Birmingham, England - Fan Reviews

Fan Review - By Andylgr

This was my 3rd show on this leg of the tour and one part of me as a big fan says it was a disappointing setlist. The other says that was the most enjoyable Leps gig I've been too, very small venue, great sound, amazing atmosphere and being only about 15ft away from the band is a big plus too. The band looked like they were enjoying it, despite the fact they seem knackered. I suppose it was almost a back-to-roots kind of rock show for the Leps.

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Fan Review - By Jonathon Dinnes

So on to Birmingham, the second of four on this tour, and my first visit to the city. We got there early enough for a quick visit to Bella Pasta before doors. On arriving at the venue, I was surprised by the size of the queue already waiting, it really was huge! Once in, we saw both supports, Ricky was alright, a little dull after 5 viewings I'm afraid. I really enjoyed MusT's set though, very catchy.

Well, onto the main event Def Leppard were, as always, great. A little shorter than Saturday at the Playhouse, and a touch disappointing to see songs from Pyromania being dropped. Other than that, the set was fairly standard with no surprises, but brilliant nonetheless. It was good to see the band in another small venue, dark n dirty, just like they should be and the atmosphere was good too. Well, eventually. I was a bit surprised how long the crowd took to really get going, although all the crowds seem to take a little longer to get into it than in Feb, took about 6/7 songs tonight. Maybe were just getting spoiled.

One thing I cannot fault though, is the bands consistently tight, energetic performance. They really seemed to be enjoying themselves tonight, particularly Joe. 160 shows in, and their enthusiasm is (seemingly) not faltering. Standout tracks tonight were 'Action' (although still not the best opener they've ever had), 'Photograph', which I don't usually like that much, and 'Love Bites', featuring a truly awesome performance on guitar from Mr Vivian Campbell.

Overall, this was a very good show, but was missing that little something that you can't put your finger on which makes a good gig a great one.

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Fan Review - By Asty

Arrived pretty early to the Carling Academy at Birmingham. Was surprised to see so many there so early. Being local I hadn't been to the Academy before since it was an old night club years ago. My first response was that the venue didn't really do the Leps justice. I thought there were bigger, better and smarter places to play in Birmingham but once the place was full and the guys came on the atmosphere was fantastic. A bit like a step back in time to your typical rock venue and being so near to the band was a bonus.

Ricky Warwick played well and enjoyed the duo with Viv. Must were ok. Then Def Leps came on. Joe And the lads were full of enthusiasm and lifted the crowd pretty quick with 'Action'. We chose to be at the back and with the aid of my bloke a few of us stood on the sofa (had a gr8 view lol) and thought we were the livelier than the front early on. Thoroughly enjoyed my fave track, 'Animal' and thought 'Women' and 'Slang' were gr8 too. Shame they didn;t play Switch 625 but you cant win em all. Joe made reference to not playing in Brum for 24 years and also had a bit of football banter which went down well. Gr8 encore of 'Love Bites'. and Let's Get Rocked. All in all was a gr8 night and they said they'd return. Can't wait!!

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Fan Review - By Jayne

Went with Nat from the Def Lepp Forum to this one. I was well excited and looking forward to seeing the support bands this time as well. Started queuing early - managed to squeeze myself in at the front on the right hand side near Phil.

Ricky Warwick - Excellent as always - great vocals, great musician - Viv joined him on stage for one of the numbers.

MUST - First time of seeing this band. Crikey - a rarity for me - they hit me from virtually the first note. Just bloody excellent that's all I can say - powerful, excellent tracks, great visually to watch. The front guy moves a little that was reminiscent of Michael Hutchence but I was impressed enough to buy their CD "Androgynous Jesus" after the show.

On to the Lepps - the time was flying by for this gig. They went on stage at around 9.00 pm. Played the same set list as Plymouth. It starts with the usual 'We Will Rock You' and 'Rock and Roll' tracks - then launches into 'Disintegrate'. The band then appeared on stage and launch into their opener 'Action'. It's a great track but, for me personally, not a great opener - mainly because it's a cover and I think the Lepps have got more to offer in their own tracks.

I found myself feeling a tad disappointed with this gig - I just didn't think the set list was the best I had ever heard and I was disappointed that it was exactly the same as Plymouth. Maybe it was the crowd this time - it did take them a while to get going and even had Joe saying "Come on Birmingham - Plymouth was MUCH louder than this". I was impressed Joe was honest enough to put the crow in their place and not just tell them they were the loudest for effect! Good on yer matey!

Track of the evening - again - was 'Rocket' and this time Joe sang 'Whole Lotta Love' in the middle. It was played straight after 'Women' - my personal fave - both tracks were awesome! Joe ended with the usual "we'll see you next time- and there WILL be a next time".

The sound here was not as good as Plymouth Pavilions - I struggled to hear Joe's vocals in places over the rest of the band - and I felt a slight anti-climax when we returned to the hotel that night.

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Fan Review - By Andrew

Def Leppard rocked the tiny little Carling Academy in Birmingham til the roof blew wide open! (not surprising). After special appearances from the excellent Ricky Warwick and MusT, The Leps burst on at 100mph, opening (quite appropriately) with 'Action' and then 'Rock Rock'. Song after song was greeted with a roar of approval as the hits came coming thick and fast like 'Animal', 'Rocket' and last years UK hit 'Now', and by the time the final song 'Lets Get Rocked' began, you wished the show would never end and personally, I was so pumped up, I could have popped a vein in my forehead!.

Absolutely brilliant from start to end and to be honest, I wish it all started again tomorrow. If you missed this, you missed an absolute cracker. Cant wait for the next time!. Def Leppard are still the best, no debate!!

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