W/ THE GOO GOO DOLLS

Someday, by Jovi, I will be close enough to get good pictures! Until then, I apologize, but this is the best I could get!

On this, the 14th anniversary TO THE DAY of my first Bon Jovi show, March 3, 1989 in Syracuse, NY, I celebrated my love for all things Jovi and Sambora by checking out the boys in Albany. My boyfriend was more than cool to put up with my cr.p once again as he always must when seeing Jovi. Me seeing Jovi is like a Catholic person seeing the Pope. I’ll go on for DAYS about it – before and after! LOL.

The Goo Goo Dolls opened and did a fine job. Their set started out rather dull but picked up steam as the crowd arrived and got more into what they were seeing and hearing. All in all I think they did a better job at their headlining show I saw a few years back. But I have no complaints this time, either!

My prep for this show included makng 2 Bon Jovi mix cds, and tailoring an old shirt into something “cooler” for an updated look. In 1989 I was 15, and I had a black T-shirt made up with “SAMBORA” emblazoned across the front in white cursive lettering. I am pleased to report that I am now 29 and the shirt still fits (ok, so it was a bit longer on me then!)! I’m STILL not over this man (LOL), so I ripped the neck down as far as “Sambora,” tucked the flaps inside the shirt, and sewed it - making it have an open-neck. Much better. Our seats were sort of close so I had hopes that Richie might maybe see the shirt, but alas, it still was not meant to be. :o( Still “Keeping the Faith!”

Jovi played 22 songs that night and were as great as ever. This time I will give a song-by-song account!

1. BOUNCE – the show kicked off with the title track to Bon Jovi’s latest album. This is a great song in the typical Bon Jovi “positivity” genre. The crowd erupted typically maniacally when the band took the stage.

2. YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME – “Slippery When Wet’s” famous track was played with proficiency, as usual!

3. WILD IN THE STREETS – I saw this on the setlist beforehand, and like “Runaway,” I only hoped and prayed they would play it. Play it they did! Holy smack! This song ripped! God, I love the older stuff! This was the flipside to the “Livin' On A Prayer” 45 (which I have), so along with the cassette I played it to death in the 80s.

4. LIVIN' ON A PRAYER – Even as a diehard Jovi fan, I am getting a bit sick of “Bad Name” and “Prayer.” I understand why they must be played, but sometimes I just wish they could substitute one of these for something older like “Shot Through The Heart” or something! That said, this was, of course, played well.

At this point it was becoming apparent that something was wrong. Richie was the guy right in front of us, and of course I noticed he was not very animated and hardly even looking up. I tried to shrug it off, but I think I even mentioned to Brian that Richie’s attitude was worrying me. He’s usually so much fun on stage!

5. EVERYDAY – The first single from latest album “Bounce” was done with every ounce of greatness you come to expect. Still no surprises, just a fabulous good time for the audience.

6. UNDIVIDED – Another song from “Bounce,” this is known as their “9/11 song.” Many people in the audience chose to wave American flags to show their allegiance with the song’s theme. The song slows down at the end until it’s just Jon singing, “One for love, one for truth, one for me, and one for you. At first we were divided, but now we stand united. We stand as one, undivided.” A hush fell over the arena, followed by the normal appreciative screams. But, Jon had something to tell us….

They lost someone close to them that weekend. Someone near and dear to their hearts. Someone who always supported them from the beginning. Someone who would lend them his van and keep them in beer money. Jon announced that keyboardist David Bryan lost his father the day before, on Jon's birthday.

This revelation was particularly moving in that Jon was very nearly losing it and crying. The guys were visibly shaken by the loss. The fact that they, especially David, chose to play under the circumstances shows me just what a class act they really are. Consummate professionals. And now I knew why Richie looked forlorn all night. At that moment Jon pointed out that since Mr. Rashbaum was there in the beginning, they were going to play something very old for him, “Runaway.”

7. RUNAWAY – This is the song I hoped and prayed they’d play for me all these years. Something off the first or second album is what I wanted – and first single off the first album is what I got. As the guys picked up momentum again, their grief seemed to turn into tribute. They played the hell out of this song – for us and for David’s father. I will never forget this moment.

8. JUST OLDER – I have always liked this song off crush. More Jovi positivity! Once again, during the “we’ve got secrets that we’ll take to the grave” line, Rich and Jon stood together and exchanged knowing looks. I love that!

9. BLAZE OF GLORY – Not sure why this is still in the set list. I love the song, but it isn’t necessary to the show. If he insists, I wish he’d let Rich do “Stranger In This Town” at every show, too! Waaah, am I whining?!

10. THE DISTANCE – This is one of my favorite songs on the new album. “Close your eyes and see my blue skies breaking through these dark clouds – you are the light.” Beautiful! Beautifully done!

11. IT'S MY LIFE – The single from Crush that brought it all back. Well, I’m a tad sick of it since it was so overplayed, but the crowd sure couldn’t get enough. Jovi is so loved. It’s so awesome! LOL

12. MISUNDERSTOOD – Their latest single, an ode to a guy’s point of view. Again, played well and the crowd was into it.

13. RIGHT SIDE OF WRONG – This, too is from “Bounce” and I thought it sounds even better live. Amazing, even!

14. I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU – My angel sang this one. No not Brian! My other angel, RICHIE! This is the first time I’ve seen/heard him sing an entire song live. Well worth the wait! Ahhh…the hit single off New Jersey resonates even today. As usual, the crowd ate it up sideways. At this point I had finished two rolls of film and had to stop taking pictures. Time to enjoy the show through my own eyes and not a camera lens! Yeah!

15. HOOK ME UP – I was surprised that this song off “Bounce” didn’t come off better live. It has a monster guitar riff that crunches on CD, but it seemed to lack something live.

16. RAISE YOUR HANDS – I almost passed out. Another “Slippery” tune!!! My boys heard my cries after the last tour!!! The crowd erupted when they ripped into this one. I was amazed to turn around mid-song and find almost everyone in the arena, back-to-front, with their hands in the air and jumping up and down. Never seen anything like it since 1989. Wish I could have stopped time, then – but I did get a picture!

17. I'LL SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD – Wow, a song from the 90s! I believe this was on “Keep The Faith.” A funky tune. People dug it.

18. BORN TO BE MY BABY – More from New Jersey. One of the many sing-alongs of the night.

19. ALWAYS – First encore. Jon hit all the notes and impressed us all.

20. SOMEDAY I'LL BE SATURDAY NIGHT – First encore, part two. My favorite Jovi line, “My life’s a bargain basement, all the good sh.t’s gone.” Is in this song. Gotta love it!

21. WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE – Second encore. Holy am I sick of this song. But, at least I can hear/see Richie sing!

22. BAD MEDICINE / SHOUT – “IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?!”

All in all, I was so pleased to hear so much stuff off “Slippery When Wet” and “New Jersey” as well as the song “Runaway.” Though the entire night had a tone of sadness over it due to David’s father’s death, they really came through and turned their grief into energy, putting out an amazing tribute to someone who sounds like a fabulous man. As usual, an A+ Bon Jovi concert!

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