Friday, December 27, 2013

Adam Hills on the power of Bon Jovi

I was just introduced to this clip of Australian comedian Adam Hills on the power of Bon Jovi's music to bring people together. I think he was hosting BBC's stand-up show Live at the Apollo. Check it out.

Adam Hills - Bon Jovi VERY FUNNY

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Richie Sambora the special guest at Ernie White Christmas concert

Richie Sambora made a surprise guest appearance at a benefit concert in New Jersey on December 22:

Sambora, the estranged lead guitarist of Bon Jovi, delighted the crowd at a Hamilton benefit for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen by jumping onstage unannounced on Sunday evening. The guitarist, who wore a red Santa hat ringed by leopard-patterned fur, joined an expanded version of Ernie White's band for renditions of "Silent Night," "Merry Christmas, Baby," "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," and other holiday favorites. Sambora jammed with more than a dozen musicians.

The show, which was held at Princeton Manor, was White's 14th annual all-star holiday benefit. White, a veteran of the same Shore circuit that produced Bon Jovi, grew up in Trenton.
Read the rest of the article here.

Here's some video of the event:

Richie Sambora Is Surprise Quest @ The 14th Annual Christmas Benefit Concert

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Jon Bon Jovi interview on Ten

Jon Bon Jovi was recently interviewed by Channel Ten's Angela Bishop in Australia.

He talked about the snowstorm that threw the start of the tour into chaos, Richie Sambora's sudden departure, Sofia the 1959 Buick stadium stage, growing up in the spotlight, and retiring sometime before his 81st birthday.

Bish's Biz | Bon Jovi

Friday, December 20, 2013

Richie Sambora performs Lean On Me at Hollywood Christmas Parade

Richie Sambora performed his rendition of a Bill Withers classic at this year's Hollywood Christmas Parade, for the benefit of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Richie Performs "Lean on Me" at The 82nd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade


He also performed the song at the 24 Hours of Reality / Cost of Carbon event in October.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Videos from Sydney Entertainment Centre

The set list raised a few eyebrows, but love it or hate it, Bon Jovi's December 15 concert at the Sydney Entertainment Centre produced more surprises than any other show on the Australian leg. Here are a few videos from that night. (Check out the full set list and a pro shot of Happy Xmas here).

Hallelujah


The Fighter


Thick As Thieves


When We Were Beautiful

EDIT: The audio track for When We Were Beautiful has been muted due to a copyright claim. Other live performances of the same song have also been muted... In fact, the only versions of When We Were Beautiful that seem to be available for listening on YouTube are the official video and Live on Letterman performance -- both on the VEVO channel.

These Days


Always


Love's the Only Rule


Blood on Blood

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Bon Jovi Brisbane set list 17/12/13

"Thank you, goodnight, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year," said Jon at the end of a three-hour show in Brisbane. And with that, Bon Jovi signed off on the tumultuous Because We Can tour. The final show was streamed live around the world via the Telstra and Bon Jovi websites.

Were you there in person, or watching online?


Brisbane, QLD, Australia - Suncorp Stadium - December 17, 2013

  1. That's What the Water Made Me
  2. You Give Love a Bad Name
  3. Raise Your Hands
  4. Lost Highway
  5. Whole Lot of Leavin'
  6. It's My Life
  7. Because We Can
  8. What About Now
  9. We Got It Going On
  10. Keep the Faith
  11. Amen
  12. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night - acoustic
  13. Diamond Ring
  14. (You Want To) Make a Memory
  15. Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen from Mars
  16. Born to Be My Baby
  17. We Weren't Born to Follow
  18. Who Says You Can't Go Home
  19. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
    / Jumpin' Jack Flash - Rolling Stones cover
    / Start Me Up - Rolling Stones cover
    / Wipe Out - The Surfaris cover (Tico Torres solo)
    / Highway to Hell - AC/DC cover (Phil X vox)
  20. Bad Medicine
  21. encore 1:
  22. I'll Be There For You
  23. Wanted Dead or Alive
  24. Have a Nice Day
  25. In These Arms
  26. Livin' on a Prayer
  27. encore 2:
  28. These Days
  29. Always
  30. Run Run Rudolph - Chuck Berry cover
  31. I Love This Town

Monday, December 16, 2013

Bon Jovi Sydney set list 15/12/13 + Happy Xmas (War Is Over) video

Bon Jovi had plenty of surprises in store for what had been billed as a "special encore performance" in Sydney. Were you there?

