I though it was only me. Everybody says how much better Shanks is, but that solo was nails on chalkboard.

At least he doesn't make Bobby's O faces :mrgreen:

If ITA was not awful is because Dave was singing his heart out.

I'm still puzzled as hell. So many praise the band because they sound tight and they have so much fun onstage (to be fair, they do) and this is the tour were they are most underutilized. For no reason at all. They have these very very poor setlists with lots of slow and forgettable songs and they don't even bother to bring back the jukebox portion or Dave singing a verse or many other things that could compensate for Jon's shortcomings.

Oh, I forgot. Jon now serenades his female fans, that's how this tour will be remembered . He's sooooooo hot!! What are the haters complaining about, he cares about the fans. If you don't think that a dance and a kiss (ewww really, it's fvcking gross) is Jon putting a lot of thinking and effort into the show you are just a shitty person and a bitter hater.

It's pathetic, I'm sorry. I hope this is their last tour.

chill out!

You're all over the place with this one. I applaud them for dropping the jukebox stuff, it's tired and David not singing a verse would be cool but doesn't signify that it's more of a Jon tour in the least.

Generally speaking, I think people initially see and hear what they expect, or hope, to see and hear; and it's sometimes hard to get past our original expections enough to be objective.

From the beginning, Jon said that THINFS was "a band record" and the band were having the best time they had ever had. He said that he looked around while they were doing the first promo show and saw that the band were happier than they had ever been. Everyone was having so much fun that he realized he was going to have to do more shows. So people were expecting it to be that way from the start.

IMO, that's the only explanation for why people were saying how much happier and unified the band looked in the THINFS video, when the only eye contact made was once between Jon and David; and the only time "the band" were in the same shot was in the performance scenes. Even then, the smiles looked forced to me and it seemed like Phil-X was the only guy in the room who looked remotely happy, or even at ease.

It's similar to what happened with LH. Jon and Richie had said it was Nashville-influenced and perhaps made a passing reference to country music somewhere along the way. So, a lot of fans made up their minds that they weren't going to like it before they ever heard the first note of songs that are no more "country" than SIBSN or TAALS. It took ages for that stigma to go away. It's just been in the past few years that several have acknowledged that LH was highly underrated by some of the fans, themselves included, and that it actually wasn't as bad, or as country-sounding, as they thought it was when they first heard it.

I'm good. It's a beautiful sunny day and I'm heading to a party. Life is good today ;)

I don't care about either of those things tbh, but it's something that requires 0 effort on their side and shows they are putting some thought into the shows. Remember they had rehearsed 90+ songs. Remember that Jon mentioned some songs he knew the diehards wanted. This just shows a lack of care imho.

But it doesn't matter what I think, social media tells me I'm very wrong. I'm so sick of reading the same comments about the shows, all the pictures and videos showing Jon smiling, dancing and kissing fans, all the gushing... this is not my band.

There used to be a time when one would see discussions about music, setlists and performances outside this board. Now all that conversation has disappeared. And don't you dare express some constructive criticism. The backstagers have win (cue sad violin music).

Nah, they seem truly happy. I've only watched bits and pieces since the tour started but judging from what I've seen, what I see fans talking about, etc. there seems to be a genuine camaraderie between Phil, Shanks, Dave, Tico and even Everett. Edit because I forgot Hugh! Poor thing is always an afterthought. He's a trooper, he's good with anything or anybody.

Because this is North American setlists. NOTHING. HAS. CHANGED. It's the same tired album cuts sprinkled in with some new songs and the hits. If you honestly believed Jon was going to shake up the setlist with 90+ songs I have a ton of swampland to sell you. Like, I totally understand WHY you're upset but at the same time we know this band, we know how stagnant the setlists get stateside, we know the cities that tend to get a bone tossed in. Everything else goes down like a stone. Remember 2010 when the first two albums got some play? They were gone completely within five shows. But since 2000, and probably prior, it's always been like this.

Never believed that for a second but at the same time it was clear since pretty much the beginning that Europe was a very very distant possibility. And they still kept taking about rehearsing tons of songs that weren't even played in their usual fav places in NA.

