Bon Jovi Performs Career-Spanning Set at L.A.’s The Forum

Monet Clayton

Bon Jovi’s twenty-date run, which kicked off on February 8, showcased several dozen songs that spanned the band’s three decade-plus career – including an open-ended stage with gorgeous light towers, and a visual spectacle for the entire audience throughout the show.

At exactly 8:20pm, an incredibly energized Jon Bon Jovi emerged on stage, followed by bandmates Tico Torres, Phil X, David Bryan, and Hugh McDonald. They immediately started jamming their set list for their album, “This House Is Not For Sale.” Bon Jovi had songs from his latest album interwoven throughout this nearly three-hour show. It was a friendly reminder of how many anthems they’ve got under their buckles, and the crowd loved every minute of it.

Although Jon Bon Jovi is now 55 years old, he brought so much charisma and energy to the stage, making you question how much time has really passed by. He was engaging with the crowd, running around back and forth on stage, playing with all of the set props, showing off his dance moves, and flashing thumbs-up signs to everyone in the crowd. He rocked through one of his newer songs, “Knockout,” as the fans really engaged with the band in the first sing-along song of the night. He then powered through the popular “You Give Love A Bad Name,” and the fans went wild. After the end of the hit song, Jon Bon Jovi flashed a grin and said into the mic, “it’s good to be back.”

Even though the Los Angeles performance was in the middle leg of the tour, there was not a flaw in sight. It was a crisp production that showcased the band’s phenomenal musical agility. Everything from Torres’ amazing cymbal crashes, Jon’s dance moves, David on the keys – everything sounded just as great as they did on the original studio tracks. The performance proved that this band is simply timeless.

There were also elements of the show where the band made themselves vulnerable to the audience – which made every viewer feel like they got a close-up, regardless of what seat they were in. Jon Bon Jovi grabbed the mic near the end of the show and said, “these last few years have been pretty rough,” explaining how the band came a potential crossroads. He then went on to explain the meaning behind the album, and shared his struggles with some of the songwriting. After taking time to focus on new songs, they found their groove again. He closed the night with familiar songs everyone could sing along to. Although this wasn’t an extremely flashy performance, it confirmed Bon Jovi’s place in the pantheon of rock giants.

Bon Jovi’s “This House Is Not For Sale” tour played The Forum March 8.