Sydney, NSW, Australia - Sydney Entertainment Centre - December 15, 2013
  1. When We Were Beautiful
  2. Love's The Only Rule
  3. You Give Love A Bad Name
  4. The Radio Saved My Life Tonight
  5. Runaway
  6. It's My Life
  7. Because We Can
  8. Work For The Working Man
  9. Captain Crash and The Beauty Queen From Mars
  10. Bad Medicine
  11. Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen cover
  12. The Fighter
  13. Thick As Thieves
  14. Blood On Blood
  15. We Weren't Born To Follow
  16. Who Says You Can't Go Home
  17. Wanted Dead Or Alive
  18. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
  19. Livin' On A Prayer

  20. encore 1:
  21. I'll Be There For You
  22. I Love This Town
  23. Run Run Rudolph - Chuck Berry cover
  24. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon & Yoko Ono cover

  25. encore 2:
  26. These Days
  27. Always

Bon Jovi's YouTube channel uploaded a pro-shot video of Happy Xmas. The choir was made up of some members of the crew.
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - December 15, 2013 - Sydney AU - #TheFinal7

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Bon Jovi Sydney set list 14/12/13 + Old Time Rock n Roll ft Kid Rock

Bon Jovi headed to Sydney for the first of two shows in the city. Support act Kid Rock and his band joined Bon Jovi on stage for Old Time Rock 'n' Roll. Were you there?

Sydney, NSW, Australia - ANZ Stadium - December 14, 2013
  1. That's What The Water Made Me
  2. You Give Love A Bad Name
  3. Raise Your Hands
  4. Lost Highway
  5. Whole Lot Of Leavin'
  6. Old Time Rock n' Roll - Bob Seger cover (ft. Kid Rock)
  7. It's My Life
  8. Because We Can
  9. What About Now
  10. We Got It Goin' On
  11. Keep The Faith
  12. Amen
  13. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night - acoustic
  14. Diamond Ring
  15. (You Want To) Make A Memory
  16. Captain Crash & The Beauty Queen From Mars
  17. Born To Be My Baby
  18. We Weren't Born To Follow
  19. Who Says You Can't Go Home
  20. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
    / Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis cover (David Bryan vox)
    / Jumpin' Jack Flash - Rolling Stones cover
    / Wipe Out - The Surfaris cover (Tico Torres solo)
    / You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC cover (Phil X vox)
  21. Bad Medicine
    / Oh, Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison cover
    / Shout! - Isley Brothers cover
  22. encore:
  23. In These Arms - David Bryan vox on 2nd verse
  24. Wanted Dead Or Alive
  25. Have A Nice Day
  26. Livin' On A Prayer

It will be interesting to see if Bon Jovi has something special planned for the arena show at Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Here are some videos of "Old Time Rock 'n' Roll":

Old Time Rock and Roll Bon Jovi and Kid Rock


Bon Jovi and Kid Rock - Old Time Rock n Roll - this one captures the start


Saturday, December 14, 2013

Bon Jovi medley in Adelaide

Bon Jovi has arguably done "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" to death over the years, but this medley in the middle of that song was easily one of the most fun moments of the tour. Great to see the band cut loose in Adelaide, a city they hadn't visited in 18 years.

The video features:
  • Start Me Up
  • Great Balls of Fire with David Bryan on lead vocals and keys
  • Dancing in the Street with Hugh McDonald on lead vocals and bass
  • Wipe Out featuring Tico Torres
  • You Shook Me All Night Long with Phil X on lead vocals and guitar

Bon Jovi - AAMI Stadium Adelaide 11/12/13


Friday, December 13, 2013

Richie Sambora talks Bon Jovi, new music and Stevie Wonder

With the Bon Jovi tour wrapping up in a few days, Richie Sambora has spoken to The Hollywood Reporter about his reasons for leaving. He mentions the family reasons he cited previously. But this bit is probably more telling:

As for looking ahead to 2014, the looming question for Bon Jovi fans remains: Will Sambora rejoin the group? “Yes, I would think about it for sure,” he says. "There’s no malice here. You get along for 30 years, that’s a damn good marriage. ... I was coming out of something a little bit different with my solo record, Aftermath of the Lowdown, and it just didn’t go in the right direction for me artistically, which is not to say it’s a bad thing."

Solo ambitions aside, months on tour and in the studio simply took away from his other life. "I did 14 cycles for 30 years, so I missed a lot," he explains. "A lot of life happened. And I also had three solo albums and tours, wrote songs for other people. ... Burnt isn’t the right word, but I almost fell out of love with music and I needed to fall in love with it again.”

Sambora insists that reports of a rift concerning money are “baloney," adding, "You look at your bank account, and you see the currency of love and happiness is more important than the currency of money."
In other words, he just didn't want to be there. Which is fair enough... There were plenty of burnt out fans who felt, and still do, that this album and tour cycle had been rushed or forced. And had Richie done something before the tour or maybe even during the break between the first and second legs -- instead of leaving the band with no lead guitarist on the day of a show -- I don't think many people would have been upset with him.

As for any upcoming solo music, Richie had this to say:

For now, Sambora is content just to play music and hinted that there is more on the way -- two albums' worth, but it won't be coming out via his Aftermath of the Lowdown label, Dangerbird.

“They blew me off the second week of my album," he says. "I put that single out and then the president [Jeff Castelaz] left and went to work for Elektra,” he says. “I want to get together with people that I like, who I have relationships with, and try to build a brand. Go out and gig on my own and make a living."
So he was probably already disillusioned heading out onto the road with Bon Jovi. But once again, had he not suddenly left Bon Jovi without a guitarist in Calgary, he'd have a lot more support (beyond his pocket of most ardent fans) than he currently does.

Richie also talked about performing with Stevie Wonder on December 1:
The duet, of Christmas classic "Silent Night," happened organically. Says Sambora: "I've been involved with Toys for Tots, the Boys and Girls Club and Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital in Miami over the last seven or eight years. ... When they asked me to play and said LeAnn Rimes, the Goo Goo Dolls and Stevie Wonder [were on the bill], I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if I could play with Stevie Wonder?’”

The two had met before -- briefly in London at a show with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, but had never shared the stage. Luckily, Sambora knew some of the guys in Wonder’s band, who vouched for him.

Nearly two weeks later, Sambora is still pinching himself. “It is almost beyond words," he says. "He was the guy that I emulated when I was a boy, and he taught me how to sing. It was an honor to meet your teacher. The first thing I did was whisper in his ear, 'I’m sure you get this a lot, but you were my inspiration as a singer.' The first thing he said is, 'You do the first verse!'”

Read the full article here.

Check out the duet:

Richie Sambora and Stevie Wonder Perform at Hollywood Christmas Parade


I usually find performances of Christmas songs quite naff, but that was a bit different and I enjoyed it... What did you think?

Bon Jovi Perth set list 12/12/13 + Review and Videos

After originally leaving my hometown off their Australian tour, Bon Jovi slipped into Perth last night for what was the 100th show at Perth Arena. Were you there?

Perth, WA, Australia - Perth Arena - December 12, 2013
  1. That's What the Water Made Me
  2. Lost Highway
  3. Whole Lot of Leavin'
  4. You Give Love a Bad Name
  5. The Radio Saved My Life Tonight
  6. In These Arms - David Bryan vox on 2nd verse
  7. It's My Life
  8. Because We Can
  9. What About Now
  10. We Got It Going On
  11. Keep the Faith
  12. Amen
  13. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night - acoustic
  14. Thick as Thieves
  15. Born to Be My Baby
  16. We Weren't Born to Follow
  17. Who Says You Can't Go Home
  18. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
    / Rockin' All Over the World - John Fogerty/Status Quo cover
    / Start Me Up - Rolling Stones cover
  19. Bad Medicine
    / Roadhouse Blues - The Doors cover
    / Wipe Out - The Surfaris cover

  20. encore:
  21. Wanted Dead or Alive
  22. Have a Nice Day
  23. Livin' on a Prayer

I had a feeling a shorter set might be on the cards after Adelaide the night before, but I didn't know what to expect at the first arena show of the Australian leg. It was a strange set, and I don't entirely agree with all of it, but I had a lot of fun and the band seemed to as well. Perth Arena is a little over a year old now and has proved a fantastic concert venue. And it was nice not to be able to predict the whole first hour! I was happy to get "The Radio Saved My Life Tonight", which is easily one of my favourites on the box set. "Always" was listed as an audible and would have received a great reception in the encore -- I'm sure the crowd would have sung most of it for Jon.

