Bon Jovi kick off new venue

Updated 08.49 Mon Jun 25 2007
Keywords: O2 Arena, Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi has opened London's O2 Arena in style by wowing 20,000 fans at the new venue.

The US band were the first act to play at the revamped Millennium Dome, in Greenwich, south east London.

The US band were the first act to play at the revamped Millennium Dome, in Greenwich, south east London

Opening with the classic Living On A Prayer, frontman John Bon Jovi rattled off other hits before telling the crowd he was impressed by the arena.

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 sell-out concert launches a season of gigs at the O2 Arena. Elton John, the Rolling Stones, the Scissor Sisters and Justin Timberlake are all due to play at the venue in the coming months.

The £600 million redevelopment, which is now owned by AEG Entertainments, will play host to music, entertainment and sporting events.

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