2010: 'The Circle' in Europe

After seing Bon Jovi baptize the new Meadowlands std. in their home state of New Jersey, I made 3 trips to Europe's busiest cities, where the band was set to perform.

First stop: Madrid, where the band was headlining the mythical festival 'Rock in Rio', 2 years after their successful show in the same festival, but in Lisbon. However, unlike the frentic Lisbon show, the Jersey boys rushed with a passionless performance. One of the highlights happened while Jon was performing 'Hallelujah', providing an intimite and almost religious atmosphere. There were also some interesting crowd interaction during 'Beautiful' when everyone in the audience were waving to the never ending 'sha la las', or hysteria during songs like 'Bad Medicine', 'It's my Life' or 'Livin' on a Prayer', but for the most part of the show I saw a very poor audience watch a band that was being professional, but not completely into the 2 hour show.

It only took me another week before I took another plane, this time the destination was London, where Bon Jovi had set themselves for a 12 night marathon. On June, 13th I watched them play night #5. The O2 arena during June 2010 was litteraly converted into Bon Jovi's arena and everything inside it was remindecent of the band. It was a very unique show since David Bryan had to go to New York to attend to an award ceremony regarding his Broadway play, 'Memphis'. Jeff Kazee was replacing David and it was obvious 1) the band and specialy Jon were very supportive towards Jeff and 2) they were only plaing their basic set with no difficult songs in it. Despite the keyboard player's absence, the show was very professional with 'Lastman Standing' as the opener, 'Beautifull' and 'Superman' both included and 'Pretty Woman' as the meddley mid 'Medicine' - a real gemn since the band hadn’t played the song since 1990, and considering they played an extended version with 2 verses and 2 chorus. 'Goin’ On' was very interactive with Jon dancing on a platform behind the stage and saying hello to the audience in the rear seats. Richie rocked with 'Lay Hands' to a massive reaction while Jon distributed some of his charm during 'Bed of Roses' in the middle of the arena. Jeff was cheered when called circle center to play 'Something for the Pain' and 'Sat. Night' with the 3 official band elements. 'Pain' is truly the tour's highlight for die hards, the more I listen to it, the more sure I am of it.

The multimedia experience had its peak during 'Work for the working man' and 'Keep the Faith'. During the latter there was a funny story, since Jon gave his maracas to a fan who then threw him 2 mini red maracas, Jon continued the song with the new maracas, making the remark that it is not only size that matters. A very amusing moment, no doubt about it!

The encore consisted of 'In these Arms', and the usual 'Wanted' and 'Prayer'. Once again Jon and the band were very supportive towards Jeff, cheering him up a lot.

After a 2 hour sleep I rushed to the airport and managed to sleep for another hour and a half during the flight. Arriving in Paris, I went straight to my hotel to check i

and sleep for another couple of hours - a 5 and 1/2 hour sleep in a period of 48 hours makes you start to think real funny.

During the next couple of days I had some time off to sight see the city of lights with its amazing sights and unique spots

On to the show, I really got a nice spot on the barrier in front of David in the general admission area, probably the best seat I ever got. We were exactly at the sweet spot where we were able to see the whole stage and yet could actually distinguish the band's elements expressions and even be seen by them.

The band played a regular set list with a fast rocked pace for the first 30 minutes. A full packed arena was cheering in delight, starved as they were after 9 years of Bon Jovi’s absence. 'Beatiful' was the first intimite moment and the crowd reacted really well to the clapping and singing towards the end of the song. 'Capt. Crash' was a highlight this time due to the confeti festival fans brought, Jon was genously pleased to see fan having so much fun. I had the chance to show my banner cheering Dave for his awards, regarding 'Memphis' 3 nights before, to which he was really pleased and even thanked with a bow. The band however was in the mood to party and so they hit the gas and returned to their rockers with another full lenth version of 'Pretty Woman' in the middle of 'Medicine'. Richie had a blast with the fantástic atmosphere while he played his rocker for the tour, 'Lay Hands'.

