Bonn, Germany - Media Reviews

Bonn, Biskuithalle By Jorg Staude

It may sound strange, but the night was so touchingly nostalgic in parts, it almost made you cry. One of the best, if not the best, Melodic Pop Rock bands of the world were back on stage after an absence of four years - in a club with just about 1,500 people. Two hours filled with 'the best of Def Leppard'. And the 'new' guitarist Vivian Campbell, who seems to be fully integrated into the band. No comparison to the rather weak performance on Easter Monday at Wembley Stadium. The classic opener 'Stagefright' proved that Leppard are back with a vengeance in 1992. Vocalist Joe Elliott seems to be in peak condition. Over a period of only a few years and two gigantic world tours the blond frontman has developed from a typical Metal shouter to a real stage personality who comes across as almost awesomely perfect.

But perfectionism has always been the motto of these mega sellers from Sheffield. Therefore it was hardly surprising that everything was right about this gig. Sound, lights, volume, everything was perfect; a band who were obviously enjoying every minute of their show, and of course an audience who'd been waiting for songs like 'Foolin'', 'Women', 'Too Late For Love', 'Rocket', 'Hysteria', 'Photograph', 'Gods Of War', 'Rock Of Ages', 'Animal', 'Love Bites', and 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' for four long years. In between they played new material like 'Make Love Like A Man', 'Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad', 'Tear It Down', 'White Lightning', 'Heaven Is' and of course the current hit single 'Let's Get Rocked'.

Only one complaint: 'Bringin' On The Heartbreak' was the only song off the first two Def Leppard albums. On the other hand, the rather surprised reactions of the younger contingent of the audience proved the band right in deciding to leave songs like 'Wasted' or 'Rocks Off' in the archives. Although I still don't understand how anyone could leave out a brilliant number like 'Billy's Got A Gun'! Incredible. It almost makes you cry. But then I already said that! How sad am I?!!!!!

By Metal Hammer 1992 - 'Heaven Is' was of course not played.

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