Bon Jovi @ ACER Arena, Sydney – 22 January 2008

I grew up in the 1980s. It was a decade of big hair, big shoulder pads, and big power chords. And if you were a young girl in the 80s, you probably had a dirty big crush on Jon Bon Jovi.

That was more than twenty years ago, but walking into Acer Arena last night it seemed some things never change. While I spotted quite a few mullets, the hair was a little smaller. I didn’t see anyone wearing shoulder pads. But chunky chords are alive and well. And if the deafening squeals were anything to go by, the very same girls still have the hots for Jon.

The music wasn’t much different either. Sure Bon Jovi are still releasing albums and their newer sound has a more country edge, but that didn’t stop them busting out classic cuts from New Jersey, Slippery When Wet, and Keep the Faith.

Considering their massive back catalogue, opening with “Great Balls of Fire” was an odd choice. But the crowd screamed their approval as they watched Jon gyrate like a yesteryear teen idol. You can only imagine the way the already frenzied stadium erupted when they began their next song, “You Give Love a Bad Name.” Hit after hit followed, punctuated by new songs which allowed us to catch our breath a little.

I’ve often wondered how Jon stays looking so svelte, but now I know. He bounces around like he has springs attached to his feet, jumping around the stage with an energy that would impress men half his age. I think I lost a few kilos dancing along last night, so it’s little surprise he stays so slim.

Just when I was sure I couldn’t stand any more Jon moved from the main stage to a smaller one, right in front of me. OK, four rows of fans separated us, but this was so much closer to my childhood crush than I ever imagined I’d be. I got my second wind as we were treated to an amazing acoustic set, starting with “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” and moving into “Blaze of Glory.” Richie joined him on the small stage then for “Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night.” I was having such a good time, which only got better when they launched into two of my favourites “Never Say Goodbye” and “Blood on Blood.”

Then it was back to the main stage for more rapid-fire hits: “Keep the Faith,” “Sleep When I’m Dead,” “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The crowd wasn’t letting them off that easily, and it didn’t take much encouragement before the lads were back for an encore. I struggled to think of the songs they hadn’t played yet, but of course there was more to hear.

We were all back on our feet to enjoy the final three tracks: “Have a Nice Day,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and the obvious closer “I Love This Town.”

Sydney loves Bon Jovi too. They gave us three solid hours of entertainment, and we were all thankful for it. My feet hurt, despite me discarding my high-heeled boots early in the night. My throat was sore from the singing and screaming. Sweat dripped from every pore of my body. I had a brilliant time.