Mood:  happy

there are some people who don't like Bon Jovi. these people are stupid. stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid heads. just kidding. i actually have a real theory about these people: Bon Jovi has always stood for two things: Kick-@$$ Rock 'n' Roll and Optimism. for a lot of people, these things don't go hand-in-hand. they'd rather have suicidally depressing rock to compliment the mood they're in. but who needs that? Bon Jovi has always provided us great music to rock to while giving us the message that, "dude, it's gonna get better."

with that said, Marshall and i hit Nashville on February 14th to take in the "Have a Nice Day" tour. this was my second Bon Jovi concert and his first. putting it very simply, it rocked.

they opened with "Last Man Standing," with Jon out on a platform in the middle of the audience wearing a marine's dress blues. it took everyone by surprise. we were on our feet instantly and didn't sit down for the next three and a half hours. they gave us everything we wanted: the new music, the golden oldies, great comedy between the band members, a surprise duet with Jennifer Nettles (of Sugarland) for "Who Says You Can't Go Home," and two encores (closing with "Welcome To Wherever You Are" and "Wanted Dead or Alive").

the biggest surprise for me was new profound respect i had for the song "Last Man Standing." i always liked the song, it was a great rocker, it touched back on Bon Jovi's earlier cowboy songs, and it always felt like a subtle tribute to Bob Dylan. but seeing Jon wearing the marine dress blues sent a new message about our men in the armed forces and how they fight for us, to the last man standing.

if you haven't given Bon Jovi a chance yet, do it now. i don't think you'll be disappointed. a great way to get acquainted with them is at one of their concerts. they always have a great atmosphere and nothing beats Bon Jovi fans. they're the best.

but if you're not willing to commit the time and money to a concert, check out these songs on the Internet or radio or wherever you can:

1.) It's My Life
2.) Livin' on a Prayer
3.) Welcome To Wherever You Are
4.) Last Man Standing
5.) Born To Be My Baby
6.) Have A Nice Day
7.) Always
8.) Wanted Dead or Alive
9.) Thank-You for Loving Me
10.) Born to be My Baby
11.) Blaze of Glory
12.) Everyday
13.) Bounce
14.) Bad Medicine
15.) Who Says You Can't Go Home
16.) Bed of Roses
17.) Someday I'll Be Saturday Night
18.) I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
19.) You Give Love a Bad Name
20.) Keep the Faith
21.) Lay Your Hands On Me
22.) Living in Sin
23.) Miracle
24.) Bang A Drum
25.) I'll Be There For You

and that's just scratching the surface . . .