The Bon Jovi concert in Salt Lake City on Saturday night had some LDS brethren "living on a prayer" that they would reach the performance on time after attending the Priesthood session.

The 173rd annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Priesthood session happened to coincide with the Bon Jovi concert at the Delta Center.

This conflict caused logistical problems for faithful priesthood holders and fans of the rock band.

Ryan Palmer, a sophomore from Bentonville, Ark., majoring in broadcast communications at UVSC and

David Eggertsen, a senior at Timpview High School raced to the Delta Center upon the conclusion of the Priesthood session.

"Conference was definitely worth more, but this was worth the money," Palmer said.

Tickets to the Bon Jovi concert ranged from $37 to $65, while tickets for General Conference sessions remain free to members who can secure them.

"You can't put a price on conference," Eggertsen said.

The two concertgoers said Bon Jovi produces wholesome entertainment.

"They have an occasional swear word, but for the most part they are clean," Eggertsen said.

Palmer concluded the two events were not entirely opposite in purpose.

"Bon Jovi has uplifting songs that bring me up," he said.

Eggertsen found irony between the Priesthood session's message and the atmosphere of the concert.

President Hinckley commented about choosing clean entertainment, Eggertsen said, which caused him to momentarily reconsider attending the concert.

"It felt pretty weird," Palmer said describing the contrasting environments. "I almost felt like a hypocrite."

Palmer and Eggertsen turned heads when they entered the Delta Center wearing white shirts and ties. They heard one person asking if they were missionaries.

"I wouldn't mind being a missionary," Palmer said. "I can't wait."

Sarah Ratliff, a junior from Little Rock, Ark., majoring in theatre studies, commented on the humor of their appearance.

"It was really funny to see them playing air guitars in their white shirts and ties next to the 80s rock people," she said.

Others in the audience saw no conflict with members attending the Priesthood session and the concert afterward.

"It was definitely a praiseworthy performance," said Anna Wengreen, a senior from Wenatchee, Wash., majoring in music. "They were just seeking good things."
Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Apr 2003