"Wanna Make a Memory...." - Bon Jovi!!!!

If I was a Bon Jovi fan before, even slightly obsessed with them, well just let me say that this concert made me even more in love with the voice and face ( and all...) of Jon, the talent and rebellion of Richie and the amazing way the entire band puts on a show that makes you feel the love for their fans and stand sing and dance on your feet for 3 rocking hours.

This was the last concert of their North American tour and Jon "didn't hold anything back."

(Well, they are returning from the European leg to play 2 already sold out shows in July at Madison Square Garden to the tune of $304 face value.... which I would gladly pay if they were not already sold out....)

We arrived at the Marriot Suites, dressed, took a taxi to a trendy little place called Thrive for a snack and drinks and then headed over to Phillps Arena. The crowd and traffic were crazy and excitement was everywhere. Everywhere there were groups of ladies and their best girlfriends that looked just like the us headed into the arena.

These are my friends since childhood and college roommates- Jules and Steph- equally as obsessed Bon Jovi fans. My other friend Tonya came as well as my sister, GL and Jess. Jules' sister also accompanied us for a grand old crew that made for millions of laughs and good times throughout the 2 day event. We sure missed Marci- home sick......and I know she missed being there. Believe me we drooled enough for her too.....

Lots of radio stations were outside giving away stuff and providing great photo ops- like this one. No, not the real naked Jon, but a cardboard cutout. I cropped this one in case a prospective employer googled and found my blog, but just let me tell you- it was a nice piece of cardboard.

I browsed the shirt selection and was seated during the 2nd Daughtry song.

I do like Daughtry's music, but spent his few minute show taking pictures to adjust my camera settings and my sister and niece and I schemed ways to get closer for better photos. Security was so tight- you really could barely leave your seat. Gone are the general admission days, where you can pay 8 bucks to get in and then fin for yourself. So we had to work for some closer photos.

Daughtry's set was short and the lights went out...

.....and all of a sudden came on again and there center stage was my man. No not in a towel, but ever so wonderful, nevertheless.
And so began an evening of amazing songs spanning career of Bon Jovi- favorites from my high school days and today. What a show!

I have about 200 pictures- completely lost my voice and had the best time with my favorite band and girls in the world.

Our seats were on the lower level, in section 113, almost to the curve of the arena on the left side of the stage. They allowed for a great overview of the screens and lighting effects- and the entire show. We could see Jon and his face and amazingly cute expressions, but, hey, the closer the better for photos. So we all took turns taking the camera and getting removed by the security guards....my sister, niece and I , the photogs in the group.....

Here is the set list:

LOST HIGHWAY - "In my rear view mirror, my eyes are getting clearer...."

BORN TO BE MY BABY

BAD NAME

COMPLICATED

RUNAWAY- LOVED IT!

I LOVE THIS TOWN

SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD w/ Jumpin' Jack Flash & Start Me Up- !

BLAZE OF GLORY w/ Daughtry

WHOLE LOT OF LEAVIN'

SUMMERTIME

WE GOT IT GOIN' ON

IT'S MY LIFE

BAD MEDICINE w/ Shout

I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU - RICHIE VOX

(YOU WANT TO) MAKE A MEMORY

TIL WE AIN'T STRANGERS ANYMORE

These 2 were from the audience.

WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T GO HOME !!!!!!!!

HAVE A NICE DAY- Note how Richie tells people to 'Why you gonna tell me how to live my life....Have a nice day....."

FAITH

LIVIN' ON A PRAYER

ENCORE:

HALLELUJAH- amazing vocals !

WANTED Dead or Alive

TREAT HER RIGHT

An amazing evening and the crowd was on it's feet the entire time.
Bon Jovi loved the fans and the show proves that. Jon was so engaging, letting the fans sing the verses and was genuinely proud and humbled by the fact that we obviously loved them so much and knew all the songs by heart. I could have stood on my feet to sing to them as long as Jon and Co. could stay there. They did a great job choosing songs and left us wanting more.....

I could post pictures all day long- and will try to create a slide show of some more. I have narrowed blurries and duplicates, and still have about 211 good shots- that when tweaked a bit can be excellent. So if you are like me and care to look at all 200, a slide show may be forthcoming.
So here we are with our t-shirts to end a wonderful night.

Jess and Sis and me...... at the arena and Tonya, the troublemaker and Steph, the one who got to "touch him" at the hotel lobby.

Well- we didn't end the night here exactly. I will, however, be very vague about the details..... The band was staying at the Four Seasons, right next door to our hotel. After a Cheetah limo pulled up and let someone out- we ran over and tried our best to get through the secret service-like security out front, complete with ear pieces and black suits.

Hey, maybe the president was in there.....but I doubt he had been at the Cheetah. (Maybe if Clinton were still president...) My trouble making friend stated these facts to the secret service men.

We tried Unsuccessfully to gain entry, but hey, it isn't every day you are asked to leave escorted from a 5 star hotel!

The vocal and musical talent --and sheer stage presence and energy was unbelievable and by far the best stage performer I have ever witnessed.

I know, I am prejudiced, because as one of my buddies called to report to her husband......

"Honey, let me just tell you, he is CHEATWORTHY."

That became our word for the weekend. She is getting a custom t-shirt just from me....

I think we all are......

(Just kidding, of course, to all our husbands and any prospective employer that may google me again.)

I am still so pumped I have had trouble sleeping and did get to act just like I was 16 again.

Such great memories we made this weekend-

So Jon and Richie, yes, we wanted to "Make a Memory"...... and we certainly did.

Thank you!!

And Thank you, all my favorite people in the world who went with me.

I laughed until I cried and sang until I was horse.

My legs and feet are still sore from walking and standing, and I am still trying to recover from a 3AM-er....which I am obviously too told for.....

BUT

And I can't remember

when I felt so young.......

P.S. I did do a slideshow and if you are a big Bon Jovi fan or just like photography like me-, email me and I will send you the password so you can see all of the 170 pictures I posted. I put it on here to begin with but though others who are not big Jovi fans (Dull) would make fun of me

and would not enjoy the

12 minutes it took to go through them all!!!