SamboraBlog

Saddledome, Calgary - December 13, 2007

CALGARY - There's two things that can be said about Jon Bon Jovi: Great hair; nice bum.

The guy is 45-years-old, yet he still rocks a pair of Levis and holds his dirty blond locks up fluffy and high every time he hits the stage.

Could it be his down-to-earth New Jersey up-bringing and Italian-Irish genes that keep him looking so boyish?

Possibly a monthly dose of botox injections and beauty treatments, or is it just plain healthy eating coupled with regular exercise?

The secret formula to Jon's dreamy exterior is anyone's guess -- all that really matters is -- he's still got it (his hair, that is).

And the music? Well, that's not bad either.

When the Jersey boys hit the stage last night at Pengrowth Saddledome, the sold-out crowd (upwards of 20,000) of Bon Jovi fans stood in adulation.

It seems like yesterday (actually it was this summer) that Jon, Richie Sambora and the crew were last in town, but that didn't stop them from strolling through Calgary again on the Lost Highway Tour.

The show opened with the back-up band playing a cover of Hank Williams' original version of Lost Highway as Tico Torres (drums) and David Bryan (keyboards) arrived on stage followed by Sambora (on guitar) and then finally Jon.

When Richie hit the strings the band segued into their version of Lost Highway (much different from that of the old country tune).

Then it was onto classic '80s hit Bad Name followed by Raise Your Hands.

While Jon's hair hasn't changed much since the mid '80s, other things about the band have -- gone are the days of spandex pants and pyrotechnics.

Over the years Bon Jovi have taken to a less extravagant, purer type of performance.

Their current stage set depicts a small-town western saloon -- fitting with the theme of their new country rock album (Lost Highway) -- they've also ditched the frilly scarves for t-shirts and fitted leather jackets.

Jon and Richie are pro performers, hamming it up, and flashing their pearly whites flirtatiously at the crowd of primarily women.

While Jon's good-natured grin seemed to come naturally with every song -- new and old hits -- Sambora appeared to be happiest rock'n out to the band's older repertoire.

This kind of mainstream, dare I say '80s hair band, rock isn't' everyone's cup of tea, but for the most part, albeit radio friendly, the songs are earnest and well written.

Bon Jovi pen the kind of hit the highway and turn that frown upside down tunes that encourage good times and party vibes.

Cheesy?

Yup. But, (much like Jon's hairstyle) also silky and fun.

Hedley (an odd choice of opener to say the least) kicked off things at the 'Dome last night.

This pop-punk band is lead by the third place Canadian Idol contestant (Jacob Hoggard) from the 2004 season.