Iconic US rockers delight sold-out crowd of 45,000 in Tel Aviv.
By BRADLEY LEVINBon Jovi gives love for Israel a good name(photo credit: LIOR KETER)
Even at 57, Jon Bon Jovi can still rock an entire city.The music god and his iconic band performed the closeout, sold-out concert of their two-month world tour on Thursday night at Tel Aviv’s Park HaYarkon, with abounding energy, stirring the crowd of 45,000 into a frenzy.Bon Jovi first spoke two songs into the concert – produced by Live Nation Israel - saying “Well, good evening, Tel Aviv. I told you we’d be back. We have a lot of catching up to do. I’m not going to do a lot of talking.”Keeping true to his word, the rock ‘n’ roll legend let his classic songs talk for themselves. He brought it all the way back to his earliest hits, including many from the top-selling 80s albums Slippery When Wet and New Jersey.Halfway through the concert, Bon Jovi sang “We Don’t Run” which, he reminded the crowd, he had dedicated to Israel when it came out in 2015.“This one is for the incredible people of Israel – for their strength, for their love – this one is for them,” he said.Among those on stage with the lead singer were long time band members David Bryan (keyboardist) and Tico Torres (drummer). Phil X, lead guitarist, who has been with the band since 2016 after guitarist Richie Sambora left it, gave an electric performance.Despite the heat, Bon Jovi did not stop rocking for almost three hours, interspersing crowd-pleasers such as “It’s My Life” and “Wanted Dead Or Alive” with newer songs.Although he may not be able to hit the high notes he used to in the 80s, Jon still had the classic charisma that allows his band to continue being one of the best shows around.One of the biggest successes with the audience was “Bed of Roses,, in which Jon came to the front of the stage and brought an excited fan onstage. The two slow danced, embraced, and even kissed. The fan was not the only one who got to have this honor, as seconds later another woman jumped at the chance to join Jon onstage.One could truly feel Jon’s love for Israel, his personally-chosen tour closing location. Even without the presence of crazy nonstop dancing fans that younger rap artists like Travis Scott attract, the smile from the legend’s face never left.Bon Jovi returned for an encore of two classics: “Always” and “Livin on a Prayer.” The emotionally performed “Always” saw the Israeli crowd truly embrace the American rock band as one of their own, as the audience of all ages sang in unison the entire length of the song. Bon Jovi’s self-proclaimed “national anthem," “Livin on a Prayer,” was the perfect ending to an unforgettable night.Similarly to what he said during his 2015 visit, Jon yelled “we will be back again!” before exiting the stage. Here’s to hoping the legend keeps his word again.
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