Bon Jovi to rock unpaid in crisis-hit Spain

MADRID - Agence France-Presse

In this picture made available Sunday, May 19, 2013, US singer Jon Bon Jovi performs on stage as part of his "Because we can" tour in Munich, southern Germany, Saturday, May 18, 2013. AP Photo

US rock supergroup Bon Jovi will waive their fee for playing a concert in recession-hit Spain next month, media reported on Thursday, with special low-price tickets for Spaniards struggling in the crisis.
 
Tickets for the gig in the giant Vicente Calderon football stadium in Madrid are capped at 39 euros ($50) -- a fraction of the top price in other countries on the band's "Because We Can" European tour.
 
Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi, 51, told newspaper El Mundo the economic conditions in Spain, where millions are unemployed and spending less, had threatened to knock the country off the tour list.
 
So as not to disappoint fans, he said the band agreed to play for free with ticket revenues covering the cost of staging the show and hiring the venue, which is home to Atletico Madrid football club.
 
"Bon Jovi want to change the trend of exorbitant prices that stop fans from coming to many big concerts," the concert's organisers said, announcing the special ticket prices.
 
"Rock 'n' roll has always been for the people, and that means for everyone." The fluffy-haired singer and his band, known for hits such "Livin' On A Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name", launch the Europe leg of their tour in Copenhagen on June 6.
 
They will be playing songs from their recent album, "What About Now".