Bon Jovi in Allentown 2/05/18

Bon Jovi (as a band) hadn't played in Allentown since 1984, when they were Scorpions' support act. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora played solo shows there in the 90s, but either way it's been a while. One might have expected a very predictable set list for Bon Jovi's first ever headlining gig there. It turned out to be the most surprising set of the year (so far). Here's what they played:

Allentown, PA, USA - PPL Center - May 2, 2018

1. This House Is Not For Sale
2. Raise Your Hands
3. You Give Love a Bad Name
4. Whole Lot of Leavin'
5. Lost Highway
6. In These Arms
7. Born to Be My Baby
8. Who Says You Can't Go Home
9. It's My Life
10. We Weren't Born to Follow
11. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night
12. Keep the Faith
13. Amen
14. Bed of Roses
15. Lay Your Hands on Me
16. Runaway
17. Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen from Mars
18. Bad Medicine
    
    Encore:
19. Dry County
20. Wanted Dead or Alive
21. Livin' on a Prayer

"Dry County" made its tour debut, having not been played since the Because We Can Tour. "Saturday Night" and "Captain Crash" were played for the first time this year. "In These Arms" made its second appearance of 2018. And "We Got It Goin' On" was dropped (which I'm not at all sad about, but it was a surprise given it's pretty much been a staple for over a decade now).

Videos from Allentown

"Dry County". Won't lie, this is pretty rough vocally, though I think Jon sounds marginally better as the song progresses. But I love the song so much I probably wouldn't have cared if I were there:

"In These Arms". A decent performance by current standards. The camera pans to Phil X during the solo but it's definitely John Shanks playing it:

UPDATE: "Someday I'll Be Saturday Night":

If you'd like to share any videos from Allentown, feel free to link to them in the comments. 🙂

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

Bon Jovi: Dry County in Munich 2013

Bon Jovi opened the encore with Dry County in Munich on May 18, 2013. This video was shot from further back in the stands but showcases the much-talked-about new stadium stage and production.

Dry County + What About Now in Denver

Bon Jovi performed Dry County in the encore of their April 16 show in Denver, marking the song's first appearance on the Because We Can Tour. Phil X played lead guitar in the continued absence of Richie Sambora, having previously played the song in May 2011 (in Montreal and St. Louis).



Jon also made mention of the April 15 Boston Marathon Bombings before What About Now.

Jon flips the bird... Oh Lord, have Mercy...

Haven't done a Bon Jovi video post since Dublin. There hasn't really been anything we haven't seen before in the shows since, but I figured I may as well post these little "incidents". ;)

JBJ flips the bird: Long story short, there was a girl in Bucharest who felt she'd been wronged by the fan club and had attended several shows with a banner for Jon. Jon's middle finger pops up at about 0:51 of this video of Dry County, followed by a dry Jersey shrug.


Mercy x 3: Apparently there were banners in Dusseldorf requesting Mercy, the Duffy song Bon Jovi covered a few times on the Lost Highway Tour. Jon couldn't remember the lyrics and tried the song three times. First, during the Bad Medicine medley (Wait, is that a sign requesting Twist and Shout I see?!)...

He tries again, acoustic, after When We Were Beautiful...

Before finally nailing it (albeit with the obvious help of a teleprompter).


I have a feeling this is the last time we'll see Mercy. Anyway, you know the drill... Hath's Circle Tour Blog for the complete video guide.

Hard Rock Calling audio and video

Bon Jovi blew us away at Hard Rock Calling in London on June 25. I don't know if there's any chance of an official live release, but it'd sure be nice.

Absolute Radio has a photo gallery from the show. They are also streaming Blaze of Glory, Born to Be My Baby, It's My Life, Livin' on a Prayer and Always until July 26, 2011.

There's also a fan recording of the full audio stream here. Various other fan recordings are floating around for download.

And finally, here are some fan videos. :)

Hey God

Considering this is the opening track of my favourite album, I recognised the intro of the song when I heard it coming through my headphones during the live stream, but I don't think I really believed what I was hearing until Jon started singing.

Bad Medicine / Oh, Pretty Woman

Jon squeezing Richie Sambora's butt at about 3:27.

Hallelujah

Some people bag it for being too slow or over-emoted but I don't care; I love Bon Jovi's version of Hallelujah. I never really appreciated the song until Bon Jovi started doing this in 2007... now I love the original as well as many of the cover versions. Though I have to admit, Jon looks rather pained here.

Dry County

If you follow the blog, you'll probably already know I'm a sucker for this song.

Livin' on a Prayer / Always


For more videos, check out Hath's Circle Tour Blog.