Here are my videos of "Radio" and "Thick as Thieves".

Bon Jovi - The Radio Saved My Life Tonight (live) - Perth 2013 #thefinal7


Bon Jovi - Thick as Thieves (live) - Perth 2013 #thefinal7





Thursday, December 12, 2013

Bon Jovi Adelaide set list 11/12/13

Bon Jovi played in Adelaide for the first time in 18 years. There were some changes to the set for anyone who might have been at the Melbourne shows, and Huey McDonald even got to sing for quite possibly the first time since 1995 -- during an epic Sleep medley.

Were you there?

Adelaide, SA, Australia - AAMI Stadium - December 11, 2013
  1. That's What The Water Made Me
  2. You Give Love A Bad Name
  3. Raise Your Hands
  4. Lost Highway
  5. Whole Lot Of Leavin'
  6. It's My Life
  7. Because We Can
  8. What About Now
  9. We Got It Goin' On
  10. Keep The Faith
  11. When We Were Beautiful
  12. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night - acoustic
  13. Diamond Ring
  14. (You Want To) Make A Memory
  15. Born to Be My Baby
  16. We Weren't Born To Follow
  17. Who Says You Can't Go Home
  18. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
    / Start Me Up - Rolling Stones cover
    / Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis cover (David Bryan vox)
    / Dancing In The Street - Martha & the Vandellas/Bowie & Jagger cover (Hugh McDonald vox)
    / Wipe Out - The Surfaris cover (Tico Torres solo)
    / You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC cover (Phil X vox)
  19. Bad Medicine
    / Shout! - Isley Brothers cover
  20. encore:
  21. Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen from Mars
  22. Work For The Working Man
  23. Wanted Dead Or Alive
  24. Have A Nice Day
  25. Run Run Rudolph - Chuck Berry cover
  26. Livin' On A Prayer

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Phil X joins the "brotherhood" + Bon Jovi Melbourne videos

At last night's end-of-year crew party, Phil X and photographer David Bergman both received the Slippery When Wet medallion, which is awarded to people who serve two Bon Jovi world tours. I think you usually have to be on the whole tour to get the medallion, but it's safe to say Phil has gone above and beyond what was expected of a fill-in, first in May 2011 and now for almost all of 2013.



Meanwhile, here are some videos I captured from Melbourne. I thought someone on the floor might have a better version of these but if they've uploaded them, I haven't stumbled across them yet. These ones are from the second night (December 8).

Bon Jovi - Diamond Ring (live) - Melbourne 2013 night 2 #thefinal7


Bon Jovi - Dry County (live) - Melbourne 2013 night 2 #thefinal7


Bon Jovi - These Days (live) - Melbourne 2013 night 2 #thefinal7


Bon Jovi - AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Surfaris live medley - Melbourne 2013 night 2 #thefinal7 - Start Me Up, Wipe Out, You Shook Me All Night Long (Phil X on lead vocals), and the end of I'll Sleep When I'm Dead


I also got That's What the Water Made Me and the full I'll Sleep When I'm Dead medley (featuring Jumpin' Jack Flash, Great Balls of Fire sung by David Bryan, and Run Run Rudolph) from the first night (December 7).

Bon Jovi's YouTube channel also uploaded a pro-shot video of "Lost Highway" from the first night.

Lost Highway - Melbourne, AU - December 7, 2013

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Jon Bon Jovi responds to Richie Sambora's Today show interview

When Richie Sambora was in Australia for the Melbourne Cup about a month ago, he sat down for an interview with Today entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins.

Bon Jovi kicked off their Aussie tour over the weekend. This time Wilkins spoke to Jon, and obviously the topic of Richie came up again. I'm not sure if everyone can view the link, so I transcribed the "juicy" part of the interview.

