Did they blow their metaphorical load too early?
 

So I'm putting off writing 500 words about German film, and instead I'm sitting here overanalyzing Bon Jovi setlists. Now, like I think everyone else here, I'm really disappointed by the last two sets, and the fact that it seems to be 1 show towns will get an exact standard set. Yet, in looking at The Circle Tour so far, several changes have been made a lot that people here have been clamoring for for a long time have come to pass so far:

-I'll Sleep When I'm Dead is getting a rest.
-Runaway with the Time Warp is getting a rest.
-Raise Your Hands is getting a rest.
-Captain Crash is getting a rest.
-Shout is out, and Bad Medicine is anchored in the middle of the set.
-Bad Name is out of the 2 slot.
-Richie isn't singing IBTFY, and as an added plus is breaking out a band song not regularly heard in 20 years.
-A TD song is an every night regular.
-There's an acoustic set without TLFR crap.
-Normal Bed of Roses is back
-Blood on Blood is a nightly regular.
-Someday I'll Be Saturday Night is a regular.
-The average set has respectable balance: 7 80's songs, 4 90's songs, 4 00's songs, and 6 new album songs.
-Hell, there's already been 2 different TD songs played in the US. I think there were only that many (not counting Riche's version of TD) on the entire US LH Tour.
-The amount of new album songs is pretty balanced, and most of the songs off of TC being played are favorites around here

Yet, even with that, the sets are somewhat disappointing. In my opinion, there are two major reasons for that:

1. The band shot themselves in the foot. By talking so much about playing rare songs, and asking for requests on Twitter, and posting songs rehearsed and etc. the band teased a lot of things before the tour started. Now, that's normal from them however they actually delivered over the course of the first four shows. Roulette, Shot Through The Heart, Tokyo Road, Get Ready and etc. all played over four nights built anticipation to a fever pitch, to the point where setlists that are good in principle, and most of us would have never believed two months ago are now par for the course.

2. The static sets in 1 show cities. Granted, we've only seen 2 shows in 1 show towns so far, but it's telling that they've been exactly the same songs, something that didn't happen on the LH Tour. Yet, the sets themselves have been, as stated above, not bad, they're coming off as boring. Makes me think of a discussion we had here during the LH Tour (I know I was involved, Seb, and I think Ice among others) about whether we'd prefer the slight changes the band made nightly then, or a balanced yet unchanging set every night. I said then, and I'll say now, no matter how good any one set is, playing the same exact songs every night is a mistake. Even changing up 4-5 spots makes a difference.

Good read Crush. You know what's sad - I don't even give a shit any more. I'm so sick of having the same old discussion tour after tour after tour.

It's a good argument Brian - and I have to agree with you. I'd have been over the moon with this set a few weeks ago. And it really is possible that the the multiple nights places might do better - we will have to see about that.

I don't even understand why Arizona didn't get the same opening - unless they had technical problems. Maybe because it's very early in the tour? Again I guess we will see.

Maybe we all like to complain too much - especially at midnight when we are tired and cranky and watching setlists LOL.

Its all a little disheartening. Its still early but its painful seeing sets like these. If I have to hear the same songs for multiple shows I am going to be upset at myself for spending all that money. Then again I say that now when I am looking to go to Mass. We can never win. The lord givith and the lord take it away.

I think you are spot on, Brian. I'm going to love seeing this show once or twice. After that, I'm going to be really disappointed if the setlist stays static -- especially in light of the gems that they tossed out at the first 4 shows. I just can't believe that a band with a 25+ year back catalog wants to play the same 22 songs every night. How can that not be boring as hell?

BTW one little point, IMO the Bed of Roses that they're doing right now isn't quite the original version. It's almost like the band is playing the original, but Jon is singing the lounge lizard version. It's definitely better than the full-fledged TLFR version, but disappointing after the return of the real one during the LH tour.

And I can't believe you mentioned that song from Crush with the really long name! I've definitely noticed that it was missing from the setlists, but I was afraid to say anything for fear of jinxing things. You do realize that you're now responsible if it reappears, right? ;)

Terri is that the song that should not be named? Lets blame Brian if it magically comes back.

Absolutely. :p

I recommend that this thread is closed immediately to avoid any risk of return!

Great idea. Out of sight out of mind.

LOL I could do that, but Brian makes some really good points, and we should probably let other people comment. Maybe we'll be safe if no one actually uses the whole stupid name!