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Bon Jovi Stops at Xcel on 2022 North American Tour

The 80s rock icon proves that arena rock is alive and well.

Bon Jovi, Hairbands, Rock, Arena Rock, Xcel
Jon Bon Jovi At The Xcel Energy Center April 3,2022

Last updated on April 6th, 2022 at 03:52 pm

East coast arena rockers Bon Jovi stopped by The Xcel Energy Center Sunday Night. This was the second stop on the tour after a lengthy hiatus due to Covid.

Jon Bon Jovi had a rough start to the night, kicking it off with raspy versions of “Limitless” from their latest album, 2020’s The Radio Saved My Life Tonight.

The showman in Jon started to come out early, as he said, “it’s been a long time since we’ve got to say, “good evening!” Jon then led both the band and crowd in the first of several rock anthems, “You Give Love A Bad Name”

Bon Jovi, JBJ, Rock, Hairbands, Arena Rock,
Photo Credit: Brett Fercho

JBJ and the band took a seat about halfway through the performance for a three song acoustic set. “American Reckoning,” a tribute to George Floyd’s daughter Gianna Floyd, was followed by “We Don’t Run,” a tribute to Ukraine.

Bon Jovi played several other hits, including “Keep The Faith,” “Born To Be My Baby”, “Wanted Dead Or Alive,” and “Have A Nice Day.” 

One curious hit that JBJ did play was “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” Jon sounded fine on the song, but it was missing was the upper voice that Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles brings to the song on the country crossover hit.

JBJ, Bon Jovi, Arena Rock, Rock, Hairband
Photo Credit: Brett Fercho

Classic rock mainstay “Living on a Prayer” ended Bon Jovi’s initial set, with the crowd screaming along with every chorus.

The encore began with “Love’s The Only Rule” before ending on a high note with the final rock Anthem of the night, “Bad Medicine.”

I’m not sure why JBJ is getting so much gruff over his voice. Anyone who’s paid any attention to the 60-year-old rocker would know he can’t quite hit the notes as he did back in 1986. Then again, he didn’t come out with a mullet, feathered hair, and a fringe leather jacket either. Jon’s voice isn’t bad considering some other lead singers voices from that era. 

Bon Jovi, Phil X, Rock, Hairband, Arena Rock
Phil X Of Bon Jovi Photo Credit: Brett Fercho

What bothered me more? That’s easy. It would be the omission of several hits. Granted we know they can’t play all the hits. 

Some hits that didn’t get played included “Let It Rock,” “You Give Love A Bad Name,” and “I’d Die For You,” and those are just from Slippery When Wet. They also didn’t play any of Bon Jovi’s solo songs. Why?

The most annoying song that Bon Jovi didn’t play? “Runaway,” which he mentioned several times during the set. Why bring up the song on multiple occasions just to not play it? Annoying!

SETLIST:

  1. Limitless
  2. The Radio Saved My Life Tonight
  3. You Give Love a Bad Name
  4. We Weren’t Born to Follow
  5. It’s My Life
  6. Just Older
  7. Born to Be My Baby
  8. Beautiful Drug
  9. Let It Rain
  10. Keep the Faith
  11. American Reckoning (Acoustic)
  12. We Don’t Run (Acoustic, band introductions)
  13. Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night (Acoustic)
  14. Who Says You Can’t Go Home
  15. Lost Highway
  16. Wanted Dead or Alive
  17. Do What You Can
  18. This House Is Not for Sale
  19. Have a Nice Day
  20. Livin’ on a Prayer

Encore:

   21. Love’s the Only Rule
   22. Bad Medicine

 

Written by Brett

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