Welcome to www.jackgibson.info

CONCERT REVIEW

BON JOVI: (YOU WANT TO) MAKE A MEMORY

GENRE: ROCK

VENUE: O2 ARENA, LONDON

DATE: SUNDAY JUNE 24^TH 2007

 

Given its well documented past, the knives were inevitably out to shred the newly named o2 Arena, even at the expense of the legendary BON JOVI.

 

However, no such shredding was necessary as the long awaited and significantly improved venue opened on time to a 23,000 capacity crowd.

 

Despite taking the best part of a decade to amend, the arena has come a long way since its days as nothing more than a poorly attended warehouse. Today the o2 is an experience as opposed to an embarrassment. Public transport links have also improved with numerous bus services operating from outside the main entrance, while North Greenwich tube station is just a short walk away. The only negative aspect to the venue is that it’s still partly under construction. Facilities set to be completed by November 2007 include an ice rink, exhibition space, the west entrance and some bars and restaurants.

 

The evening’s music kicked off with LA based five-piece GOLDSPOT, who did themselves no harm when they introduced the crowd to their soulful rock sound. Their gutsy and entertaining set acted as the perfect starter for the evening, but it was soon time for the main course.

 

BON JOVI made their way on the stage to a rapturous ovation. They were, however, a man down.

 

With the coolest of swaggers Jon Bon Jovi casually and belatedly made his way on stage, and as he did so, was joined by the increasingly louder bass of signature track Livin’ on a Prayer. Despite his best attempt to remain unfazed by the occasion, it wasn’t long before the rock icon’s blindingly white smile was in full beam.

 

Although the ‘fashionably late’ approach served Jon well, the band could quite easily have been a member short for the event. Reports had circulated several weeks earlier that pivotal member Richie Sambora may not make it to the show having recently spent a stint in rehab. However, the fairytale of the o2 Arena continued, as despite being notably bloated and rigid, Sambora resumed his all important role to the delight and relief of fans and event organisers alike.

 

The band’s dynamic front man showed great support to his long-time friend and song-writing partner by giving him a considerably longer introduction than he did for other band members. Obviously, being the primary backing vocalist and lead guitarist, nobody could deny him such an extended accolade. However, when Jon went on to address Sambora as "the inspiration, the perspiration, the dedication" it was clear that he was a pillar of support for his recently troubled band brother.

 

With many years having past since BON JOVI’S wild hair and leather jacket clad days, along with the fact that they’re now all in their forties, the band could easily be forgiven for toning things down a little. This, to a certain extent, is true. However, the reason being not the amount of years they have accumulated, but rather a slight reinvention. There is a notable country influence to the new album (You want to) Make a Memory- many of these tracks performed at the o2. With half of the album recorded in Nashville and the recent success of Who Says You Can’t Go Home (which topped the US country chart back in 2005) the change is both slight and most welcome.

 

The set featured a perfect mix of country-influenced, post millennium and classic BON JOVI numbers. Even less lyrically sophisticated tracks such as I Love This Town and Lost Highway don’t disappoint. In fact, simple verses and a catchy chorus are more often than not the foundations of a BON JOVI classic. Tracks which sound like they took just thirty minutes to write and record are usually the bands finest.

 

It’ll be a fair while until people stop referring to the o2 as 'The Dome’ and inevitably resurface its sad seven year history. However, as they say ‘time is a great healer’ and there is no better remedy than BON JOVI to help speed up the recovery of a previously ill fated project.  JG

 

Set List:

1.  LIVING ON APRAYER

2.  YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME

3.     LOST HIGHWAY

4.     WHOLE LOT OF LEAVING

5.     RUNAWAY

6.     BORN TO BE MY BABY

7.     IT’S MY LIFE

8.     (YOU WANT TO) MAKE A MEMORY

9.     I LOVE THIS TOWN

10. WE GOT IT GOING ON

11.   WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T GO HOME?

12.   SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD

13.   BAD MEDICINE W/ SHOUT

14.   ANY OTHER DAY

15.   SOMEDAY I’LL BE SATURDAY NIGHT

16.  HALLELUJAH

17.  THE LAST NIGHT

18.  WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE

19.  KEEP THE FAITH