musicscramble

Two days after Edinburgh we are standing watching Bon Jovi again.

Today the weather is wet, but it really doesn’t dampen spirits at all. The venue, Lancashire County Cricket Club, is an impressive one – a shallow bowl where everyone can easily see the stage. Bon Jovi take to the stage 30 minutes earlier than the previous night and for the first three songs it seems we will be treated to the same show.

Of course, that isn’t the band’s style and the setlist soon deviates from previous script. Songs played tonight which were not aired in Edinburgh include “When We Were Beautiful”, “Bed of Roses”, and the magical “Dry County”.

For me though the main story is how dramatic a change two days makes for Jon. He is almost a different man in terms of pain management, walking around the stage much easier and even using the walkway which went through the crowd; albeit slowly. This was something which was not used in Edinburgh.

Perhaps it was his medication, but he also seemed in quite a defiant mood; at one point proclaiming “It may be wet, but at least we’re not stood in a muddy field. Here there are almost 50,000 people – I don’t need 50 other motherfuckers to sell out a stadium!”. Not sure who had riled him, and certainly the very muddy Glastonbury Festival was taking place the same night with U2 headlining, but I have to say it’s the first time I’ve ever heard him swear or seem even slightly arrogant. Interesting moment.

By all accounts it was a very wet night, and Jon was soaked by the end if it, though not appearing to care. His trademark locks drenched and flattened around his face and yet he seemed to be enjoying every minute of it.

Just like Edinburgh the band played 23 songs and took around two and a half hours on stage. A great sounding night, and clearly very much on the mend.

Glad I witnessed it.