Sheffield, England - Media Reviews

Defs Spot On By Marcus Featherby

It always surprises me how the audience reactions at a new wave gig is so totally different to those frequented by the heavy rock fraternity.

Despite the predominantly male crowd, tattooed and clad in denim, there is rarely the atmosphere of hostility and violence, and there seems to be less people intent on being there just for the pose.

But the most notable difference is the treatment towards support bands.

Instead of diving to the bar until the main act comes on, rock aficianados tend to flock towards the stage, and as the first chord is truck, it's heads down all the way.

Quite why they did so tonight though, I failed to understand..

First on were Deadringer.

They were followed by Witchfynde who came on to an enthusiastic reception which they somehow managed to maintain.

Both bands have been around for some time, but were unable to appear very convincing.

It took bunch of local teenagers to show them how it should be done.

Indeed, the first thing that strikes you about Def Leppard is how incredibly young they all are.

This leads to a certain amount of scepticism, but as they tear into 'It Could Be You', followed by their current single 'Hello America', they dispel any questions of doubt.

Featuring mostly material from their forthcoming album 'On Through The Night', they show an astonishing depth of maturity for kids of such tender years.

By Record Mirror 1980.

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