Videos from Munich

Before Bon Jovi hits the stage in Norway, I want to post some videos from their June 12 show in Munich, Germany. The first 10 songs of the concert were streamed live so if you want to watch or rewatch that webcast you'll find it at this link.

Lay Your Hands on Me

Lay Your Hands was kind of Richie's song before he went to rehab, but I prefer Jon's voice on this one (I want Richie singing Homebound Train or something with a little more blues). Great to see the Sambora "sex faces" in action again though. ;)

I'll Be There For You

Jon and Richie sharing the circle platform again, after Jon unofficially dedicated this song to Richie during last month's shows. Additional lyrics from 5:55 (Corrections welcome):

And I'll be there for you
If you want me
I'll... be there... for you
If you need me
C'mon ask me
Oh, I'll be there for you
Just call my name
In the pouring rain
In the morning I'll come home
Just to be in your arms again
Ah ah ah
Ah ah ah
Ah ah ah
Ah, I'll be there for you

Bells of Freedom (acoustic)

They pulled this out at the previous show in Dresden, but who knows if/when they'll play it again?

Always

It's always a joy to see this in the set. I still remember when it made its long awaited return in Des Moines on the Lost Highway Tour. Since then, it's probably been played often enough to no longer be considered a true rarity... but as their biggest hit ever, Always should be a staple song anyway.

Dry County

I've heard some fans refer to sets with Dry County, Always, Bed of Roses, These Days, etc as complete vanilla because they're no longer rare. I find that interesting. I mean, I love set list variation too, but that doesn't mean I want Bon Jovi to stop playing great songs. Anyway, I have a lot of favourite songs and it depends on my mood but Dry County is what I keep going back to if I'm forced to pick just one.

Visit Hath's Circle Tour Blog for more video links.

Videos from St Louis

The North American leg of Bon Jovi's 2011 tour ended in St. Louis on May 22. It's been confirmed that it was Phil X's last show with Bon Jovi, so presumably Richie Sambora will return for the European tour.

Anyway, here are some selected videos.

Last Man Standing

Jon performs the song from the 100 level of the Scottrade Center before making his way through the crowd and back onto the stage.

Dry County

Phil's solo was "different" again but hardly awful given he's a fill-in as opposed to a replacement. Jon also changed the "He'd be back, back someday" lyric to "He'd be back come Judgement Day". Good overall performance.

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead / Takin' Care of Business

Sleep with one of their rarer "jukebox covers" in a light, fun performance.

Wanted Dead or Alive

Jon thanked the fans and Phil in his final show and again dedicated the song to "Brother Richie". The crowd sings the first verse and Phil sings the second.

Blood on Blood

Lyric change: "Richie's doin' the best that he can. Well me, I'm here, a singer of a grateful rock 'n' roll band." Nice touch. I also love this song and personally I think it's better away from the opening spot.

I'll Be There For You

This kind of became a Richie tribute song during this leg of the tour. Additional lyrics as follows (Corrections welcome):

If you want me to
I'll be there for you
Come on...
If you want me
Oh, I'll be there for you
I'll be your shoulder to lean on
I'll be the bus
I'll be the neighbour you can call
Count on me
Oh
You can count on me
Whoa
Call my name
Call my name
And I'll come runnin', baby
I'll come runnin', baby

Check out Hath's Circle Tour Blog for more videos.

Thought I'd also give serpephone a plug, as there are lots of great videos from the North American leg on her account.

Bon Jovi videos from Canada

So... A few days ago, Bon Jovi visited Phil X's country of birth (Canada) for the first proper Bon Jovi shows since Richie Sambora checked into rehab.

Here is a selection of videos from Montreal (May 4, 2011)...

Dry County

Some people have said Dry County is the one song that Bon Jovi should not have done without Richie... or that Phil X "murdered" the solo or words to that effect. It does sound noticeably different, but this is my favourite song and I don't feel that the guitar ruined it, but that's my personal view.

In These Arms

Jon hands the lead vocals to David Bryan for the second verse. I love Dave's voice, so it's always a little thrill for me when he gets his moments in the spotlight.

Diamond Ring / Bed of Roses

The video focuses on Jon out on the platform. No Richie harmonies on Diamond Ring obviously, while Bobby Bandiera took lead guitar for Bed of Roses.

And a couple from Ottawa (May 3, 2011)...

