There aren't many shows that would get this price, even on the black market, and it's testament to the legacy the band have built since the early '80s that people are willing to pay that much to get in. It's one of the biggest, highest selling bands in the world ever in a venue small enough for a new band to fill out. It's not a normal night in central London.

 

The excitement within the venue is equally thrilling as the hustle and bustle out on the venue steps, which are short stroll form Oxford Circus station. It's a seated affair but as soon as the band take to the stage, hardly anyone returns to their seat. Women are swooning, with hearts in their eyes the women, who are mostly middle aged, look onto their former teenage heartthrob as religious groups would look unto their lord. Rarely will you see such devotion at a rock group in a gig and it's thrilling to witness.

 

The show tonight, apart from those who got stung by the touts, was free as it was done by competition. It's different to the usual stadium show you'd get. The band are here for a live playing of their new album, This House Is Not For Sale from start to finish. Bon Jovi is introducing every song with a story about the experiences in his life that led to each song.



"This is like a family and friends gathering," he says at the start, explaining how he's about to lead the set. And he's as comfortably speaking to this theatre audience as he would be with close friends, as such it doesn't make it jarring in the slightest. The evening is more informative and it's great to get broader context of what the songs are about leading to more of a connection and understanding between the audience and band. 

 

The tracks from the album are stunning in their diversity. The likes of 'Knockout' are arena rock bangers, whilst the quieter more introspective songs 'River of Love' are powerful in a more emotional way. Jon Bon Jovi is singing with so much sincerity. The heart of some songs have a ye olde folk mysteriousness to the melody and structure and if you stripped away the huge sounding band behind, you'd be left with something very tender.

 

The reason Bon Jovi's set has strong contrast is because it reflects the turmoil his life has gone through in nearly losing his record deal. "I couldn't look at the guitar for months," he said. The band were going to be dropped after being their most successful acts and Bon Jovi, said "I take great pride in having the same wife, same band, and same label for over thirty years." So he fought to keep it and they reached an agreement and are back putting out records on Universal "for the rest of their life."

 

Despite causing a lot of hardship it's doubtful the songs tonight would be as interesting or as poignant and Bon Jovi would sing with as much conviction than had everything been plain sailing while he was off tour over the past few years. "Out of great hardship comes great songs" , he said in a press conference with Jo Wiley last month.

 

The attention from the audience for a set built form an album they've never heard before - it's out 4 November  - is impressive. It is a big ask from the band but with it being a strong album they've gotten away with it. Token couple of oldies come in the encore with 'Who Says You Can't go Home', and 'Bad Medicine' creating a ruccuss. The latter especially gets the room shaking and reminds why Bon Jovi are considered one of the greatest live bands the world has ever known.