RW: Let's talk about the elephant in the room. I spoke to [Richie] a little while back, I don't know if you saw...

JBJ: Yeah, I saw it.

RW: What did you think?

JBJ: You know, I've only ever said the same thing. It was personal issues, right? He was never fired. And as he finally admitted on television, there was never a fight. He just didn't show up. And we've been talking a little bit. You gotta go to work, Rich. If you don't go to work...

RW: The popular consensus was that you the ultimate showman, the complete pro, the benevolent dictator was sort of at odds with the party boy. Was that close to it?

JBJ: In as much as I went to work, you know. And like I said what he's gonna admit to you is... I've only ever said very clearly, personal issues, he can tell you as much as he wants to.

RW: Were you concerned that Richie's absence could affect business?

JBJ: Absolutely. He didn't do it to hurt me. He didn't do it to hurt David or Tico. He did it for personal reasons. But that doesn't stop the rest of the machine from rolling and fortunately the fans all realise that and supported us throughout.

RW: Will he be back do you think? Maybe?

JBJ: He's not been fired. I only ever said the same thing.


Hmm... Watch the interview here.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Bon Jovi Melbourne set list 8/12/13 + Review #thefinal7

Bon Jovi returned for night 2 in Melbourne and let's just say, as a diehard fan you'd be pretty annoyed if you went to the first show and skipped the second, but luckily for me I saw both... Were you there?

Melbourne, Vic, Australia - Etihad Stadium - December 8, 2013
  1. That's What the Water Made Me
  2. You Give Love a Bad Name
  3. Raise Your Hands
  4. Lost Highway
  5. Whole Lot of Leavin'
  6. It's My Life
  7. Because We Can
  8. What About Now
  9. We Got It Going On
  10. Keep the Faith
  11. Amen
  12. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night - acoustic
  13. Diamond Ring
  14. (You Want To) Make a Memory
  15. Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen from Mars
  16. Born to Be My Baby
  17. We Weren't Born to Follow
  18. Who Says You Can't Go Home
  19. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
    / Start Me Up - Rolling Stones cover
    / Wipe Out - The Surfaris cover
    / You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC cover (Phil X vox)
  20. Bad Medicine
    / Shout! - Isley Brothers cover
  21. encore:
  22. Dry County
  23. Wanted Dead or Alive
  24. Have a Nice Day
  25. I Love This Town
  26. These Days
  27. Livin' on a Prayer

First things first: I finally got Dry County and These Days live!

When I arrived at the venue, I didn't know what sort of show to expect but started to get really excited when I heard Diamond Ring being soundchecked. A few songs into the show, Jon promised there would be a lot of different stuff for night 2, and while the first 10 songs were identical, hints of change came in the acoustic/semi-acoustic set on the circle platform, which hadn't been utilised the previous night. Most people in the stands sat down and waited for a big hit during this part of this show -- A few sang along to Saturday Night -- but I was delighted to get Diamond Ring.

Maybe only a handful of the crowd knew what was coming when David Bryan played the first chord of Dry County, but I was so happy I wanted to cry. And to get These Days as well... I was, perhaps greedily hoping for Always, the return of Bed of Roses, maybe even Never Say Goodbye but I knew it was highly unlikely. And I've managed to forgive Jon for throwing I Love This Town into the show. :P

I have videos of Diamond Ring, Dry County, These Days, and the Sleep medley but it might take a while to upload. I was also back in the stands, so there might be people on the floor who have better videos.

Some of my criticisms of night 1 still stand, including Jon's voice, the overrepresentation of Lost Highway, and the lulls that come with certain songs they keep playing. But I thought in terms of performance the show was great, with Jon seeming to find an extra gear in the energy department.

AC/DC went down a treat as soon as Phil started that opening riff. They really should play this at all the remaining Australian dates. There are five more to go. I've got one more show personally -- my hometown gig at Perth Arena...

Meanwhile, I don't know if someone had a word to Kid Rock or not but he changed most of his set from the first night. Telstra Road to Discovery winner Jesse Teinaki opened the show.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Bon Jovi Melbourne set list 7/12/13 + Review

Bon Jovi began their Australian tour last night for the first of two shows in Melbourne, and I was there. Were you in the crowd too? I'll share my thoughts on the show below, but here's what they played:

Melbourne, Vic, Australia - Etihad Stadium - December 7, 2013
  1. That's What the Water Made Me
  2. You Give Love a Bad Name
  3. Raise Your Hands
  4. Lost Highway
  5. Whole Lot of Leavin'
  6. It's My Life
  7. Because We Can
  8. What About Now
  9. We Got It Going On
  10. Keep the Faith
  11. (You Want To) Make a Memory
  12. Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen from Mars
  13. Born to Be My Baby
  14. We Weren't Born to Follow
  15. Who Says You Can't Go Home
  16. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
    / Jumpin' Jack Flash - Rolling Stones cover
    / Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis cover (David Bryan vox)
    / Run Run Rudolph - Chuck Berry cover
  17. Bad Medicine
    / Shout! - Isley Brothers cover
  18. encore:
  19. In These Arms - David Bryan vox on 2nd verse
  20. Runaway
  21. Wanted Dead or Alive
  22. Have a Nice Day
  23. Livin' on a Prayer

As you can see, especially if you've been following the set lists on this tour, there were no surprises (unless you count the Christmas song, but it is December now). Jon has been below his best vocally for much of the tour, and was again tonight... I don't know how much casual fans picked up on it, but Jon's voice cracked a few times, squeaked very noticeably during Faith, and he compensated by changing the timing of songs, speaking instead of singing in parts, sometimes skipping whole lines for the band or crowd to sing. Dave and Bobby in particular, and Phil to a lesser extent, really saved his arse.

Jon's nose was really red and I know I personally have been struggling with allergies in Melbourne the past couple of days so that could be a factor, since the stuff you take for hay fever etc tends to dry up your vocal cords, which obviously isn't good for a singer. But it doesn't change the unfortunate fact that his voice has been off all year. He also wore a jacket for the whole show, which surprised me given he's performing in an Australian summer.

I was further back than I have been for Bon Jovi before and from this perspective, there were very noticeable ebbs and flows. The girl next to me spent most of the night texting and I saw her update her Facebook status to something like "Basically every Bon Jovi song after 1999 is a pile of shit with wank juices" -- Given I love a lot of stuff from 2000 onwards, I disagree with the sentiment but they are picking the wrong songs, especially if they're not even going to mix anything up anymore. You really don't need all those Lost Highway songs. I love Memory, but it doesn't belong in that spot after everyone has got back on their feet for Faith, but at least it was a single that a few people seem to know... Whole Lot of Leavin' is just an energy sapper. So is Born to Follow, which certainly shouldn't follow Baby -- the choruses are almost identical. If you're going to play a song from The Circle, make it something good like Thorn In My Side or Love's the Only Rule (but I guess Jon's not going to change things when there are only a handful of shows left). And no one knows Because We Can! Stop trying to turn it into a singalong... It hasn't worked at any other show. While we're on that topic, Who Says wasn't a hit outside of North America and Jon should try to remember that.

From the Sleep medley to the end, the energy was right up and it's a shame they can't keep things at that level for the whole show.

Despite my comments, I actually had a really good time. I wasn't expecting any surprises, which is the way to go this tour. It was nice to have Bon Jovi as my first event at Etihad Stadium. I also got to hear David sing live for the first time.

Kid Rock was the main support act in his first ever Australian tour. I could take or leave his music but he is one entertaining mofo. Can't help but love his energy. Angie McMahon was opened after winning the Telstra Road to Discovery competition and she was lovely, but I do feel for support acts.

Anyway, I'm back at Etihad tonight for Round 2 so hopefully Jon took care of himself last night and fingers crossed for a good show.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Jon Bon Jovi and Kid Rock on The Project

Jon Bon Jovi was interviewed by Anthony "Lehmo" Lehmann for last night's episode of The Project. Jon talked about fans sticking by them despite Richie Sambora's absence, the legend that is Livin' on a Prayer, and his much-publicised role in Australian bride Branka's special day.

Check out the Jon Bon Jovi interview here.

Kid Rock is supporting Bon Jovi for the stadium shows and joined Charlie Pickering, Carrie Bickmore, Lehmo, and Waleed Aly live on The Project panel. He talked about touring Australia for the first time, getting Jon into trouble, stage names, the Kid Rock cruise ship, and celebrities going off the rails.

