It rained and it poured but Bon Jovi didn’t give up (and neither did 40,000 fans) - Udine
For an area of Italy which is notoriously famous for its Monsoon-like rainstorms, the small downpour which hit the quaint town of Udine didn’t in any way stop a very highly energetic Jon Bon Jovi and his splendid band from performing nearly 3 hours non-stop in front of 40,000 adoring (and wet) fans!
The 49 year-old New Jersey singer, in splendid form by the way and coerced apparently by his fellow NJ compatriot Bruce Springsteen (who’s already played in Udine twice) to come and perform here put on one helluva memorable show for fans who came from as far away as the States, Canada, Croatia, Germany and Switzerland.
Jon Francis Bongiovi Jr., Jon’s real name, has sold some 125 million records during a career which began back in 1982-83. Joined on stage by his inseparable and outstanding guitarist-buddy, 52 year-old Richie Sambora (and on drums Tico Torres, on keyboards David Bryan, on guitar Bobby Bandiera (flag in Italian, more on that later) and Hugh McDonald on bass) literally knocked the socks off of fans with their opener, “Raise Your Hands”! And that’s exactly what 40,000 people did, they raised their hands and also raised a little bit of hell along the way. That song was followed by 25 other hits, including everyone’s favorite, “It’s My Life”, “You Give Love A Bad Name”, “Have A Nice Day”, “Keep The Faith” and another golden oldie, “Livin’ On A Prayer”.
This was indeed a special occasion for both Jon and his fans as the band last played in Italy 8 years ago, and Udine concert’s was the band’s only gig in Italy, so they ended up coming from all over the country just to see them live. As the rain began showering the fans, Jon didn’t let up one inch on his performance. In fact, while looking at Sambora, he yelled: “Hey Richie, why not take a shower with 40,000 friends”? So he joined Jon as they both sang on the walkway which extended out into the crowd. But the best was yet to come as at one point during the concert an entire side of the “Stadio Friuli” held up plastic colored sheets to form the American flag (including the stars too) while the opposite side responded using the same method with the giant word “Jovi”! That was definitely a FIRST for concerts! Add to this also some 10,000 Italian flags that were distributed to fans below the stage, it’s no surprise that Jon, somewhat taken aback by the great affection and reception, said twice: “I’m surprised”!, and paid back the entire stadium with not one but two added songs during the band’s encore. It was clear that Jon and his mates had difficulty leaving the fans high and dry without one final “punch”!
As one can see from the comment posted on the band’s official Facebook page, their Udine concert won’t be easily forgotten by both Bon Jovi and those 40,000 enthusiastic fans out there:
WOW! The crowd in Udine gave us a HUGE surprise last night- check out this picture! Fans to the left held up signs to create the American flag while fans to our right spelled out "JOVI." In front of the stage fans held Italian flags and letters which read "THIS IS ITALY- WELCOME BACK!" This is one of the most memorable shows we ever played in Europe. Thank you for the love and for creating such a memorable display, Italy! INCREDIBLE!
And their set-list in Udine:
Raise Your Hands
You Give Love a Bad Name
Blood on Blood
We Weren't Born to Follow
The Radio Saved My Life Tonight
It's My Life
Captain Crash & the Beauty Queen From Mars
We Got It Goin' On
Bad Medicine / Pretty Woman / Shout
Spanish Harlem
Bed of Roses
I'll Be There For You
Who Says You Can't Go Home
I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
Love's the Only Rule
Have a Nice Day
Keep the Faith
Encore:
Dry County
Wanted Dead or Alive
In These Arms
Just Older
These Days
Livin' on a Prayer
Lie to Me
Always
I Love This Town
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