home > tour history > 1980 > Houston, TX

Saturday, 31st May 1980
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  • Location / Houston, TX USA
  • Venue / Sam Houston Coliseum

The first show by the band in this city and state.

The first time at this arena.

The venue was located with in the city of the city in the Downtown area.

It was opened in November 1937 and named after Governor Sam Houston.

President John F. Kennedy gave his final speech at the venue on 21st November 1963 the day before his assassination.

The venue was demolished in 1998.

The Hobby Center For The Performing its now stands in its place after opening in 2003.

The first night of a 5 show run supporting Judas Priest who were supporting their 'British Steel' album that had been released in April 1980.

Like Def Leppard's debut album, this album had also been produced by Tom Allom and recorded at Startling Studios in Ascot, England. It was the next album to be recorded their after 'On Through The Night' in January/February 1980 and contained the hit singles 'Living After Midnight' and 'Breaking The Law'.

Their North American tour had started on 25th May in Fort Worth, TX with this being the fifth date of the tour.

Their own website and modern retro T-Shirts from this tour are mostly incorrect with the real dates listed on the tour posters in the Photo Galleries section.

The band featured Rob Halford (lead vocals), K.K. Downing (guitars), Glenn Tipton (guitars), Ian Hill (bass) and Dave Holland (drums).

Axe, a hard rock band from Gainesville, FL, were the opening act at this show.

Animal Instinct - 1987 Biography Quotes

"After two weeks opening for Pat Travers, Def Leppard did time with Judas Priest in Texas."

"Unfortunately, Leppard's gear, which was being shipped from Portland, Oregon down to Houston for the first date with Priest, mysteriously went AWOL."

"Robert Allen and Russell Major rounded up some emergency equipment from a local music shop but the drums didn't stay together very well and the drum riser at the hall vibrated up and down every time Rick hit a beat."

"All during Leppard's set, the kit skittered back and forth across the riser, with the bass drum going one way and the cymbal stands going another."

"Russell tried to keep things together for Rick while Steve and Pete tried to make as much noise as they could through their rented amps."

Fan Photos.

show intro

  • 00 - n/a

setlist - (Unconfirmed)



songs by album / single


show info

  • Tour - Def Leppard On Through The Night US Tour 1980
  • Judas Priest Tour Name - British Steel Tour
  • Fan Recorded - none yet
  • Venue - No Website
  • Venue Address - 801 Bagby Street, Houston, TX
  • US State - Texas
  • Area Map - Google
  • Last Show Here - n/a
  • Capacity - 9,200
  • Attendance - n/a
  • Total Gross - n/a
  • Show Time - 7:30pm
  • Tickets - $8
  • Promoter - Stone City Attractions.
  • Headliner - Judas Priest
  • Support Act - Def Leppard
  • Support Act - Axe

band members

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venue street view

View looking towards where the arena once stood.



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