Norman, OK - Media Reviews

Def Leppard Spectacular Energizes Norman Crowd By Keri Leigh

Def Leppard may very well be the new kings of arena rock 'n' roll, and if you don't agree, you must not have witnessed the spectacle Thursday night at Lloyd Noble Arena.

The British group came out of Sheffield, Yorkshire, a city named for it's cutlery industry, and in less than 10 years, they have knifed their way to the top of the heavy metal scene, through many a triumph and one serious trial the loss of drummer Rick Allen's left arm in a car crash two years ago.

But they didn't ever quit. Allen never quit. He instead designed an ingenious drum kit that he could play with his feet (and sound just as good!). The band itself is writing better, rocking harder, and standing taller than ever before.

Lead singer Joe Elliott looked like he just lost a brawl with a shredding machine a pair of blue jeans were totally destroyed, as was his Def Lep T-shirt, his long auburn locks were tousled and, on top of this, he wore a white dinner jacket that was three sizes too small not the best-dressed guy in the world, but his vocals were impeccable.

He proved that his voice was no studio creation.

Guitarists Steve Clark and Phil Collen pulled off some pretty incredible licks incredibly fast, that is. Clark was the obvious star player. His old Les Paul black beauty swung low, he rocked on through biggies like "Women," "High 'n' Dry," "Too Late," "Foolin'," and "Photograph" complete with scenes on both sides of the stage bearing laser beam images of Marilyn Monroe.

When the set ended, and as the sweaty players gratefully took their bows for a crowd that had been too kind, Elliott cooed: "We'll never forget you either!" The five of them then seemed to disappear into the stage.

When they returned, the atmosphere was one of total "Hysteria."

Joe Elliott screamed, "I've been waiting for this all night!" Then the opening thunder of "Rock of Ages" started. The energies inside that place could have raised the roof.

Opening band Tesla were incredible rockers in their own right.

Picture, if you will, the Rolling Stones meet Aerosmith. Dynamite. I think a good future lies ahead for these guys.

By The Oklahoman 1987.

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