Lay Your Hands on Me

To be honest, I prefer Jon singing Lay Your Hands on Me. (But I LOVE Richie singing Homebound Train.) Jon sings an extra part in the middle here before the instrumental break, so for those wondering about the lyrics, this is what I heard:

I need you
I want you
Lay your hands on me
Wrap your lovin' arms around my back
Hold me closer
Tell me everything'll be alright

I'll Be There For You

Jon out on the platform without his right hand man. He adds an extra part here, too, during the "whoa oh ohs". It's similar to the ad libs on Always at Wembley Stadium in 1995 on the Live From London DVD:

I'll be there for you
Through the wind
Through the storm
Through the driving rain
Through that hard walk home
Right beside you now
Yeah, I've got you now
I'll be there
You want me, I'll be there
I'll be right beside you
Carryin' the weight of the world on your shoulders
Come on

Corrections for those ad libs are welcome.

Check out Hath and Co's Circle Tour Blog for more video links from the shows.

Dry County, sound issues, and JBJ playing Dad in New York City (MSG 3)

Yes, I know I'm two weeks late for videos from Bon Jovi's Madison Square Garden show on March 5, 2011... What can I say? Love alone doesn't pay the bills. ;) I wasn't originally going to post vids from this show because while the set list was still good, it's not like they played something I haven't already showcased on this tour.

But I decided it was worth posting a couple of videos of this incredible "Dry County" from that night. Might well be one of the best versions they've done in recent years; everyone sounds great.



There were also technical issues at this show with the PA system dying as it had in Boston. Jon took the band off stage once he realised no one could hear anything.


And this is "Who Says You Can't Go Home" immediately after they returned to the stage. One of the very few times I will post a video of this song on Blame It On The Love, because I know how passionately many of you hate it. :P


The Doors' "Roadhouse Blues" is a cool song , but the real reason I posted this here was because of Jon's comment: "I gotta keep Jakey entertained over there so he don't play his DS game!" I guess when your father's just always been a rock star, it's not terribly exciting anymore. ;)

MSG, New York videos, JBJ's birthday

Bon Jovi... live from Madison Square Garden. I should really be in bed now, so instead of rambling on, I'll just let the videos do the talking. Most of them are from the second show (February 25) but "The More Things Change" is from February 24.

Dry County


Bed of Roses


Love for Sale


These Days


And because it's ticked over into March 2 where I'm from, meaning it's officially Jon Bon Jovi's 49th birthday...

The More Things Change


Just Older


Happy birthday, Jon! ;)

Videos from Montreal

Bon Jovi played a couple of nights at Montreal's Bell Centre on February 18 and February 19. So how about a few videos to whet the appetite for Madison Square Garden? ;)

The Radio Saved My Life Tonight

Chorus will always lack the power of the studio version when it's dropped an octave, but this is still one of my favourite songs. Maybe even my favourite performance of it.

Living in Sin / Chapel of Love

I'm a bit filthy this wasn't on the Greatest Hits. It was a top 10 Billboard single, which is more than I can say for a lot of other inclusions.

Love's the Only Rule

Love. This. Song. Although Jon starts off with a two-minute speech about the protests in the Middle East; I don't mind this personally, but I know a lot of people get jacked off when rock concerts get "political", even when the artist is well known for their politics.

Dry County

Many of you know I'm incapable of complaining about "Dry County". ;)

Last Man Standing / You Give Love a Bad Name

Focuses on the main stage, so no Jon for "Last Man Standing".

Blood on Blood (acoustic; partial)


Start Me Up / Jumpin' Jack Flash / Dancing in the Street / I'll Sleep When I'm Dead

These Days, Sat Night, Always, Dry County, Roses in Bueno Aires

I don't know if I can say "Bon Jovi loves Argentina" given they kind of ignored the country for 15 years, but I think I can quite safely say the band put on a hell of a show in Bueno Aires on October 3, 2010.

THESE DAYS - Maybe it's just shock from the killer set, but I think this could well be the best performance of "These Days" that has occurred since I became a diehard fan. And by the sounds of it, one of the best crowd performances too! Jon also changed the lyric from "I guess she's trying to be James Dean" to "She was trying to be like me".


SOMEDAY I'LL BE SATURDAY NIGHT - I love those "ad libs".


ALWAYS


DRY COUNTY


BED OF ROSES


Check out Hath's Circle Tour Blog for more awesome videos.

Dry County + Diamond Ring from London on BonJovi.com

I think I'm a little behind due to my home internet being cut off since Friday thanks to an error from the phone company. But as part of the themed weeks on BonJovi.com, "Dry County" from the O2 has been posted on the official videos page (direct link here). Live audio of "Diamond Ring" is scheduled to go up today.

EDIT: "Diamond Ring" is now up. Listen to it here, or access the mp3 directly at this link.

