Harrisonburg, VA - Media Reviews

Blackfoot/Def Leppard @ Godwin Hall

James Madison University's reputation for sponsoring mundane concerts was confirmed by Fall Rockout '81 at Godwin Hall Sunday night.

Blackfoot, Def Leppard and Johnny Van Zant performed, giving both heavy metal and southern rock fans a dose of their favourite music.

The audience itself was almost as interesting as the concert.

The Fall Rockout lineup apparently catered more to the tastes of the local high school students than to the JMU population.

As well as being young, the audience was refreshingly non-Preppie.

The first set began promptly at 8pm. Johnny Van Zant is a competent enough opening act, athough he and his band fall far below the talent of Lynyrd Skynyrd - the band which Van Zant's older brother Ronnie sang with until his premature death in 1977.

Unfortunately, Van Zant is allowing his brother's ghost to haunt his career.

Songs like 'No More Dirty Deeds' and 'Only The Strong Survive' do nothing but prove that Skynyrd is still the best southern rock band to be found.

When Van Zant dedicated a song to his brother, amid cheering, the song 'Standing In The Darkness' came across as merely the younger Van Zant's answer to 'Freebird'.

The best song of the 35-minute set was the encore 'Let There Be Music'. A strong beat, clear vocals and precise mix combined to make the song worthwhile.

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Def Leppard provided an interlude to southern rock with their driving heavy metal.

The British quintet tore through a 45-minute, nine-song set that showcased a sound in the glorious tradition of Van Halen and Judas Priest.

Although songs like 'Another Hit And Run', 'Lady Strange', and 'Rock Brigade' show promise, the music of Def Leppard generally is second-rate.

Lead vocalist Joe Elliott proved that his favourite method of communication is screaming, as he screamed his way through the lyrics.

Screamed 'Thank You' when the audience applauded, and screamed out the introductions to the songs.

After 'Wasted' Def Leppard abruptly left the stage.

The band made its intention not to give an encore by raising the house lights.

By Carl McColman..

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