As Jon got to the circle center we were speechless, he was right there 3 meters away from us. He played 'Roses' to charm all the ladies, 'I’ll be there for you' with Richie joining him to show how connected the 2 songwriters are.

I showed him my banner asking for 'Santa Fe', including the chords for the song, to which he made a funny face, showing how surprised he was for such an awekward request.

Tico and Dave joined with the latter staying right before me. Again I showed my banner to which he aknowledged with a smille. It was magical not only to see them that close, but to be part of such a cosy moment. After the usual 'Pain' and 'Sat. Night' acoustic set, they rushed to the main stage to deliverer another batch of rockers to close the main set.

When they returned Dave got his moment to shine while playing 'Pink Flamngos', the rock opera intro for their multi platinum album 'Slippery When Wet'. The band then joined in for 'Let it Rock' and it was a blast, Jon with his voice in shape, although standing still for the whole time. They probably needed more time to know the song's ins and outs better. Nevertheless it was absolutely fantastic!!!

The encore went on with 'Arms', 'Wanted' and 'Prayer'. During the last song Jon circled the catwalk once again and grabed a french flag to wrap up the show with the crowd in hysteria. Overall a 8/10 show with the best seat I ever got. The perspective was as good as only a live recording is able to capture.

The next day I woke up to take my return flight to London and only had time to check in at my hotel and rush to the O2.

During night 6 in London the band was at loose and having fun. The night's surprises started right after 'Bad Name', with 'Thorn in my side' being played in Europe for the first time. Great guitar work by the end of the song. I can say this one does really rock the house. Good transition to 'Superman' and 'In these arms' coming really early. 'Medicine' had no medley, still it didn't lack energy. But the real turning point of the show was 'Love's the only rule'. A superb rendition of the song, with jon walking among fans (even kissng one of the girls in the pit), an extra chorus and an inspired speech made sure fans went to heaven. Richie then took the lead and for everybody's surprise he sang 'Homebound Train' rocking the house with some great solos. Not as much interactive as 'Lay Hands', but much more appropriate to show off his skills as a guitar player.

Jon then appeareared at the circle center to deliverer 'Open all night' from the album 'Bounce', a song that doesn't stand out in its studio version but that was really emotional live. Jon made sure to sing it passionally and it was a magical moment. Richie joined Jon for 'Diamond Ring', while Dave and Tico for 'Miss 4th of July', for the first time ever in europe, and the always groovy and bluesy 'Love for sale'. The band was having fun playing rare songs and fans couldn't be happier. They returned to the main stage with 'Beautiful' and skipped 'Work' for the first time to deliver 'Prayer' as their last song during the main set. The audience was at their feet cheering them as living legends.

For the encore Jon looked at me and played 'Blood Money', as I was again asking for 'Santa Fe' from the same record. Truth to be told, the song was the perfect intro to their national anthem, 'Wanted'. 'Keep the Faith' ended the show in stead of the main set and everybody was overwhelmed. Good bands can entertain a crowd, but extraordinary bands are able to make, each and every single soul at their shows, feel completely overwhelmed and priviledged to have witnessed to their performences. Bon Jovi are one of the few bands in the latter category and tonight they proved it once again.

One day off to rest and on June, 19th there I was again at the same arena to check a saturday night show. The band got in with 'Happy Now', a song not only I hadn't heard live before, but one with a deep meaning and that is not easy to nail. They did a good job with it and Jon even kept his high notes on the right key. The show went on with lots of energy and for everybody's surprise they played 'Wild in the streets', a rocker from the 80s with fun written all over it. 'Wild is the wind' was the following surprise. During 'Medicine' they played something they had never done before 'Paint it black', originaly from the Stones, and afterwards Jon remarked there were a lot of 'Pretty women' around kicking off Roy Orbinson's classic. Richie kept the beat going with 'Lay hands' providing some amazing crowd interaction.

