Bon Jovi @ Air Canada Centre

Dusty Lalas Corus Radio

May 17, 2018 9:26 am

Bon Jovi @ Air Canada Centre — © MIKE S FOWLER 2018 https://www.instagram.com/mikesfowler_concertphotos/
Mike Fowler / flickr.com/photos/msfowlerarts/sets

It’s been just over a year since Bon Jovi and company were in town last, but one can never have too much of JBJ. The New Jersey native and his pals made their way back to the Air Canada Centre for another leg of their This House is Not for Sale tour in support of the album of the same name.

Opening were local band Goodnight, Sunrise, who were hand-picked through Q107’s very own Contract for Opening Act contest. The energetic, high-spirited group proved to be the perfect choice of opener as they delivered a series of powerful tunes like “Remember Now”. Also, they have a keytar player- how cool is that?

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Bon Jovi and his unmistakable rasp were up next, pumping out a hit parade for the whole night. With a dynamic, ever-changing stage set-up the newly minted Rock and Roll Hall of Famers entertained the packed arena thoroughly. An arena that holds a special place in Bon Jovi’s heart; as he opined about a banner featuring his image hanging in the centre, he dropped the fact that they’ve played there more than any other artist in history. “This city is really special to us”.

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The likeable frontman has always had a strong connection with his fans, and proved this again by heading out into the crowd in the middle of the set for a few slower songs like “Amen” and “Bed of Roses”, the latter bathing the whole place in a red light.

It was largely an energetic show though, with Bon Jovi bouncing from one end of the stage to the other as he belted hits like “You Give Love a Bad Name”, “It’s My Life”, and “Livin’ on a Prayer”. Whether the band returns again during this tour or a new one, it can certainly be said that they’ll be welcomed with open arms. Let’s hope they make a trip to Toronto an annual affair.