Sommet Center – 4/24/2008 – rating 3 of 5 stars

Having some roots in New Jersey, actually in a town only 5 miles from Bon Jovi’s, it is somewhat amazing to me that I had never seen Bon Jovi until tonight. I think they are very talented but they were never on my list of favorites, so I guess that had something to do with it. But now that the band is down with country, as evidenced by the country influences on their new LP “Lost Highway”, and I am now in Bowling Green, KY, I guess the timing was finally right to see them in Nashville. It really is a small world.

The opening act was Daughtry. I am not an expert on this band, but the former American Idol did a lively 45 minute set, including his hits “Home” and “It’s Not Over”. Much of the crowd was really into the band, as evidenced by the screaming heard after each song. I do think he was at a disadvantage, as the sound system and video screens were not as sophisticated as what Bon Jovi was about to have at their disposal. So the vocals were not always clear and the music echoed a bit in the arena. But as opening acts go they were quite good.

Bon Jovi opened after a 30 minute break with the title track of “Lost Highway”, the album they are promoting with this tour. The album was recorded in Nashville and John’s affection for his new “second home” was evident in his spoken words and music. And since they had spent a good part of a year here they made some friends amongst the locals. So Big and Rich joined the group for “We Got it Going On”, and LeAnn Rimes came out for a duet with John on “Til We Ain’t Strangers Anymore”, both off the new album. They did 7 songs off Lost Highway in all. And this is where I started having some problems with the show.

On its’ own, “Lost Highway” is a decent album. But this was primarily a rock concert, or so I thought. So the interspersing of the new country-tinged songs with some of the older rockers just didn’t work for me. People got up, and then sat down, over and over again. Slow songs, then fast songs. There was never that build up to the big finish that is so often the way of the rock concert. Also, maybe it was my first row, upper deck seat, but I was not impressed with the sound. John’s vocals came through pretty well and were great, but Richie Sambora’s guitar was muddy at times, and Richie is half the show. So this was a problem. David Bryan’s keyboards were also muffled at times, but Tico Torres’ drumming was excellent. There was also a little too much audience participation for my taste. I come to hear them sing, not the crowd.

Now let’s look at the positives. The old reliables were great to hear, including “Born To Be My Baby”, “You Give Love a Bad Name”, “Raise Your Hands”, “Blaze of Glory”, “It’s My Life”, “I’ll Be There for You” (Richie singing lead), “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”, “Have a Nice Day”, “Livin’ On a Prayer”, and “Wanted, Dead or Alive”. Particularly interesting were “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” (with a slow-temped “Gimmie Some Lovin” and an upbeat “Start Me Up” (complete with John doing the Mick Jagger strut) interjected into the middle of the song), and “Bad Medicine” (with “Shout” as an interlude). For the first song of the encore, John told the crowd they sing “I Love This Town” for every stop on the tour, but they’re really singing about Nashville, as pictures of local landmarks flashed on the screen.

The visuals were pretty impressive as well. They had five screens which turned at different angles to give everybody views, even those behind the stage. And there was one big screen behind the band that opened and closed like venetian blinds to produce interesting effects (I haven’t seen anything like it before). The rear of the stage also rose to serve as a visual aid as well.

So overall I was mixed on this show, just like I was always mixed about the group. They are brilliant at times but never make it to my list of favorites. Likewise, this show will not be on my list of favorites. I will admit this: it takes a lot to impress me at an arena, especially when I am upstairs. But some groups do it. Bon Jovi only did it at times. However, there were fans who loved every minute of it. So if you are a die-hard Bon Jovi fan I think you would have loved it too.

Pennman’s Recommended Road Trips:

Lou Reed, Ryman Auditorium, 5/2/2008

Creedence Clearwater Revisited/Poco, Wildhorse Saloon, 5/2/2008

Outlaws, Wildhorse Saloon, 5/9/2008

Ace Frehley, Wildhorse Saloon, 5/22/2008

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rupp Arena, 5/30/2008

Ringo Starr, Wildhorse Saloon, 7/6/2008

Pat Benatar, Wildhorse Saloon, 7/15/2008

Mark Knopfler, Ryman Auditorium, 7/15/2008

Hootie & The Blowfish, Wildhorse Saloon, 7/16/2008

Robert Plant/Alison Krauss, Sommet Center, 7/19/2008

Sheryl Crow, Sommet Center, 7/24/2008

Journey/Cheap Trick, Sommet Center, 8/7/2008

Brooks & Dunn/ZZ Top, Freedom Hall, 8/14/2008

Johnny Winter, Capitol Arts Center, 8/23/2008

Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html