Bon Jovi's These Days album is 20

I haven't blogged here in a few weeks and These Days is my favourite Bon Jovi album so I think I should say something about this.

Yep, These Days is 20 years old! It was officially released on June 19, 1995. I was an oblivious six-year-old at the time, but I'm actually glad I discovered the album later in life because I wouldn't have appreciated it as much as a kid. As a teenager or young adult, however, it helped me through some of the toughest periods of my life. And that's why I'll always consider myself a Bon Jovi fan, even when they do things that make me want to rip my hair out. :P

Let's relive the singles of These Days, just because.

Bon Jovi - These Days


Bon Jovi - This Ain't A Love Song


Bon Jovi - Something For The Pain


Bon Jovi - Lie To Me


Bon Jovi - Hey God


Which track from These Days is your favourite? Where does the album rank for you?

Meanwhile, Bon Jovi is working on a new album (No official word on who's playing lead guitar, but it's not Richie Sambora) and have announced a string of rare dates in Asia in September and October. Jakarta, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Macau, Abu Dhabi, and Tel Aviv are on the bill.

Videos from Zagreb

Bon Jovi kicked off their European tour in Zagreb, Croatia on June 8, 2011. It also marked the return of Richie Sambora after spending May in rehab.

This is my blog so obviously my bias is going to come through, but they played three These Days songs in Zagreb and all of them are going to be posted below. ;)

Hey God

I've heard better renditions but Jon usually takes some time to "warm up" at the start of a leg. I enjoyed the performance and it's nice to see Richie back. Also nice to hear some voices singing along to this song.

These Days

Damn, what a great song. That's all.

Something for the Pain

Shot from the second tier. Something for the Pain was one of my favourite moments in Perth so I for one don't think I could get sick of them playing it.

And now for a couple of others...

Love's the Only Rule

Probably my favourite live track from The Circle, Jon messes up the lyrics a little bit here but that's okay. ;)

Have a Nice Day

Jon has a hood on and Richie's rocking the double-necked guitar.

Wanted Dead or Alive

"Are there any cowboys in Croatia? Let's find out." The Zagreb fans taking lead vocals the first verse. :)

There are more great videos over at Hath's Circle Tour Blog. I'll have some Dresden videos up next.

Videos from Perth

A small selection of videos from what has now jumped to the top of the list of favourite concerts I've been to: Bon Jovi's Perth show at Subiaco Oval/Patersons Stadium on December 8, 2010. In all honesty, the acoustics at Subi are pretty average but it's the only venue big enough for huge acts like Bon Jovi and U2, and there is at least one worse sounding major venue in Perth. A good show is still a good show.

No Apologies - Not a huge fan of this song, but I've enjoyed it live.


Bad Medicine / Shout! - I would have preferred a different medley song, but the crowd lapped this up and so did I. Jon flirting with someone in the crowd about 3:33 into the video.


Something for the Pain - YESSSSSSSSSS!! ;)


Livin' on a Prayer - The grand finale... and yes, that's your friendly neighbourhood Jovi blogger at about 3:45. What a knob. :P


Check out Hath's Circle Tour blog for more video links and multimedia from the show.

Also, here's a teaser video for an interview with Jon. It was shot in one of the boxes at Subi... but I'm not sure when the actual interview is going to pop up.

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 Paris

A couple of videos from Bon Jovi's June 16, 2010 show in Paris.

IN THESE ARMS - Fresh from his success at the Tony Awards, David Bryan sings lead on part of the song he co-wrote. (I'm sure it was a coincidence but I requested this via Twitter before the show so it was pretty cool.) Dave's Tonys are on display and Jon gives one a little spin.


LET IT ROCK


SOMETHING FOR THE PAIN

Love for Sale + Something for the Pain in Montreal

Here's a slice of acoustic heaven from Bon Jovi's March 20 concert in Montreal.

LOVE FOR SALE - This is such a cool little song. Should be a regular for every acoustic set/show.


SOMETHING FOR THE PAIN


I LOVE acoustic Bon Jovi (not This Left Feels Right, but that's another story). I probably won't get an acoustic set by the time I see them so I'm lapping this up now.

I've also got videos of "Always" and "Lay Your Hands on Me" from this show up. You can also find an extensive media guide at Hath's Circle Tour Blog.

Las Vegas videos

A few selected videos from the Bon Jovi show in Vegas, the full set of which you can read at this link.

LIVING IN SIN with CHAPEL OF LOVE outtro- I have to admit, this song lacks a certain punch these days without the powerful high notes and screams of the studio version but it's still one of my favourites and I'd love to experience it live someday.


SOMETHING FOR THE PAIN & SOMEDAY I'LL BE SATURDAY NIGHT - This acoustic twoshot is probably my favourite part of the set. Jon also makes an amusing remark about waiting 27 years to see Tico Torres stand up. And if you love Tico and Richie, you'll probably appreciate this video. ;)


HOMEBOUND TRAIN - Richie Sambora is a bona fide rock god. Jon Bon Jovi wishes he could play guitar a quarter as well as him. That's not meant to be a knock on Jon, whom I love and who has plenty of other qualities that make him a great frontman, but he knows it's true. ;)


DIAMOND RING - with electric guitar!


I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU

Something for the Pain in Seattle 1st night

"Something for the Pain" was performed acoustically and I have to say I really love this version. It also gives me great hope that perhaps songs like "My Guitar Lies Bleeding In My Arms" could be performed in a "gentler", acoustic arrangement if required (The album version was tough to sing in the mid-90s and would presumably be more difficult now) and still sound great.


Click here to see "Roulette" (ripped from the webcast) from the first night in Seattle and here for the full set list from this show.