Bon Jovi - Friday 5th July 2013, Hyde Park - London

Those of you who have read my earlier blog's will recall that I had a ticket to see Bon Jovi in 2011 at the same venue. I sold it so that I could go and see Cinderella instead. I wasn't disappointed. Now 2 years later returning to Hyde Park to promote their 'Because We Can' album I decided I would definitely go. The last time I saw them was on the 'These Day's tour at the old Wembley Stadium back in 1996. I must confess I thought they had lost their way recently with the last few albums. However having returned to form with 'What About Now' album (which is slightly more rockier sound) than their previous efforts and that they were going to play a 3 hour set, I wanted to see if they could still cut it. The omens weren't good as there was no Richie Sambora on guitar and they began their set with a Status Quo song ('Rockin' All Over the World'). However 26 songs later my opinion had changed.We got all the classics,'You Give Love a Bad Name' was the second song of their set, ballads, 'Dry County' was the first of the encores, and covers, 'Pretty Woman' sandwiched in 'Bad Medicine'. Even songs that I was not familiar with, 'Captain Crash & The Beauty Queen From Mars' sounded great. Phil X was certainly an able replacement for Richie. Jon Bon Jovi is still a consummate front man who clearly hasn't lost his passion to playing to thousands of people. The same applies to drummer Tico Torres & keyboardist David Bryan. Would I go again to see them. You bet. I'm glad that I kept the faith.

Rating: 8/10

Set List: Rockin' All Over the World, You Give Love a Bad Name, That's what the Water Made Me, Raise Your Hands, Born To Be My Baby, Lost Highway, It's My Life, Because We Can, What About Now, We Got It Goin' On, Keep The Faith, Some Day I'll Be Saturday Night, In These Arms, Captain Crash & The Beauty Queen From Mars, We Weren't Born To Follow, Who Says You Can't Go Home, I'll Sleep when I'm Dead, Bad Medicine (Pretty Woman & Road House Blues), Dry Country, Wanted Dead or Alive, Love's the Only Rule, Have a Nice Day, Livin' On a Prayer, Always, These Days, Blood on Blood.

Faster Pussycat - Wednesday 3rd July 2013 - Camden Underworld, London

Having giving these guys a glowing review the last time they played London, I wondered if they could be any better. As you know they are my favourite band of all time so I think you'll the answer already. Of course they were and better. Playing to a pretty busy Underworld crowd was a good sign that people still want to see them (despite it being less than 2 years since they played here). Maybe it was that there were 4 support acts; I even noticed that the backstage area was busier than usual! Anyway enough of these frivolities.  They now have a stable line up with Ace Von Johnson remaining on guitar. But of course these days Taime Downe is the remaining (and original member) of Faster Pussycat. Not to give the other guys a disservice but it's Taime who the crowd have come to see. We get a similar set to the last tour, with an added inclusion of "Shooting You Down" and a brand new song (title unknown I'm afraid). This was an absolute corker. If they are going to make a new album sounding like this song, then I can't wait. These days there is no sign of the industrial tinge to their music, they just play all the favourites how they were recorded. As mentioned  before, virtually the same songs as the previous tour. Who cares when you want to hear them being played in a live setting! Once again, Taime sits down at the front of the stage for "House of Pain", we have Danny Nordahl taking lead vocals on "Pretty Fucked Up" (accompanied by support band The Art) and finishing off with "Babylon". Sadly no encore, although the crowd wanted one. Once again best concert of 2013 so far. Next time can you play "When the Ship Roles In".

Rating: 10/10

Setlist: Where there's a Whip, Cathouse, Slip of the Tongue, Number 1 with a Bullet, Sex, Drugs & Rock N Roll, House of Pain, (new song), Don't Change that Song, Shooting You Down, Porn Star, Bathroom Wall, Pretty Fucked Up, Shut Up and Fuck, Babylon.

Faster Pussycat 2013 - Camden Underworld

Taime Downe - July 2013