In May 2010, Bon Jovi performed the first concert to open the New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey, the band's home-state. Last night, they returned to the Meadowlands, now Metlife Stadium, along with the J. Geils Band, for the second time this week for their Because We Can tour.
In his second leg at the new stadium in July 2010, Jon Bon Jovi injured himself towards the end of the 2 ½ hour concert. He continued through the pain and sang the encore, before he was carried off of the stage by the band. Luckily, last night’s performance went without a hitch.
Bon Jovi took the stage and opened up the night by performing “That’s What the Water Made Me,” off of their 2013 album What About Now. The band was noticeably without guitarist, Richie Sambora. Sambora left the band after having a feud with Jon. The feud is said to be about money and the fact that he feels Jon belittles him. Though missed by fans, the concert was a success.
The band played a number of their hits including “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Bad Medicine,” and “Runaway.” The setlist consisted of 18 songs, followed by a 6-song encore, and a second encore of 2 songs, the last being “I Love This Town.” The fans definitely got their money's worth, as Bon Jovi played for nearly three hours.
The energy was high at the stadium, with fans standing up and singing along to every song. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and country singer John Rich were amongst those in attendance.
Bon Jovi is set to continue the Because We Can tour in October. There is some hope that Sambora will rejoin the band for the remaining shows.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons