Backstage at the Bon Jovi concert in Abu Dhabi - video

“This isn’t what we usually do,” begins Mike Rew, Bon Jovi’s crew chief, as he meets a lucky handful of press backstage pre-show.

“Is this a school trip or are you media?” barks the brash New Jersey native, as the assembled journos heft their gear onto the Du Arena stage.

And with that, moments before Thursday’s concert, we are set loose to explore the band’s sizeable collection of gear.

At first I was too scared to touch anything – by the end I had accidentally kicked over bassist Hugh McDonald’s energy drink.

Like kids in a sweetshop, I inspected David Bryan’s keyboards and mounted Tico Torres’s intimidating drum rider.

I counted 19 gleaming guitars belonging to new guy Phil X – and mimed a chorus into what appeared to be Jon’s mic.

The most memorable moment however came walking to the edge of the stage to take a picture, only to meet rafts of applause from frantic fans, hoping I was something to do with the band, or their arrival.

More than all that expensive gear, this fleeting moment gave a far greater glimpse into what it’s really like to be a rock star.

rgarratt@thenational.ae

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

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5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young