Concert Review & Live Video
By Dave Chinery, UK Correspondent

Band: Bon Jovi
Location: St. Mary's Stadium, Southampton, England
Date: 6/11/08

As the sun shone over St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton, a cheesy Ocean Fm local radio DJ was playing a few rock tunes to warm up the crowd - who obviously felt shortchanged as other venues on Bon Jovi's Lost Highway Tour had the likes of The Feeling, Kid Rock and Razorlight as the support acts. However, after a local battle of the bands competition, HourstilAutumn had won the chance to support Bon Jovi in front of 30,000 people. To say they were nervous must have been an understatement. Chris Pearce (Guitar/Vocals), Hugh LLoyd (Guitar/keys), James Will (Bass/Vocals) and Dave Wills (Drums) definitely turned a few heads; much of the crowd showed a good deal of appreciation after the end of each song played. The band showed maturity and confidence despite their nerves, and the songs showed a mixture of mainly rock influences with the last number of the night showing a good deal of promise. Their set ended with an impressive 360 degree somersault by the guitarist! HourstilAutumn had their once-in-a-lifetime chance and took very well. I hope they use all the publicity well to progress.

The atmosphere in the stadium tonight was amazing. Before the main attraction hit the stage, a Mexican wave went around St. Mary's stadium several times. Also, there was some entertainment from one of the roadies being taken up on the rigging. Bon Jovi arrived on the large stage to an immense noise from the crowd. The video screens displayed the band looking as young and fit as ever. 'Lost Highway', the title track of the new album, was 1st up. It was followed closely by probably their biggest hit ever to date, 'You Give Love a Bad name' - which had every member of the audience singing their hearts out. The stage was possibly one of the most elaborate I have ever seen at a stadium concert and would show-up the likes of U2 and The Rolling Stones. The stage had eight moving video screens with a further triangular screen rising from the floor. The screens merged a mixture of live footage and pre-recorded video. The computerized light show really came into its own as the night went on and it got darker.

As rain started to fall over the Southampton stadium and Jon Bon Jovi said, "It would not been the same if it did not rain at a Bon Jovi concert." After the heat of the day the rain shower was very refreshing! Ritchie Sambora thrilled much the audience with his vocal lead version of 'I'll be There for You'... around the stadium there were many fans with their arms stretched in the air, and once again they were singing along to every word. After a nearly two hours the band left the stage. They put on one of the most amazing shows that I have ever seen within a stadium, certainly topping their previous show here in 2006. The crowd demanded more and they were rewarded with a three song encore ending with 'Wanted Dead or Alive' - which showed an amazing desert scene on the video screens. The band took their bows and left the stage.

BON JOVI SETLIST (with Video Link):

Lost Highway
Born To Be My Baby
You Give Love a Bad Name
Raise Your Hands
Runaway
Sleep (Inc. Mercy & Start Me Up)
Whole Lot of Leavin'
In These Arms
Capt. Crash and the Beauty Queen From Mars
We Got It Goin' On
It's My Life
Keep the Faith
I'll Be There For You
Blaze of Glory
Who Says You Can't Go Home
Have a Nice day
Bad Medicine (Inc. Shout)
Livin' on a Prayer | Video

ENCORE:

Always
Any Other Day
Wanted Dead or Alive

Links:
Official Bon Jovi
Official HourstilAutumn