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70 different songs played to 189,000 people over 12 nights from 1 band. Bon Jovi bring their O2 Arena residency to a close and with that they bring the curtain down on their U.K. tour. Bringing it down in style with an impressive stage and a set list that is enjoyable but contains few surprises. Please check any cynicism in at the door and enjoy the show.
Kid Rock seems to have made the transition from American Badass to a more family friendly entertainer. The cursing remains as does the subject matter of his songs but it appears he is now a safe form of rebellion and proves to be an entertaining opening act as fans filter to their seats.
The arena is all seated with the Golden Circle tickets apparently costing the princely sum of £2000. The crowd is overwhelmingly middle aged; people battling the ordinary life while clinging onto a dream of rock & roll. A dream personified by the men on this stage. The arena has a delightful party atmosphere and is a remarkable demonstration of the power of charisma, as one man holds thousands in his thrall. “The only American Idol you will see tonight is on this stage.” There’s a slight hint of contradiction in this swipe at reality television as tonight’s production feels as though it could be broadcast on Saturday primetime, perhaps with the public voting on which vest Jon should wear next.
The stage is incredible, a worthy setting for this evening’s entertainment. ‘We Got It Goin’ On’ sees the giant video screens behind the stage becoming an articulated walkway and provides the energetic front man an extra playground as he performs to the seats behind the stage. Throughout the performance giant video screens circle above, constantly shifting their configuration and beaming images of the show to all corners of the arena. The stage stretches out to enclose a small exclusive golden circle for those wealthy enough to buy into the rock and roll dream.
The set features ‘We Weren’t Born to Follow’, ‘When We Were Beautiful’ and ‘Bullet’ from the new album and a healthy dose of classics to boot. ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’, ‘Keep the Faith’ and ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ are solid standards and the band aren’t afraid to play around with their back catalogue.
‘Bad Medicine’ segues into ‘Old Time Rock & Roll’ by Bob Seger and welcomes Kid Rock back to the stage to guest on vocals. While ‘Lay Your Hands on Me’ sees Richie Sambora centre stage taking on lead vocal duties. It seems fitting that tonight’s set includes ‘Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night’ which is performed acoustically. Predictably the show finishes with ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ possibly the most soulless moment of tonights show but is entirely necessary.
The entire performance is slick, well drilled and precise. There is a feeling of spontaneity that is probably extremely rehearsed but that’s what suspension of disbelief is for. Jon Bon Jovi is a commanding presence on stage and his voice is spectacular while Richie Sambora provides an excellent foil as the archetypal lead guitar player. Tico Torres, David Bryan and Hugh McDonald fill out the lineup and provide a solid backbone to the band. Tonight is nothing less than you would expect from the veteran New Jersey rockers and a fitting way to bring to a close The Circle UK tour.
Tags: Bad Medicine, Bob Seger, Bon Jovi, Bullet, David Bryan, Hugh McDonald, Jon Bon Jovi, Keep the Faith, Kid Rock, Lay Your Hands on Me, Livin' on a Prayer, O2 Arena, Old Time Rock & Roll, Richie Sambora, Someday I'll Be Saturday Night, The Circle, The Circle Tour, Tico Torres, Wanted Dead or Alive, We Got It Goin' On, We Weren't Born to Follow, When We Were Beautiful, You Give Love a Bad Name
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