SamboraBlog

After rockin' all over the world, Bon Jovi finally made it to Sarnia last night -- and the boys from New Jersey didn't disappoint.

A packed Centennial Park let out a massive roar as Jon, Richie, David and Tico took the stage just before 9 p. m.

With his tight jeans and signature hip-shakes, frontman Jon Bon Jovi jumped right into "Lost Highway," the title track from their latest album.

"Are you with me out there?" he shouted to a crowd of thousands. "I've come a long way to get here -- show me what you've got!"

Sarnia Bayfest was the kickoff to the final leg of the band's worldwide Lost Highway tour, fresh from a series of concerts across Europe.

Screaming fans sang along to hits like "Bad Name," "Runaway," "It's my life," "Sleep" and "Faith."

Guitarist Richie Sambora also took the spotlight for two solo numbers, "I'll be there for you," and "These Days."

After playing their 1988 smash hit "Bad Medicine," the boys left the stage only to return to shrieks from the crowd and lighters in the air, to perform an encore which included "Wanted dead or alive," and "Livin' on a Prayer."

From 80's glam rock, to a new generation of hits from recent albums "Have a nice Day" and "Lost Highway," the group has survived a 25-year career and they're still on top.

They've even dabbled into country music with their hit single, "Who says you can't go home."

Bayfest organizers have tried for years to bring the legendary rockers to Sarnia, but something always came up.

Now -- on its tenth anniversary -- there was no better way to kick off the summer festival.

Hundreds gathered outside the gates to catch a glimpse of the band and hoards of women flailed signs in the air throughout the entire 90-minute show.

Kicking off the night was Canadian group Low Level Flight, led by former Canadian Idol winner, Ryan Malcolm.

The band showed off its pop-punk style with hits from their debut album, "Urgency," including "Say," "Change for me," and their latest single, "Turnaround."

Playing direct support for Bon Jovi was See Spot Run, another group of Canadian guys on hand to show off hits from their latest album, "Gonna Getcha," including their new single, "My iPod killed my girlfriend."

The group also played their hugely popular 1999 single, "Weightless," as the crowd sang along.