Saturday, February 25, 2017

Bon Jovi Rocks Greenville, SC

KUDZOO contributing writer Richard Smith turned in the following review of Bon Jovi in Greenville, SC. By all accounts, Richard had a great time. Buffalo




Bon Jovi
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Greenville, SC
Feb. 8, 2017

First of all I consider myself an average fan of Bon Jovi.  I last saw them in concert probably around the late 90’s or early 2000’s. I hadn’t planned on going to see them, and I hadn’t heard any tracks off of their new CD, “This House is not for Sale.”  A friend of mine hadn’t seen them before and he wanted to go so I went along for the ride. After all, I like all of the hits and I enjoy concerts in general. 

First thing I noticed was the concert was sold out and the crowd was all ages, not just people in their 40’s and 50’s.  When the show started, it was clear that the band was promoting their new CD as the opening song was the title track and first half of the show was mostly songs from the new record. The crowd really liked the new stuff and I did as well. Usually there is a big drop off in excitement from the crowd when an artist does new material, but not at this show. 

The CD has been out for a while and is doing very good on the charts, so dedicated fans knew the songs and it helped that Jon talked about each song and made the songs come to life especially after the first few opening songs.  He sold me, and I am going out to buy a copy of the CD today.  The ballads and the faster rock songs all flowed well and it is clear that the band work very hard on this CD and that Bon Jovi is still relevant after all this time.

I actually liked most of the new stuff better than the older hits. I also really liked the interaction between Jon and the audience. He clearly has matured, and took the time to explain the songs to the audience which gave me a better appreciation for his talent and artistry. I didn’t know that Ritchie Sambora had left the band a few years ago, but the new lead guitarist didn’t disappoint.

Jon told us that he thought about quitting three years ago ,and he wasn’t sure that Bon Jovi was still relevant, and he clearly is concerned about the changes in the recording industry. The crowd let him know that we are not ready to let him go just let. The new CD is his best in years, and he looked well rested and full of life.  ne of the best shows I have seen in years.

SETLIST  
This House Is Not for Sale
Knockout
You Give Love a Bad Name
Born to Be My Baby
We Weren't Born to Follow
Lost Highway
Roller Coaster
Work for the Working Man
Because We Can
We Got It Goin' On
Who Says You Can't Go Home
It's My Life
God Bless This Mess
Scars on This Guitar
The Devil's in the Temple
Someday I'll Be Saturday Night
Blood on Blood
Lay Your Hands on Me
Have a Nice Day
Bad Medicine
Keep the Faith

Encore:
Always
Wanted Dead or Alive

Livin' on a Prayer

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