NA setlists have been unnecessarily static since at least the NA leg of the LH tour (prior to 2007 they didn't have as many modern "hits" that American audiences could know, so it made more sense) but they have NEVER ever been this static for no reason. We discussed this already the past leg, it is not the vocal difficulty dictating the setlists because there are plenty of post 2000 songs that are as unknown and easy to sing as the mediocre and frankly baffling choices they are making. The current setlists scream "nostalgia band who plays the hits and does the bare minimum to keep fans happy". I commended the band (Jon) for all the THINFS songs and the stories, it was the only savin grace of the last leg. I would have understand it if they swapped them for more known hits but, Amen and BWC? Defies logic

Edit: the point I'm making is that this level of "we don't give af" is telling the European fans that it won't be worth it again. I don't complain because I like typing lots of words, I want them to have this last successful tour and stop before they end up a joke. I don't think they can go on being successful with NA audiences only but who knows, I could be completely wrong

The guitar player of my local bar plays it better jijij sorry Shanks >_< jaja

I didn't think Shanks ITA solo was *bad* - Bobby's was bad. Shanks' just didn't fit - it was like a pop-country solo, which just doesn't work. I think Matt's attempt (https://youtu.be/DypVyxtGv80?t=196) was ok but he just did a mediocre job of copying Richie's original solo. Thinking about it has Phil even ever played it? Bobby took it on BWC, Shanks taking it now...

Anyway, I'm glad to see Phil really owning the stage on KTF - how is he on other songs? One thing this band has sorely missed is Richie's stage presence, if Phil's stepping out of the shadows a little bit and Jon's moving more that's a big improvement regardless of Jon's voice.

I find it ludicrous that so many people seem to spend hours complaining about a show they did not attend.

I quickly realized last night I could not get a decent picture with my phone or camera. Why do people think phones take good video?

You CANNOT tell someone who was actually there what they experienced or that they are wrong about what they experienced. If you think the shows are so bad, don’t go. Find something that makes you happy. Life’s too short to be miserable about things that have utterly no true affect on you whatsoever.

I put my phone down and I put my camera down and experienced the show, the real thing, without a screen for a filter. It was really the best way to do it. I saw the band interacting up close and probably noticed a lot of things I would not have had I been worrying about focusing and following.

Thank you, exactly the words I would have liked to say but couldn't. Life is too short to complain about small things like how Jon's voice sound, or if he hit or missed a note in a song, just enjoy the damn song and show

Aloha !

I think it's ludicrous to go out here and pretend he sang well when every single video of every single show shows the complete opposite. A bad photo doesn't turn red into green like a bad video doesn't turn a right key in the wrong one.

No one is questioning your enjoyment here. I believe you enjoyed the show. I believe plenty of fans still enjoy this, or the band wouldn't be able to fill these arena's. However, I also believe that, like most other Jon Bon Jovi fans, you wouldn't be able to detect a good show from a bad one.

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

I don't bother watching vids from the shows anymore. Jon's voice is not improving. Shanks is a terrible guitar player with no stage presence. Honestly, I don't even care for Phil's playing. It's load and distorted. No point in crying over spilt milk, but it's painfully obvious Richie was the glue that kept things together. If you watch any of these videos and just listen closing your eyes, all it sounds like is a crappy tribute band.

Jon is clearly improved over 2017. Looking forward to Milwaukee next Sunday night.


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let the people enjoy themselves and let the experts to detect good from bad shows because all the fans are stupid and blind and deaf but we have here couple of genius people and they know everything.

Objectively, Bon Jovi has lost a lot as a band due to its members leaving, aging, etc. Subjectively, BJ is still dear to fans' hearts for many reasons and to most that won't ever change, no matter what.

stop

walking

Every band have that situation.There is no old band playing today like they used to,they all have to adapt. Only here "fans"atack the band because singers voice is not like before,they get older,they loose only one member and we have situation in many famous bands losing almost all members and they still play and they are still good-Foreigner,Whitesnake,GnR,Van Halen,Deep Purple,Journey and so on.

Sorry, man, but I can't believe you're being serious.

They should cater to all fans, like they’ve always done. NA sets were static and hits-centered, but there were always moments of brilliance at least every few shows. There was a discussion around the music.
You check social media now and all people talk about is Jon and how hot he is. And their media people encourage this when they repost videos/pictures of people freaking out over Jon coming to their section and dancing and kissing fans. And other fans responding how they’d kill for experiencing that. This honestly grosses me out and above all it saddens me to see this happen. This is what Jon always tried to escape from, the pretty boy/image without substance label. This is what critics and fans who hated them have said since the 90s.

I don’t see their media management reposting anything about the music (and there’s people posting interesting and positive things), they are very very very clearly pandering to the female fans.

