Bon Jovi
Ricoh Stadium
Rock fans took the “lost highway” to Coventry last night - the only Midlands venue on the current Bon Jovi tour.
Exactly five years ago to the day, the New Jersey supergroup filled Wolves’ Molineux stadium on their Bounce tour, playing to 34,000 fans.
But this year there was no “home” gig, and the crowds had to head “away” to see their idols perform.
And perform they did, with a heartstopping two-hour show which blew the roof off Coventry City FC’s football stadium, so to speak.
The crowd was treated to an onslaught of hits old and new, kicking off with Lost Highway, the title track of their most recent album, and with Keep The Faith, It’s My Life and Bad Medicine being just what the doctor ordered.
Helped along by the enthusiasm of curly-haired David Bryan on keyboards and drummer Tico Torres, there was even a sixties tribute, with The Beatles’ Twist and Shout and Back in the USSR, plus Lulu’s Shout.
In one cute moment the ever-youthful frontman Jon borrowed a child from the elite pit at the side of the stage to join in the singing, while guitarist Richie Sambora, who has been in the news lately for his drink problems, stepped out of the shadows to perform a solo I’ll Be There For You.
As the daylight faded, the hi-tech stage set came alive with an eye-popping explosion of graphics on Have A Nice Day, ending in an all-too-soon encore of Always and Dead or Alive.
All in all, Bon Jovi came up with the goods for an utterly feelgood gig, despite the odd summer shower.
By Debbie Bennett
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4 Comments
Last night was a blast! It may have rained near the end, but only to cool us all down a little.
The energy was fantastic, the crowd sang and screamed with glee.
On the HAND tour 2 yrs ago poor Jon had hay fever which gave the performance a little tarnished feel. But last night, no hay fever and darn that man can sing! His energy is off the scale, why can’t my hubby have that amount of energy, he’s 3yrs younger lol.
David really got into it last night, I’ve the pics to prove it! He was full of fun and bounce!
Tico, well for his age he can keep a beat going, and going, and going, love the guy!
Richie was in fine voice, amazing and looking really well, it’s nice to see.
All in all one hell of a concert!
I agree, fantastic show, as usual, Richie looked fantastic xx
I’ll be there for you was not penned for heather locklear
fantastic show was in seats which was a bit far away as last time at coventry was spoilt by being in the front of inner circle good and close!! but show better this time hopefully came through the bad times and played “togeather” will be back but side stage!!