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
