Bon Jovi's highway full of hits

Bon Jovi

Ricoh Stadium

Rock fans took the "lost highway" to Coventry last night - the only Midlands venue on the current Bon Jovi tour.

Exactly five years ago to the day, the New Jersey supergroup filled Wolves' Molineux stadium on their Bounce tour, playing to 34,000 fans.

But this year there was no "home" gig, and the crowds had to head "away" to see their idols perform.

And perform they did, with a heartstopping two-hour show which blew the roof off Coventry City FC's football stadium, so to speak.

The crowd was treated to an onslaught of hits old and new, kicking off with Lost Highway, the title track of their most recent album, and with Keep The Faith, It's My Life and Bad Medicine being just what the doctor ordered.

Helped along by the enthusiasm of curly-haired David Bryan on keyboards and drummer Tico Torres, there was even a sixties tribute, with The Beatles' Twist and Shout and Back in the USSR, plus Lulu's Shout.

In one cute moment the ever-youthful frontman Jon borrowed a child from the elite pit at the side of the stage to join in the singing, while guitarist Richie Sambora, who has been in the news lately for his drink problems, stepped out of the shadows to perform a solo I'll Be There For You.

As the daylight faded, the hi-tech stage set came alive with an eye-popping explosion of graphics on Have A Nice Day, ending in an all-too-soon encore of Always and Dead or Alive.

All in all, Bon Jovi came up with the goods for an utterly feelgood gig, despite the odd summer shower.

By Debbie Bennett

Jon Bon Jovi opens the show at Coventry.

Reaching for the sky at the home of the Sky Blues.

Jon Bon Jovi hits the high notes.

It's jacket and guitar off for Jon Bon Jovi.

Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi.

Richie Sambora strikes a pose.

nextpage Jon Bon Jovi.

Keyboard player David Bryan.

Richie Sambora on lead guitar.

Giant screens capture all the on-stage action.