Review: Toronto Night 2

So how was the second night in Toronto different from the first?  Norwich Liz reports:

The weather was a bit warmer today....and so was the audience. They were louder than last night and seemed to be more into it right from the beginning.

And so was Jon.

I’m not really sure how to describe the show. Even though the setist was changed up a little, there were still nothing unexpected.

It was another solid performance by all, with Jon being more animated tonight. But his energy level still wasn’t up to his usual. He didn’t move around as much as he usually does, instead spent more time standing in front of the mic, often with a guitar.

Sitting further back tonight, I had a better view of the pillars and I have to say I find the quite impressive. Not sure about the dancing skeletons though. The crumbling wall going into the encore was really cool.

On the whole it was a decent, enjoyable show, but if I’m honest, I was hoping for more.

So far the Because We Can Tour has failed to garner rave reviews from the majority of Jovi-Fandom.  Review of comments on social media and Backstage threads reveals most Jovi-savvy fans are underwhelmed by the setlists and performances thus far, though there are plenty of positives about the new set, the lighting, the new songs, and of course, the Boys in the Band.  However, those who have attended the handful of shows over the past week  have noted  that, while the shows were certainly enjoyable, solid entertainment, they just don't seem to be quite up to par with what we have come to expect from Bon Jovi.

Guess that's what happens when you set the bar so high.

And the roll-out of this tour hasn't been smooth.  The last-hour cancellation of the Mohegan Show put a damper on the fanfare of a First Night celebration.  The first week of shows have been hampered by technical difficulties, from set problems to monitor glitches to unresponsive instruments.  Of course the band has adapted and overcome with good-natured determination, but they don't seem to be firing on all cylinders yet.

And then there's the challenge of introducing new material to the audience.  The impact has been noticeable; roller-coaster crowd response as the set moves from hit to unfamiliar and back, and the common refrain of "too many new songs."  Jon has had to work hard to claim and keep his audiences, which may explain observations that he is less energetic than in past tours.

Being the businessman he is, Jon is no doubt listening.  His crew has reportedly queried concertgoers and Fan Clubbers of their opinion of the setlists thus far.  What he actually does with this feedback remains to be seen, but if history is any guide he will eventually give the audience what they want (remember the fan-hated/ill-fated barroom set from the Lost Highway Tour?)

So the Tour rolls on... and we'll see what it brings.

You can view the setlist, photos, videos, and other goodies at the BWC Tour Blog