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Bon Jovi prove they still have it

The Goo Goo Dolls and Bon Jovi bring an indescribable load of energy to the Nissan Pavillion .

By JESSE SCOTT

Date published: 8/7/2003

YOUTH CORRESPONDENT

Despite half of Bon Jovi's set being acoustic, the veteran rock quartet teamed up with the Goo Goo Dolls and delivered an electrifying performance to the Nissan Pavilion audience.

The marvelous evening started with a bang when the Buffalo-native, pop-rocking Goo Goo Dolls strolled onto the stage and ecstatically delivered their up-tempo '98 release, "Dizzy."

The scattered crowd hung onto each of lead vocalist Johnny Rzeznik's trademark scruffy notes, as the Dolls poured out all of their well-known classics.

During their fast-paced hourlong set, the Dolls effortlessly delivered exceptional executions of famed singles such as "Slide," "Here is Gone," "Iris" and their latest mellow smash, "Sympathy."

With the majority of the very large crowd on its tiptoes, Bon Jovi strutted out one by one from behind the large backdrop, took seats on their comfy stools and opened with the sweet, piano-heavy "Have a Little Faith in Me."

Though Bon Jovi's music whispered a relaxing sound, the crowd shouted back the words in an extremely loud manner.

The New Jersey natives pumped out softening versions of their popular masterpieces "Living on a Prayer," "Wanted Dead or Alive" and "Everyday" before they resurrected and jolted into their astounding electric set.

With sweat dripping everywhere, the band worked the delighted outdoor crowd with powerful performances of "Undivided" and the head-bobbing tune "It's My Life."

Bon Jovi's crystal-clear sound and large state-of-the-art video backdrop (showing scenes of waving flags and the golden days) mixed perfectly to produce a truly patriotic feeling in the venue.

This feeling was especially present during "Raise Your Hands."

The audience raised their hands, waving our nation's flag in pride as they screamed the words aloud.

Bon Jovi wrapped up the en-ticing night with an energetic version of their triumphant hit "Bad Medicine."

The evening certainly ended on a high note.

Around since 1984, the band puts on a passionate show as if they were still rookies in the business.

In the words of Bon Jovi, "It's your life, and it's now or never!"

So go see Bon Jovi!

JESSE SCOTT is a senior at Stafford High School.

Date published: 8/7/2003