Call it what you will....it was A THRILL!

I've never been to a true rock concert.  Sitting on the grass at Riverport watching some 60's groups like the Doobie Brothers and Chicago just doesn't compare.  This summer, I trusted my instincts and a couple of younger (and I do mean YOUNGER) sisters, and hopped in the van for a trip to Soldier Field in Chicago to see BonJovi.  Of course I knew of Bon Jovi--who hasn't heard "I'll Be There For You?"  Who can't sing the chorus to that one?  Or "Wanted, Dead or Alive?"  And more recently, "Who Says You Can't Go Home?"   I was given a loaner DVD of a BonJovi concert from 2008, so I could at least look the part of a Rocker.   Didn't take long for me to be sold.   On a perfectly pleasant Friday evening near Michigan Avenue, 70,000 of us were on our feet for several hours singing and dancing to Jon and Richie's tunes.  While I had to take several breaks from the action to get my umph back, from 7 to 12:15 AM, the notes were flyin.'  The concert began with 7th Heaven, a band who had won a 600-band competition.  Next Kid Rock performed.  We didn't know he was part of the party until the day or two before the concert.  I've not been a fan in the past, but I must say he was very entertaining, musically quite talented, and for the most part, kept his act PG.  His performance included a rousing rendition of Sly's "Everyday People."  And of course, we all sang along to his summer hit, but none of us, or anyone around us for that matter, were smokin' funny things.  We just plain enjoyed him.  Then at about 9:00, BonJovi began to play.  No breaks, not much conversation, just great music, one after another song that kept the crowd rocking and ready for more.  When the end came, nobody wanted it, but you gotta get up and go tomorrow.  So Jon put on a red Chicago Blackhawks jersey and finished it off with arguably his most famous contribution to rock history.  We were all "Livin' on a Prayer" with him.  I have a couple of sisters who would run off with him, given the chance.  But since he isn't going anywhere with anybody else, (He's long-time married to his high school sweetheart and has 4 kids; says he got it right the first time!), they just have to settle for the fantasy.  As for me, I'd just like to talk with him about how he has stayed on top of his game for 30 years.  Actually, I think he is a better performer now than he's ever been.  And it's obvious that he and his bandmate Richie Sambora genuinely love each other.  I hope my photos convey some of the joy of this evening for all the other fans and me.  As my little sister Theresa said, "Bon Jovi fans are happy people."  AND I know that I CAN STILL ROCK!!!  :o)  (Bon Jovi apparel--gift for all of us from same little sister.  Thanks again!)