Bon Jovi rocks Central Park

NEW YORK, July 13 (UPI) -- The rock group Bon Jovi treated its fans to a great performance at New York's Central Park, those on hand say.

Concert attendee Kelly Van Dyke said Saturday's Central Park concert, the first in the public locale since 2003, was "fantastic" thanks to the efforts of the "Livin' on a Prayer" rockers, the New York Post reported Sunday.

"It was fantastic," the 44-year-old Dallas native said.

"I was so close, I could see the sweat rolling off his face," he added, referring to lead singer Jon Bon Jovi.

For Bon Jovi, who also enjoyed a successful solo career, the performance was especially memorable since the New Jersey rockers filled Central Park with more than 50,000 fans.

"We dreamt about this for 25 years," the singer said Saturday.

"This is the one you dream of. It's the one the Beatles and the Stones never did."

The Post said the concert was part of Bon Jovi's tour that will conclude at New York's Madison Square Garden with two sold-out shows.