BON JOVI - BON JOVI OPEN NEW O2 VENUE

BON JOVI OPEN NEW O2 VENUE

American rock band Bon Jovi entertained a 20,000 capacity crowd at the official reopening of the Millennium Dome, now known as the O2 Arena, in Greenwich.

The rockers played a two-hour set which combined songs from their new album Lost Highway as well as classics from their glory days in the 1980s.

Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi told fans about how impressed he was with the venue.

He said: "Welcome to your brand new home. I've got to say, judging from the crowd out here tonight, who the hell needs Wembley Stadium?"

The band opened the night with Living on a Prayer and played hits like You Give Love A Bad Name, It's My Life and Dead Or Alive before ending the show with Keep the Faith.

Over 350 acts, including Elton John, the Rolling Stones, the Scissor Sisters and Justin Timberlake, are scheduled to perform at the new venue over the summer.

The Millennium Dome was intended to be a national exhibition centre to mark the year 2000. However the dome has been beset with problems since its inauguration and was closed down due to a lack of visitors.

After undergoing a £600 million redevelopment it now hosts a 20,000 seat arena where music and sporting events will take place.