Damned, Dry County, Blaze, Pain, Faith, Turn the Page from Chicago

As promised, some choice videos of Bon Jovi's second night at Chicago's Soldier Field (July 31, 2010), and the final show of this North American leg.

IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG / DAMNED - The ever-emotional intro followed by a damn funky song that should be played more often. (Yes, pun so intended.)


DRY COUNTY - Jon sings an extra verse at the end! I can't really make out the words though. This is my favourite song so it'd be cool to get in Perth but given the 10:30 curfew it's probably unlikely.


BLAZE OF GLORY


SOMETHING FOR THE PAIN - I want this in Perth too but I'd settle for ANYTHING from These Days.


TURN THE PAGE (featuring Kid Rock)


And let's throw in this from the first night (July 30) too.

KEEP THE FAITH / SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL - Very cool... but am I the only person who thinks the orgy of fireworks going off on the screens look a bit odd?


The Circle Tour resumes in Mexico City on September 24, 2010.

Videos from London (The O2 arena)

First up, here's some edited pro-shot video from Bon Jovi's rooftop gig prior to their opening night at The O2... Includes snippets of all four songs they performed and an interview with Jon.


And here are three vids from the second night: June 8, 2010....

DRY COUNTY - This song never fails to give me goosebumps. Especially now that Jon is in such fine voice. And Richie Sambora, you are a god.


BED OF ROSES - Speaking of Jon's voice, this was a real heart melter. Great to see the song that took my Jovirginity being performed like it was meant to be.


LAST MAN STANDING - Very shaky video that features some enthusiastic but off-key "backup" vocals, but it does include the opening before the band hit the stage as well as the whole song.


Two down and 10 to go!

Even more Meadowlands videos

A selection of videos from the third night (May 29, 2010)...

DRY COUNTY - Sounds stronger than it did the first night. Amazing song.


I'D DIE FOR YOU


JUST OLDER


JUMPIN' JACK FLASH / I'LL SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD


SOMEDAY I'LL BE SATURDAY NIGHT (electric) - Cool jam near the end.


DIAMOND RING


IN THESE ARMS


And a couple of earlier videos that I didn't post here or here...

RAISE YOUR HANDS from the first night (tour debut)


BED OF ROSES from the second night - This isn't the first time they've played "Roses" this tour but this is probably the best performance of it, vocally at least. Jon's going for (and hitting) the original notes as opposed to singing the This Left Feels Right melody over electric instruments.

More Meadowlands videos

Some more videos from Bon Jovi's Meadowlands shows so far.

DRY COUNTY (May 26, 2010) - Here's another, much closer video of "Dry County" from the first night.


NEVER SAY GOODBYE (May 27, 2010) - Jon forgets the lyrics, but I'm not sure which was funnier: the lyric flub or Richie's amused glances at Jon.


ALWAYS (May 27) - I never, ever get sick of Bon Jovi playing "Always".


HAVE A NICE DAY (May 26) - I don't know about anyone else but this is definitely my favourite of the so-called "It's My Life" lead singles. I love the screens here too.


RUNAWAY (May 26) - This is the performance where the sound infamously died.


LOVE'S THE ONLY RULE (May 26) - Love the screens here too, and this song is still epic despite Jon not being able to go into the crowd like he did in the arenas.

East Rutherford (Meadowlands) videos

A few videos from Bon Jovi's opening show at the new Meadowlands Stadium.

BLOOD ON BLOOD - The grand opening.


I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU - Great view of this.


DRY COUNTY - Not the best vocal performance, with Jon seeming a little shy about the big notes, but decent first attempt. It's my favourite song anyway, and I'm confident it'll get better with a few more performances. If Bon Jovi played "Dry County" at my show, I'd be just like that "OH MY GOD" guy you can hear in this video, only higher pitched and probably with some tears of joy. ;)


Fireworks display that ended the main set:


LIVIN' ON A PRAYER

Meadowlands Eve...

Not long to go before Bon Jovi opens the new Meadowlands Stadium and according to Billboard.com's Twitter:

Jon Bon Jovi rewrote the lyrics to "Dry County" for the new meadowlands opening shows about 5 hours ago via web

I read that it now includes lyrics alluding to the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill that's been going on since April.

Meanwhile Jon has talked about the shows in this article on NorthJersey.com:

"I worry about dumb stuff like allergies," the 48-year-old singer confessed during a roundtable with writers this afternoon at the Jumeriah Essex House in Manhattan. "Like going out there and sneezing. I never worry about singing or playing or the band’s performance, the production or anything like that. I’m more into, 'Can I breathe tonight?' 'Did my mother get a good seat?' The dumb stuff."

Read the full article here.