Jon delivered another magical performance of 'Open all night' from the Bounce record and afterwards they performed 'Diamond ring' and silence took over the arena. 'There for you' was a good chance to recover the crowd as everybody sang along and the band kept the sing along for a long time. 'Love for sale' was again played, but failed to connect to the next song as the band had to return to the main stage, funny and very cosy moment though. Until the encore the band sort of rushed through with standard versions of the songs played.

The encore started with an epic I had never heard live before: 'Something to believe in', but despite the emotional and deep lyrical content it was not a killer version and the crowd didn't react as positively as I thought it would. Definitely a song that needs more rotation to find its own life. Still it was brilliant the fact they have recovered such song from their catalog. 'Sat night' followed and for me it was the night's highlight, Jon was very emotive and knew exactly how to turn the song into an overwhelming prayer. No words can describe the emotion Jon put on the song, streching his voice to the limit.

'Wanted' and 'Prayer' got everybody on their feet singing, closing night 7 with a promise of more unforgetable moments for the following day's show.

June, 20th 2010: another day, another show. One very energetic and upbeaten. 'Summertime' had the 'We will rock you' intro with everybody going along, and during 'Medicine' they treated us with some 'Roadhouse blues'. Richie showed off how accomplished guitar player he is with 'Homebound Train', great guitar skills for the king of swing. Bravo.

The circle segment's surprises were 'Mama's got a squeeze box' from "The Who" and an acoustic version of 'These days' performend for the very first time on a band's show. Nice arrangement for the song.

The main set kept on auto pilot until 'Keep the faith' was performed with great passion, musicians were engaged and really into it, delivering a very energetic version of the song.

The encore came and the rare song end up being 'Love this town', a fun one, but that no hardcore fan acknoledges as a treat. 'Wanted' and 'Prayer' wrapped up the show with another audience at their feet.

Leg 2 of my European 'The Circle Tour' was over, but one week later I was back for the final 2 nights at London's top arena.

On June, 25th, Kid Rock opened and just as I recalled from 2008's concert in Punchestown, Ireland, the American bad ass is a hell of a performer, making the crowd participate a lot, while delivering some of his best tunes. The guy has definitly a piece of an atitude and realy knows how to entertain a crowd, aside from having a knock out voice and really great skills as a musician. A very good support band for Bon Jovi, no doubt about it.

The unrealeased brand new song 'This is our house' build up the atmosphere (as usual) and just as the lights went out the crowd was already at the band's feet clapping and screaming for the band we all were waiting for. 'Blood on Blood' once again kicked off another stunning performance with the band showing some great energy on stage. The hits followed and the band debuted this tour one of my favourite songs, 'Story of my life', a rocker that really fits the live atmosphere. Brilliant. The second surprise of the night was Jon singing 'Lay Hands'. Usually it was Richie who did that song, but Jon wanted to grant the crowd would get his version at least once. Very good one with lots of audience interaction and Jon showing off in how good shape his voice is in nowadays. 'Bad Medicine' was energetic and during the medley part they played 'Good time Rock and Roll' with some help from Kid Rock, great colaboration between both bands, with Rock's sax player and female choir singers joining in as well. A moment that defined the show definitly and that can become historic as a classic jam collaboration in Bon Jovi's carrer. Great party moment with both bands and audience having a lot of fun.

Richie then took over with another classic performance of 'Homebound Train', very bluesy and appropriate for Richie to show off his guitar playing skills. Superb.

It was then Jon's turn to step in and let Richie to have some rest while he sang 'Hallellujah', making you feel like in a small club even though you were in such a huge venue. Immediately afterwards, Jon asked Bobby and Dave to join him, which was awkward, since Bobby had never been in the front of the pit. They played a classy version of 'Blood Money' with an acordion arrangement, really enhancing the song, which probably had its best renditon ever.