They won’t lose much if *I* don’t go to their shows. But I’m not in the minority. Here, in other boards, friends I know personally that were huge fans in the past… there’s lots of people who have spend a lot of money over the years and won’t see their favorite band reduced to this. They can’t afford to lose those fans, the screaming female fans will move on to greener pastures one day.

Why not? Tell me what is the difference between losing only one member and I repeat one member and losing 3,4 members and still doing fine.Foreigner lost Lou Gramm-one of the best rock voices in history and still great band live,Whitesnake is David Coverdale and the others-great band live,Journey lost Steve Perry,Toto lost a lot of vocalist and also great band live.
BJ is doing fine without Richie,it is not end fo the world,stop moaning aobut.
Richie is way off right now,no discipline,no order.

Have you actually bother to read the complaints here?

I beg to disagree. Richie is not only a guitarist, albeit a great one. If he was just a guitarist then yeah, I'd high-five you on that. Bon Jovi without Jon? Nobody can imagine that. And then we have Queen and Lambert and they're "doing fine." Izzy left G'n'Roses long ago and the band somehow survived *and reunited without*, even though he was one of the primary songwriters, too. Axl's voice is shit and yet, the crowds are flocking to the arenas. Does it mean they're that good? To many fans for sure. See? It's all about taste AND personal choice. I'm not moaning. I'm grateful RHOF happened bc I could experience the real deal. The dynamics on stage. The harmonies. I'm grateful for the music, for the memories but there's no way I can deny Richie's *multiple* role in that little band of ours. Ticket sales and arenas full of people? Oh, yes, but it's enough to read the comments of those who actually bother to comment. Women salivating at Jon's ass. Some trying to spot all the little details, so they could sigh with relief that Jon's "improving" and feed on *false* hopes they will be great again. The others putting the band to rest once again.

And FYI, I do have a life and I don't spend my days and nights crying into a pillow that Richie is not in the band. I love the man and I love being a BJ fan.

Some responses are completely sexist. If someone feels they somehow know more about a show I attended than I do, based solely on the fact that I am female, then that person has no credibility.

Last night was not the same show as New Orleans. Both were great shows.

They played ONE song that I didn’t like last night. Complaining that they “Never change the set list” or about the songs they do play is only relevant if you go to multiple shows. Also, if you are making the decision to go to numerous shows when you know they don’t make a lot of changes, then you’re kind of making poor life choices. And in case you don’t realize it, the shows are put on for the benefit of the people in the audience, not the people watching illegal videos on social media. They are under no obligation to please a bunch of bitter armchair quarterbacks.

BJ hasn't toured Europe for ages and I can't afford going to America to be there in person. These days BJ seem to care only about their American fans who can go to multiple shows and then boast of "knowing more." That's not a fair argument at all. And thank God for youtube because otherwise I would NEVER become a BJ fan.

BJ without Jon cant be,I just mention some bands losing vocalist beside other members. Richie is great guitar player and big part of the band but he is gone and talking about how he is missing is yesterdays news. And someone will say this is forum to discuss but it is boring,always the same thing for years from the same people,lets change the subject little.
I dont care for Jons looks,I care for the band,energy,playing and what I see is pretty good playing wise,vocally less good but not that bad.

Soooo things seem to be getting too serious here.

I'm just curious, if you had a BJ-shaped pillow (I mean shaped as a member of the band, current or past), who would it be?

I think mine would be a Phil, with all the hair, to keep me warm

(I do agree with the rest of your post)

Yes I am and what I see? someone enjoy the show and she is deaf,blind and lower standards then the famous others here,overall she is the female,so what she knows,she look at the Jons ass and teeth.
All of you moaners let the people enjoy and stop spreading negative energy here,you dont like it-OK,others do and they are happy.

I guess I'd be called sexist if I told you that it's usually females who are after Jon's looks so I won't say that :3 And you think this forum got boring with the same bunch of boring people talking the same boring old stuff? Yeah, guess the level of bitterness, ignorance and rudeness crossed all the limits so what is everybody still doing here? Clearly a bunch of masochists! </3 Plus, all those old saps getting all emotional over RHOF reunion! What a nonsense! It's a thing of the past, they should be thankful Phil X SAVED the band and Richie should be in permanent exile, sober up and forget he's ever been a part of BJ.

**

OK, waiting to be called some names right now, bring it on, guys! <3

Ahh ok gotcha. I was talking about Becky all the time. Silly me. Thanks for enlightening me

I am glad that you enjoy the show,I believe it was great,it is getting better and better,dont pay attention to the "experts" here,share that memories with other fans here who believe in this BJ.