Check out the Kid Rock interview here.


Friday, December 6, 2013

Bon Jovi arrives in Australia

Bon Jovi has touched down in Australia ahead of their two concerts at Etihad Stadium this weekend. Jon spoke to the media about longevity, Prince William, and the role of Phil X.

Bon Jovi back in Melbourne



I'm currently in Melbourne too, having decided to make the trip across the country for these shows.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Bon Jovi Tokyo set list 4/12/13 + Phil X sings AC/DC

Bon Jovi continued on to Tokyo on their Because We Can tour, with David Bryan and Phil X again getting a bit of extra (deserved) spotlight. Phil sang AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" during the Sleep medley in what was likely to be a preview of the upcoming Australian shows.

Were you at this concert?

Tokyo, Japan - Tokyo Dome - December 4, 2013
  1. That's What the Water Made Me
  2. You Give Love a Bad Name
  3. Raise Your Hands
  4. Lost Highway
  5. Whole Lot of Leavin'
  6. It's My Life
  7. Because We Can
  8. What About Now
  9. We Got It Going On
  10. Keep the Faith
  11. (You Want To) Make a Memory
  12. Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen from Mars
  13. Born to Be My Baby
  14. We Weren't Born to Follow
  15. Who Says You Can't Go Home
  16. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
  17. / Rockin' All Over the World - John Fogerty/Status Quo cover / Start Me Up - Rolling Stones cover / Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis cover (David Bryan vox) / You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC cover (Phil X vox)
  18. Bad Medicine
    / Shout! - Isley Brothers cover

  19. encore:
  20. In These Arms - David Bryan vox on 2nd verse
  21. Have a Nice Day
  22. Wanted Dead or Alive
  23. Livin' on a Prayer

This video showcases Dave and Phil's parts in the Sleep medley.
BON JOVI Tokyo Dome Live2013

Bon Jovi Osaka set list 3/12/13

Bon Jovi kicked off the final leg of the Because We Can Tour in Osaka. Were you there?

Osaka, Japan - Kyocera Dome Osaka - December 3, 2013
  1. That's What the Water Made Me
  2. You Give Love a Bad Name
  3. Raise Your Hands
  4. Lost Highway
  5. Whole Lot of Leavin'
  6. It's My Life
  7. Because We Can
  8. What About Now
  9. In These Arms
  10. We Got It Going On
  11. Keep the Faith
  12. (You Want To) Make a Memory
  13. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night
  14. I'll Be There For You
  15. Born to Be My Baby
  16. We Weren't Born to Follow
  17. Who Says You Can't Go Home
  18. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
    / Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis cover (David Bryan vox)
    / Jumpin' Jack Flash - Rolling Stones cover
    / Start Me Up - Rolling Stones cover
    / Takin' Care of Business - Bachman Turner Overdrive cover (Phil X vox)
  19. Bad Medicine
  20. encore:
  21. Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen from Mars
  22. Have a Nice Day
  23. Wanted Dead or Alive
  24. Runaway
  25. Livin' on a Prayer

Monday, December 2, 2013

Jon Bon Jovi reflects on his latest and most challenging world tour

Ahead of the final leg of Bon Jovi's Because We Can tour, which takes the band to Japan and Australia, Jon talked about the "challenges" that have faced them this year, beginning with the snowstorm in Connecticut and culminating in Richie Sambora's departure and Tico Torres' surgeries. Here's what Jon had to say about Richie:
Bon Jovi, while at pains to dismiss the rumours of a feud between the pair, says he hasn't spoken to his band mate in months - but the ball is firmly in Sambora's court.

"Richie was never fired from the band," Bon Jovi says. "He just didn't come to work any more. Some day when this is all over, the three of us would like to talk to him and say 'what happened'.

"If you didn't go to work tomorrow I think ultimately your editor or your publisher would say 'where are you?'. So there you go - he was never fired, we certainly have no animosity and when the tour is over he can come and see me and Tico and Dave and explain what happened."
Jon also talked about his political and social side and walking Aussie bride Branka down the aisle at Graceland Chapel. Read the full article here.