For those on the outside looking in, Bon Jovi are an enigma – a band with its roots firmly in the unfashionable glam rock era of the mid-1980s - but one that still has a pulling power that makes the collective members of Westlife look like Ken Dodd – no offence Doddy!

For the 60,000 packed into this impressive arena, an audience with Jon Bon Jovi and his crew is nigh on a religious experience. The women swoon, the guys get down and have a damn good time, safe in the knowledge they are perhaps the least important people in the place.

With a set that starts with Living On A Prayer and You Give Love a Bad Name, there really is no looking back. Lost Highway, title track of the latest and, to be honest, decidedly disappointing new album, acts as a breather before Bon Jovi launch into a set that not even the most ardent of fans could have dreamed of.

There may have been moans from the upper tiers that the wind took the sound away, and – if truth be known – they could have turned the volume a little, but it would be churlish to complain.

If Always had the ladies in tears, Dry County and Blood On Blood had the faithful in alcoholic and adrenalin-fuelled raptures. The boys blew the dust of Diamond Ring for a rare live outing while Born To Be My Baby and Sleep While I'm Dead just about stand the test of time.

The evening is topped off by two encores – when was the last time that happened? – the first of new songs, including the mildly sycophantic I Love This Town, the second and last Saturday Night and Wanted Dead or Alive. As one fan said: "It don't get much better than that!"

There is no doubting that this band has stood the test of time on looks, damn fine tunes and the ability to rock out with the best – a Bon Jovi show is an event, no matter what you might think.

Greg Nixon