They were all hairy at some point :D I guess my answer is more than obvious, though ;) (maybe that's why I'm not crying that much LOL) And thanks!

I am here for majority of positive fans. I agree Phil is savior,back or not Richie is not important anymore.

That's true! But I'd feel weird hugging a "boy". And they were too skinny, nothing to hold on to.

Oh wait I forgot the disclaimer. Nothing wrong about cougars :mrgreen:

G'night

What does it mean to be "positive"? To cut off 30 years for the sake of the last 5 so no uncomfortable issues need to be addressed? Well, as for a "negative" one, I'm pretty supportive of the band but within healthy, reasonable limits. I can appreciate the effort but can't be oblivious to some things that aren't OK. I listen to BJ on a daily basis, I read fanboards, chat to other fans, and I'm happy the band still makes music. And I'm glad life is not black and white so I can find my personal shade of grey because it is what makes life so beautifully complex.

(off to bed, goodnight!)

BTW. Symbeline, your post's just made my day! lol just in time bc I'm off to bed lol Wish my pillow could talk to me xD

I was right in front of Phil X last night. He smiles all the time. He looks like he might be the happiest person on earth. I understand why they call him The Professor if Positivity. Listening to him play is great and so is watching him because he’s very engaged with the audience. Jon called him the only super hero in the band and said he should be up there with Black Panther and Iron Man. (Iron Man—Is that right? I barely watch any movies and no comic book movies.)

David interacts with people the best he can with both hands busy. He and Phil appeared to be joking around a lot with David making funny expressions. I called it “flirting “ for lack of a better word.

Jon was all over the place and interacting with the audience too. He has water, tea, and mouth spray that he uses a lot between songs. (You can’t sing without saliva.)

Hugh was called the foundation of the band and introduced as “Hall of Famer Hugh McDonald.”

I mouthed the words to every song, except the one I don’t like. I don’t need to hear myself singing, but when band members are potentially looking right at you, there’s a bit of pressure to show your are actually a fan of all the music.

I am a big fan of Whole Lot if Leaving, We Got It Going On, and Lost Highway so nothing about those song choices was the least bit disappointing to me. I heard New Years Day for the first time and was very happy about that. I liked that We Don’t Run was in place of Knockout. I think that one of the weak links on This House.

Keep the Faith and Lay Your Hands on me are phenomenal!! They showcase the whole band as a band. The band’s harmonies were really tight too.

Jon is an incredible frontman. I remember thinking of how people say “Stella got her groove back,” but in this case Jon is Stella.

When they started In These Arms, I couldn’t believe my ears! I was thinking “Is this really In These Arms?” I have always considered that one of my all time favorites and it’s been a long time since I heard it live.

I don’t have any real complaints. I know I am going to hear certain songs that I don’t care if I hear that night because they are hits. To me, the fair trade off is getting songs I am really excited about like some of the ones I’ve mentioned.

On a more personal note, I met a girl from Austria who was my pen pal back in the 90’s. Also, this was my local BFF’s first time to see them since 1989 when we attended our first show together.

I don't think anyone has said that people who attend shows are deaf or have lower standards. (Okay, except maybe Seb; but he says stuff like that about almost anyone who isn't him.) :p

I can understand how being in the moment at a concert is a completely different experience than sitting at home in front of a YT screen. Hell, I wasn't even in the auditorium for the HoF show, just watching it in a theater with a bunch of other people who were as excited as I was; and even that was hugely different from watching the stream after I got home. There's nothing wrong with that. It's one of the reasons we pay a ridiculous amount of money - to have that experience. It tickles me pink to hear that people enjoy the shows, whether I agree with their opinions or not.

There's also some truth to what people say about the YT videos they watch. When I re-watched the stream, after the excitement of the moment had faded somewhat, I saw a lot of slips and heard a lot of cranky notes that had totally escaped my attention while the concert was going on. It didn't change my experience. I'm still enjoying it. If people make critical comments, it's not going to take that away from me. It doesn't mean they are haters, or hyper-critical, or bad fans any more than it means that I'm blind, deaf, or delusional. It means we may have different standards or expectations, or that we just had different experiences and formed different opinions. That's all. Just like you think Richie isn't important. I disagree; but that's your opinion and you're entitled to it.

Since this is a forum where we should be able to discuss different opinions, why people get all bent out of shape about it is beyond me. It seems like it should be simple: like what you like; don't like what you don't like; and allow others to do the same.