If you haven’t been following Bon Jovi’s career closely, it’s pretty impressive that the band is still touring and making new albums (they released their 13th studio album ‘Burning Bridges’ in August and they already have another one planned for 2016). What’s even more impressive is that people still go crazy for Bon Jovi – as proven by the thousands of fans who filled up Stadium Merdeka on Saturday night to see the band’s first KL show in 20 years; the RM888 price tag for the prime front-and-centre spot was obviously a small price to pay to see frontman Jon Bon Jovi together with keyboardist David Bryan and drummer Tico Torres up-close.
Photo: Hizwan Hamid
Photo: Hizwan Hamid
Even in their 50s and 60s (Torres is 61!), the band showed no signs of slowing down that night, delivering an energetic two-hour set (singer Bon Jovi still has his rock star strut down pat) which was mostly dominated by their newer material post-‘It’s My Life’ along with mandatory hits like ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’, ‘Bad Medicine’ and ‘Livin' On a Prayer’. Those who expected to hear more classic Bon Jovi were probably a little let-down by the setlist (there was ‘Saturday Night’, ‘Keep the Faith’ and ‘In These Arms’ but no ‘I’ll Be There For You’ and ‘Always’), and maybe Bon Jovi’s vocals on encore showcloser ‘Livin’ On a Prayer’ were a little shaky, but when you’ve been around for as long as Bon Jovi have – with 13 albums and a host of number-one hits – you’ll probably need a five-hour-long show to satisfy everyone.
Photo: Hizwan Hamid
For more Bon Jovi, visit www.bonjovi.com. 'Burning Bridges' is out now in stores.