

Bon Jovi's show proved a real celebration of not only the music but camaraderie between fans and musicians.

Throughout the show, Bon Jovi addressed his audience and often shook hands, gave hugs and even stole a few kisses from overzealous female fans.

The concert set featured platforms situated on the sides of the stage on which, every so often, fans were allowed to stand and come in contact with Bon Jovi as he hopped across the stage to greet them.

From that gesture alone, it was obvious this is a celebrity who appears to appreciate his admirers and doesn't believe in being aloof.

Fans also had the opportunity to give an extra special nod to Sambora as he celebrated his 44th birthday Friday.

Bon Jovi sang a few lines of "Happy Birthday" to Sambora, but that didn't compare to the birthday tribute Bon Jovi got here when the band played Chicago's United Center in March. Bon Jovi was celebrating his 41st birthday then, and the group launched into the Beatles' "Birthday" and even had a Marilyn Monroe impersonator jump out of a cake.

Bon Jovi's concert seemed to attract the biggest Tweeter Center crowd so far this season. All the pavilion seats were filled, and there weren't many empty spaces on the lawn.

The parking lot also was packed, and heavy traffic outside the theater made it impossible for many concertgoers to get into the Tweeter Center for Bon Jovi's opening act, the Goo Goo Dolls.

great reveiw! - thanks Becky!

interesting!