New Orleans, LA - Fan Reviews

Fan Review - By Kenny

I had debated on whether or not to go to this show since the set list was pretty much the same as it was during the ROA tour last year and the tickets were more expensive as well ($75 this year as opposed to $40 last year). But, being able to score 2nd row tickets via the fan club (what else has it done for me lately?), being able to see Journey and the fact that we are talking about Def Leppard after all swayed my decision to bite the bullet and go.

We got there towards the end of Stoll Vaughan's set. We did get there in just the nick of time to see Stoll given two large stacks of cash (his last night of the tour so I guess he had to be paid for work already done) and to be joined on stage by some friends for the last two songs of his set. Vivian Campbell and Ricky Warwick as well as Jonathan Cain and Ross Valory of Journey jammed with Stoll on two bluesy songs (sorry, can't remember the titles). They gave him some pyro as well which I thought was pretty cool as that is not normally reserved for the opening acts. I guess it was his going away present.

After that, the roadies swarmed the stage and got ready for Journey. While I wanted to see Journey, I am a casual fan at best and was not really sure of what to expect, especially with a replacement singer. Let me tell you, they were excellent. Jeff Scott Soto is an awesome front man and I swear if I were to have closed my eyes I would have thought it was Steve Perry up there. Highlights of the Journey set were: Separate Ways, Chain Reaction, Faithfully (can you tell I am an "Escape" fan), JSS coming out in a Drew Brees jersey (Quarterback of the New Orleans Saints - the crowd made the biggest noise of the night for that) and catching a pick from Ross Valory. There were a few songs that I didn't recognize but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying their set (hint, hint - you don't have to play just the hits to appease the casual fans).

Another quick change and it was on to the Lep's. Their stage set up was the most elaborate I've seen from them since the days of playing in the round (Adrenalize '92). The pyro was really cool (and really hot from the second row - I had to make sure that my eyebrows weren't burned off) as was the big video screen behind the stage. The set list was your standard fare. I was glad to see 20th Century Boy in for No Matter What as I'm always hoping for something different from these guys in person. Slang was a nice addition as well as I hadn't heard that from them since '96. Rocket is always a highlight live and Joe is singing the Bowie "Heroes" bit again at the end of Hysteria. The bass solo at the beginning of Rock On works really well. I liked this version much better than what they did on the ROA tour. Not a lot of stage rap from Joe. He did make mention of the whole Katrina thing and said that they had the tour wrap up party the night before and complimented the people of New Orleans on their hospitality. Then came the Photograph/Armageddon It/Animal medley. Rick got the biggest ovation of the night and appeared to really be emotionally affected by the crowd's reaction to him. Rock of Ages was good as always and had some pyro for that as well.

As they came back on for the encore, I yelled for them to play Wasted (I held up signs at the Tupelo, MS "X" tour stop and got them to play it). Phil looked surprised and smiled. They did Love Bites and I yelled for it again. Phil smiled again and tried to throw me a pick but it didn't make it past the first row. Oh well, I guess I'll have to bring signs next time. On to PSSOM and the end of the show. (Thank God for no Two Steps Behind!)

Show was sold out and it was a really good time. Even though it was the same set list (it's like they're constantly touring in support of Vault), I've come to expect the same set list over and over again and just accept it for what it is. Hopefully they will put a new record out next year and tour BY THEMSELVES and include some gems for the DIE-HARD fans next time. I'm tired of these 1 hour and 20 minute greatest hits sets.

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Review - By Cori, New Orleans, LA USA

My 2nd Lep show totally rocked! I remember it began hectically when tix went on sale. I travelled a half hour to get tickets then rushed to get breakfast and head to work for noon. My cousin went with me. She got ribbed from her family and friends about it, too, both before and after the show. I had to work the day of the show, 11/17/06, until 4. I was able to run home and change and eat a quick bite before heading to the show. Tried to visit a friend of mine on the way there. Show started at 7:30 and my cousin and I got to the parking garage around 6:30. We headed in, got souvenirs - mob of folks on the 100 level booth - and sat down.

Stoll Vaughan - he was good but I didn't much honestly care for his stuff.

Journey - Okay, first of all... this review of Journey is coming from a Steve Perry fan. The band as a whole was great. Castronovo was terrific. Soto was really great, albeit he thought he was Steve Perry at times. Schon was nothin but a stage hog! My cousin and I had headaches from his tangents at first. I told her "And Lep isn't even on yet!"

Leppard - I dunno what it is, but I swear I must be connected to those boys some way. Reason I say that is...when I attended the 7/23/05 show at UNO, I told my friend that I hoped they'd play "Action!" and guess what they started with! This year, I told my cousin as we were starting to walk away from the car, "Let's get rocked." Guess what they started with! Their show was killer! I certainly wish it'd been longer. Had it been just them, I imagine it would have. Graphics were cool, the band sounded great, the guys looked handsome as ever....and my cousin surprised me when she said, "Joe is more handsome in person. Pictures do him no justice." Don't forget them and they won't forget us is what Joe asked at the end of the show. Mr. Elliott, sir, it's a deal. He also said, "See you next time and there will be a next time". Hallelujah! My cousin was glad I dragged her down there and I'm glad I got to see my band again.

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Fan Review - By Lori-Lee, New Orleans LA

OMG...New Orleans was by far the best show out of the 21 we attended this year. We could tell the bands were having a good time on stage. They seemed to be cutting up, I guess you could call it. I think at some point during Journey & especially Lep's performances...the crowd out sung the bands! lol It made for a really enjoyable time. For me, it was even better because this was home for me. I have travelled to many shows this year to see Lep...and finally they travelled to see us! We really needed them here too!

Even though, I know that many of the band members and crew were a little hung over from the night before, they still out did themselves. Stoll Vaughan's performance was the best to date. He is just a fantastic guy. During his performance, he tried to resemble our street performers here, with the open guitar case on the stage...taking tips for his music. Some bringing money, beer and even hot dogs! lol John, the stage director swept the floor during Stoll's performance too. It was just a really well done to get the locals smiling again after we have all been through so much. Then, seeing Rick Allen shed tears on stage prior to Rock of Ages, made me tear up. It was the end of a long tour, and the emotions showed through. I think it touched many of us.

One thing more to add, is a special thank you....to everyone! This tour took away some of my own sadness & troubles, even for a short while. I had a great time...met lots of Journey and Lep fans that were just awesome. This tour was the best I had ever attended & will be the most memorable for me personally!!! Thank you Lep!! and Journey and Stoll too!!!.

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