As the song was over Jon anounced he would play another one from the same album, something he had never done live before, that only the diest of the diest die hard fans knew. It turned ou to be 'Santa Fe', my request for the tour, making me really excited as my favourite song was performed live for the very first time. The tune was on a lower key as Jon doesn't have the high notes anymore and eventhough I thought at the time Jon was reading the lyrics, I found later he had his eyes shut for most of the time. The song was played with a nice arrangement and most of all, it had passion and that is what distinguishes between good performances and outstanding ones. A moment I won't ever forget definitely.

Tico and Richie joined for another tour debut, 'Last Night', an acoustic ballad from the album 'Lost Highway' which sounded really nice, cosy and appropriate for the moment. Good one. The band then returned to the main stage to close the main set with the regular songs: 'Sleep', 'Life', 'Work', 'Home' and the brilliant 'Faith'.

The encore was short but efective as they played 'Beautiful', 'Wanted' and 'Prayer'. 'Beatiful', as the encore opener, worked great as the cinematic song provides the perfect fade-in for the following double combo of mega hits. Before 'Prayer' Jon took the time to thank the crowd to go there, speacially in those last nights, as tickets were very hard to sell since there were so many consecutive nights in the same venue. The crowd went crazy for 'Prayer' as usual and the band was pleased when said "we'll see you tomorrow for the last round".

The last show day of the Circle tour in Europe had a regular set list for the Tour, but I could sence the band was happy and energetic, proving the most important thing is not the songs they play, but the intensity of how they play them. Even songs like 'Born to be my Baby', 'Capt. Crash' or 'Sleep', which have been regulars for decades, turned out to sound very good as the band know them so well and are so confortable playing them. 'Medicine' had again a meddley with Kid Rock and some of the guys from his band which didn’t have the surprise factor but was nevertheless classy. Richie shined during 'Lay Hands' again, interacting a lot with the crowd. 'Bed of Roses' followed and that was when I fully appretiated how into the show the band was. It was like I was walking inside the video I had seen a million times during my teenage years. Brilliant! Richie joined Jon at the catwalk for 'Diamond Ring' and 'I'll be There for you' for another classy moment. They were meaning every single word, the passion that first gets your atention when you become a fan was there, I could almost touch it with my bare hands. Tico and David joined for 'Sat. Night' and although it was an acoustic mellow version, the crowd was singing at the top of their lungs.

A simplified version of 'Bullet' then followed with the band in excelent shape, proving they can turn an average studio recording to a stunning live moment. More hits until the end the main set to drive the audience to hysteria.

An unusual long encore break followed until the band came back for a rocking version of 'Have a Nice Day' and the audience favourite 'Wanted'. It was then all ready for them to play 'Prayer' with Jon thanking the crowd for allowing them to play to 190 thousand people over 3 weeks in London, but as Jon said "we got to hooooold on" he immediatly stopped and addded "they are not ready for that one yet", funniest moment ever. He looked towards the first rows and played 2 requests: first an electric version of 'These Days', passioned and intense as the rest of the concert, and then the real surprise, completely out of the blue, '(It’s hard) letting you go', and again I was at the band's feet. My request for the tour had been 'Santa Fe' and it was magical to get it, but just as the great poet Jagger song says "You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might get what you need". And in fact that was the song i needed to hear, for that is what I felt at that very moment in my life. The musical arrangements were simple but efective and Jon could easily nail it as it isn't too hard with his voice. Again it was not the high notes or the fancy things that made the moment, it was the passion the band put into the song that really made the moment an unforgetable memory. The band was at loose and played 'Love this Town' for their amusement. It was at this moment I really felt Richie back on top of his game, really having fun as he was playing. It is probably the first tour I see him in such a good condition, the guy totally rocks.

Finally it was time for 'Prayer' and both band and audience were in extasy, it was the end of 12 nights in London's biggest indoor venue and everybody knew the moment would be remembered forever.

After a long night of sleep and saying goodbye to my tour buddies I took a homebound plane with a bag filled with another zillion memories, knowing eventhough this adventure was over, the quest was still unfinnished.