Panama City, Panama - Media Reviews

Panamanians, U.S. Soldiers Rock To Def Leppard By Reuters

The British rock band Def Leppard filled the air with heavy metal at an outdoor performance touted as the largest rock music concert ever held in Panama.

Some 12,000 fans on Thursday night filled the football field of Fort Amador - located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal - for what promoters said was the first rock concert staged on a current or former U.S. military installation in Panama.

"I've been here for five years, this was my first concert and probably my last since I've got to leave next year," said 18-year Army veteran Joseph Martin of Iron Mountain, Mich.

The 7,500 military personnel stationed in the small Central American nation are scheduled to be withdrawn and eight bases closed by Dec. 31, 1999 when the Panama Canal reverts from U.S. to Panamanian control.

The majority Spanish-speaking audience roared when lead singer Joe Elliott greeted them in Spanish, saying, "Hola. Muchas gracias. Que pasa Panama?"

Dressed in tight black leather pants and a tank top that red "Bodymaster," Elliott belted out such hits "Make Love Like a Man" and "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad," both from the "Adrenalize" album. Fans sang along and waved a British flag.

"Panamanians love rock 'n' roll," said 19-year-old Fabio Polanco. "When I heard they were coming, I was one of the first to get VIP tickets," he said.

Residents living near the entrance of Fort Amador joined in the fun by organizing barbecues, sing-a-longs and roof parties.

Def Leppard next continues its Latin American tour with stops in Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and Brazil.

By Reuters 1997.

Back

share this page: