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At least that's the case in Pittsburgh, where the former hair band is as popular as it was in the '80s.

But that's not necessarily a sign that Pittsburghers are stuck in the past.

"I think healthy people have a healthy connection with the past," said Dr. Paul Friday, chief of clinical psychology at UPMC Shadyside. "Going to see Bon Jovi isn't a sign of living retro. I'm not worried that Bon Jovi is here and it's a sign that this rust-belt town is slipping down the Ohio River."

The young at heart and youthful club hoppers have kept Bon Jovi at the top of the music charts for more than 20 years. They'll no doubt be out en masse for tonight's concert at Mellon Arena and for a second show March 15.

"It's one of those bands that everyone kind of reminisces to," said Jeff Kolbfleisch, manager and keyboardist with Bon-Journey, a local Bon Jovi and Journey cover band. "People kind of grew up with them, and they remember going out and having a good time with their friends."

Bon Jovi's down-to-earth lyrics resonate with Pittsburgh's blue-collar folks, Kolbfleisch said.

"It's not over anybody's head, and I think that's why it appeals to a mass group of people of all walks," he said.

Bon Jovi's attraction among 20-somethings is a bit of a mystery, Kolbfleisch said.

Perhaps it has something to do with the band's "It's My Life" attitude.

"We go on college campuses, and there's no way these kids should know this material," Kolbfleisch said. "They're singing songs that were on the charts maybe before they were born, or at least long before they were listening to any type of popular music."

Pitt student Ben Denissen, 19, said Bon Jovi is "kind of weird" but still likes the band's music. He might even try to get concert tickets.

Friday said he met a 46-year-old woman who not only bought her 16-year-old daughter tickets to tonight's concert but is going with her.

"It's just a sign that people know what they like and like what they know," he said.

Part of Bon Jovi's success, Kolbfleisch said, is that the man and the band have been masters of reinvention.

"They started out with all the spandex, wild outfits and all the hairspray, and they've tamed themselves down and they're growing older with their original fan base," he said. "They've reinvented themselves time and time again as times have changed."

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