How do I write a blog about Bon Jovi? You think it would be easy to gush about this band as I do other bands.  But Bon Jovi are special. You see, I have had a life long love affair with them!  My first show was when I was only 10yrs old. We have been through a lot together..

I’ll be honest, I have strayed. And sure there have been times when I tried to deny my roots.. saying stuff like, “I heart Scott Weiland more”  ya know, a lil smack talk. What? Maybe I was young and needed the money? hee hee

Oh but we all know it doesn’t take much to suck me back into the Bon Jovi world or into “Joviland” as the die hards call it.. oh Joviland.. it’s a magical place.. a utopia of sorts.. yes where Bon Jovi fans can roam free un-scrutinized.. I imagine it is made of candy there, I don’t know why.. but it is.  One song and a few bats of Jon Bon Jovi’s baby blues and bam! I’m back in Joviland!

So, a local radio station was giving away 5,000 tickets for a secret Bon Jovi show, invite only. Each person would win 4 tickets! The big buzz all around the tri-state area, on the internet and in Joviland was that this free concert  was to announce that the band would be kicking off a new two-year world tour. The location of this show was also top secret! So I tried and I tried and I called and I called.. but sigh, I couldn’t win.

I had calls out to all my bon Jovi lovin friends & family.. even my sister Diane who is currently living in Cyprus was hot on the case! If anyone could pull this off it was her! It was getting down to the wire. Me and my sister Marianne were starting to (no pun intended) lose faith. We thought there was no hope. Until one of Diane’s friends who happens to live in Germany had another friend who lives here in the states who actually won the contest and was only using 2 out of the 4 tickets.. She said they were all mine! Three countries and two continents later it was official, “The Sisters” (as Jon calls us ) minus one, were in! We couldn’t be happier.

Turns out that they will be kicking off the new world tour at the future home of the New York Giants and Jets, New Jersey’s new $1.6 billion Meadowlands football stadium on May 26, 2010. The stadium is near completion and the concert will be the first ever in the new venue. So what better place to have the secret show than in the parking lot of the new stadium! Brilliant! We had to be there by 11am, ack! which means I had to be up bright and early.. Oh yes it’s a Toni’s Day Out once again! We were lucky enough to have the most gorgeous sunny day! & Wow! This is a big deal! There were larger than life digital billboards of each band member flashing.. huge signs that said Bon Jovi The Kick Off everywhere! Bon Jovi fans roaming free as far as the eye could see.. excitement was brewing! But wait a minute.. where are the Lollipop trees, chocolate fences and butterscotch roads? I’m so confused!

Anyway finally! It’s time! excuse me.. pardon me.. wow this sun is strong.. I can barely see.. blurry eyes.. camera overhead and here we go! They started with “Who says you can’t go home” which is always fitting in New Jersey! On to my motto in life & anthem for 2010 their new hit “We weren’t born to follow!” from the new album The Circle. It goes like this: We weren’t born to follow Come on and get up off your knees When life is a bitter pill to swallow You gotta hold on to what you believe Love Love Love it! So inspiring! I managed to take a few shaky yet uber exciting videos below.. yes yes Toni gives Love a Bad Name.. hmmf whatever Jon! Toni is a romantic.. deal with it. Followed up by more words I live by with It’s My Life: I ain’t gonna be just a face in the crowd You’re gonna hear my voice When I shout it out loud

Ending it all with the classics, Wanted Dead or Alive and Livin’ On A Prayer. Six songs Bon Jovi? And it’s over? But it’s not enough I say! Yes I know it was free.. and that it was awesome nonetheless.  ugh kicked out of Joviland in less than an hour. Wait! I haven’t gotten my cotton candy from that bush over there yet.. So many highs and lows.. I”m not sure I can handle it. I hope I don’t crash and burn. Ok Ok Fine! I will take some gumdrops for the road and be on my way. Ah no worries.. Sorry I strayed.. Although it was short it was still definitely sweet! You know I will be back! I hope you enjoyed the peek into my world/Joviland. Until next time! xxo For more awesome photos of Joviland and my Sweet day out go to the Gallery: Bon Jovi Secret Show