Central Park: Bon Jovi

Less than a dozen artists have ever played a full-scale concert on Central Park's Great Lawn: Simon & Garfunkel, Barbra Streisand, Dave Matthews Band, to name a few. But last Saturday, Bon Jovi added their names to that roster.

The still-solid Jersey foursome kicked off with an explosive one-two punch of 'Livin' on a Prayer' and 'You Give Love a Bad Name' -- much to the delight of the 50,000 fans in attendance. (Many of whom, might I point out, were glowing cougar-like testaments to 80's fashion at its finest: teased hair, Slippery When Wet-era t-shirts, and denim. Lots and lots of denim. With decorative patches, no less! Stunning.)

Jon Bon Jovi: After all these years, still rocking wind-blown hair,
deep-cut vests, and that ever-so-classy Superman arm tattoo.

Richie Sambora: Less of a guitar face, more of a puckered pout.
That's so MySpace of you, Sambo.

Viva La Vida

Nevermind that it's been over a week since I saw Coldplay on the Today Show. The fact remains that I deem them worthy to jump-start this blog again. I've been in love with their new album, 'Viva La Vida', since its release. It's that good.

Back to the show.

Really wasn't expecting much from it. I just wanted to start my morning off with one or two of their live gems. Got to Rockefeller Plaza a few minutes before they were scheduled to hit the stage. Quickly decided not to brave the largest crowd in Today Show history, since I still had to go to work in an hour. So I resigned myself to the far back corner, by the playback monitors. I had two alternating views:

actual, non-zoomed view // perfect monitor view!

Surprise #1: They play six songs, instead of the standard two. And it's amazing. Even from the far-as-hell-I-can't-see-anything-but-I-can-still-enjoy back.

Surprise #2: Halfway through the fourth song, Chris Martin decides to ditch the stage. He comes racing down the never-ending side aisle, and comes to a solid stop -- waaay in the back. Right. In front of. Me.



I proceed to die of shock and happiness.

But not before -- in true music reporter spirit -- I snap some photos. Then sing along, huge grin plastered on my face.

I also touch him repeatedly. (Sorry, Gwyneth.)

Few performers make me starstruck. But he's one of them.

In three words?

An epic show.

This Just In.

Alert the presses:

Due to overwhelming popular demand from the masses, I've decided to re-start this blog.

Or, in more realistic terms --

A handful of friends said something to the effect of: "You need to update your blog."

I did, however, pay them to say that.

Updates soon!