| |
Bon Jovi
mixes old, new, treats 'em right in D.M.
By
KYLE MUNSON
REGISTER MUSIC CRITIC
November 3, 2005
Strip away the flashy trappings of an arena rock
show, provide the rock god nothing but an acoustic guitar and a microphone,
and still he should be able to captivate the audience.
Jon Bon Jovi accomplished that Wednesday night at Wells Fargo Arena, the
first night of his band's "Have a Nice Day" world tour. He strummed and sang
a solo version of "Someday I'll Be Saturday Night" about midway through an
18-song set (before two encores).
That solo turn hit pay dirt after an inconsistent early set by the full band
that was steeped in new songs. Of course, some meandering was to be expected
on the opening night of such a gargantuan production.
Perhaps this will be the last time you'll have to read these words before
the state wrestling tournament in February: Wednesday night's throng of more
than 15,500 was the largest crowd so far to visit Des Moines' new arena,
edging out last week's sold-out show by Sir Paul McCartney.
The sing-along to "Livin' on a Prayer" that capped Wednesday's main set
basically was a time warp. But there also were departures from the nostalgic
agenda: "The Radio Saved My Life Tonight" was a pleasant rarity from the
band's box set.
The true highlight was the second, extra encore of Roy Head's 1965 classic,
"Treat Her Right," which featured Jon hip-swiveling on stage like Elvis.
The four core Bon Jovi band members (guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist
David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres and Jon) were fleshed out by bassist Hugh
McDonald, guitarist Bob Bandiera and keyboardist Jeff Kazee (the latter two
borrowed from Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes). They romped through
Bon Jovi oldies but also showcased no less than half the band's new "Have a
Nice Day" album — a little too generous a sampling.
Sometimes the band's extra firepower was misspent. The four acoustic guitars
that strummed furiously as a gradual intro to "Blaze of Glory" seemed like
too much effort for a meager result, with the vista of the Grand Canyon
displayed on the giant video screen behind the band. The song's limp
arrangement needs work.
Opening band the Nadas, from Des Moines, won its 30-minute slot through a
local radio contest; Bon Jovi is sniffing out local talent throughout the
first leg of its tour. The band proved it could hold up under the pressure
of a high-profile gig and not sound puny.
|
|
Des Moines, USA 2.Nov.2005
