Bon Jovi’s Unconventional Concert at Madison Square Garden Leaves Fans Surprised
Bon Jovi fans who attended the band’s concert on Sunday, July 19, at New York’s Madison Square Garden were left puzzled as several beloved songs were conspicuously absent from the setlist, including one of their most iconic hits.
Concert Details: A Unique Residency Experience
This performance was the sixth of nine scheduled shows at the famed venue this month, part of Bon Jovi’s residency that commenced on July 7. These concerts represent the band’s first significant live performances since 2022 and follow frontman Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal cord surgery.
In comparison to the first five shows, which lasted between two hours and 15 minutes to two hours and 30 minutes and featured up to 23 songs, the July 19 concert was notably shorter at two hours and five minutes, with a total of 20 songs performed.
Setlist Surprises: What Was Missing?
The most striking omission from the setlist was “Wanted Dead or Alive,” a classic from their album *Slippery When Wet*. This hit ranks as the band’s third most performed song, with 1,571 live renditions documented, just behind “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
Additionally, fans were surprised to see the absence of “Always,” a power ballad from 1994, which had been a staple closing song for the previous concerts. The recent single “Red, White and Jersey” was also left out after being performed in the earlier shows of the residency.
Other notable changes throughout the residency included the replacement of “In These Arms” with “Bed of Roses,” alongside the introduction of “Let It Rain” from their 2020 album.
Speculations Surrounding the Setlist Changes
Fans have speculated that Jon Bon Jovi’s well-documented vocal challenges may have influenced the setlist for the July 19 concert. There has been no official comment from the band regarding the omitted songs as of the following Monday morning.
Looking Ahead: The Residency Continues
Bon Jovi’s Madison Square Garden residency is set to continue on Tuesday and will conclude on July 26. Following a month-long break, the band will travel to the United Kingdom for a series of concerts in August and September.
Complete Setlist for July 19 Concert
1. “With a Little Help From My Friends”
2. “Beautiful Drug”
3. “We Weren’t Born to Follow”
4. “Lost Highway”
5. “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”
6. “You Give Love a Bad Name”
7. “Born to Be My Baby”
8. “Legendary”
9. “Let It Rain”
10. “Whole Lot of Leavin'”
11. “Bed of Roses”
12. “Have a Nice Day”
13. “It’s My Life”
14. “Livin’ on a Prayer”
15. “Lay Your Hands on Me”
16. “Limitless”
17. “This House Is Not for Sale”
18. “Keep the Faith”
Encore:
19. “I’ll Be There for You”
20. “Bad Medicine”
Conclusion
While Bon Jovi’s July 19 concert at Madison Square Garden provided fans with memorable moments, it also raised eyebrows with its unexpected setlist changes. As the band continues their residency, fans are left to wonder what other surprises lie ahead.
FAQs
Why did Bon Jovi omit some of their most popular songs during the July 19 concert?
The omissions may be related to Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal health, as he has faced challenges in recent years. However, the band has not officially commented on the reasons for the changes.
How does the length of the July 19 concert compare to previous shows?
The July 19 concert lasted two hours and five minutes, making it shorter than the first five shows, which ranged from two hours and 15 minutes to two hours and 30 minutes.
When is Bon Jovi’s residency at Madison Square Garden scheduled to end?
The residency is set to conclude on July 26, with the band planning to perform in the United Kingdom shortly after.
