Curiocity: Bon Jovi Doesn't Disappoint

But when Jon Bon Jovi hits the stage, you would swear he wasn't a day over 20.

As I sat in my chair at the Xcel Energy Center Thursday night and watched this father-of-four dance, run around the stage and at times, even jump from platform to platform, I found that I had to keep reminding myself that Bon Jovi is 48 years old.

It wasn't a bad revelation or a negative one at that, but a revelation nonetheless. I was seated, watching a concert and even I was exhausted just watching this old-enough-to-be-my-dad rock star perform at top energy for roughly two hours straight.

It was seriously astonishing. I mean, sure, there were times when the camera would zoom in close on Bon Jovi and you could see the wrinkles of time around his mouth or the faint exhaustion piercing through those sparkling eyes. But that didn't stop him, not even for a second, from giving his all -- and then some -- on the stage for his fans.

And while I'll fully admit that I'm not the biggest Bon Jovi fan in the world, or even know its latest hits, I can without a doubt say -- that band puts on one heck of a show.

They performed all the hits from "We Weren't Born To Follow" to "It's My Life" and "Bad Name." And they put new twists on old favorites, like the smooth rendition of "Bed Of Roses," which I'm sure had every lady in the audience at maximum swoon. Plus, the band mixed things up with a little game of "jukebox," where a band member would plunk a few chords of an old classic and Jon would take the reigns.

I gotta say, this was best accomplished through an intermission of "Shout!" in the middle of "Bad Medicine," when the band had everyone on their feet dancing, as if at a giant wedding reception.

It was clear from the get-go -- the fans love them some Bon Jovi, and Bon Jovi returns that love through a serious dosage of high-energy rockin' out on stage. It was refreshing to say the least. I've definitely been to a show or two where artists have either mailed it in, or worse, put on a lip-synched performance and called it "live."

This wasn't that kind of show. From the classic tunes to the new hits, the level of energy and intensity was always consistent. Bon Jovi seems to know the formula for what works -- and more importantly, what its fans want. And yes, sometimes that's a heartfelt moment where Jon dims the lights, closes his eyes and talks about the hardships that some people unfortunately face.

Some may call that a little cheesy and sure, maybe it is. But it's genuine. And for that, you have to give this band some serious credit.

Another reason to give the r-e-s-p-e-c-t? The pure talent that is comprised on one stage. It's not just about the guy with the great vocals and his backup band. It's the guy with the great vocals -- which mirror image the tracks on his CDs, without auto tuning -- the guy with the worldwide famous guitar skills, the one man drum machine and the duo-playing keyboardist, who simultaneously tickles the ivories while maintaining a steady headbang. Impressive to say the least.

Leading up to this concert, I kind of forgot that fact. These aren't just the guys who sing about giving love a bad name, this is a group of heavy-hitting musicians. Musicians that have been at the top of their game for decades. And who still have the chops to prove that today.

They didn't need back-up dancers, no use for fancy pyrotechnics and the costume changes seemed more about getting a dry set of clothes rather than a runway-esque reveal. The show had its high-tech screens and moving platforms, sure, but there was an important distinction in that they added to the show, and didn't become the show.

By the time we reached the encore -- of "Livin' On A Prayer," of course saving the best for last -- I was shocked by how fast the show had gone by. And couldn't believe how many great hits were performed -- and yet, they were still coming back for more. It was a great show, one I was thrilled to be a witness to and one that gave me an all new respect for the bands that keep on rocking after all these years. Lord knows they could teach these new bands a thing or two about performing.

Sara Boyd is a web producer and columnist at WCCO.COM.