Dallas, TX - Media Reviews

We were there: Def Leppard at Gexa Energy Pavilion By Mike Kondracki

Singer Joe Elliott thanked the crowd several times Saturday night for waiting for Def Leppard's show. The band was scheduled to appear at Gexa Energy Pavilion on July 20, but the show was rescheduled because Elliott's father died.

The final time he mentioned it, right before the band's encore, he touched on a secret of the band's longevity. "It's been a month (almost) to the day that my old man passed away,'' Elliott said, whose father died July 7 . "You move on. We are the kings of moving on.''

Indeed, since forming in 1977, Def Leppard has sold millions of albums worldwide. It has experienced enormous highs from being one of the world's most popular bands and also endured the troubles that often come along with it. Def Leppard may not be at the world's apex anymore, but it sure has moved on to a place with a pretty nice view. Just ask the 12,000 adoring fans Saturday night.

Def Leppard kicked off its 90-minute set with a new tune, a tricky move for a band whose heyday was decades ago. The song, Undefeated, was accompanied by large-screen images of triumphant sports legends such as Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and others. The visuals provided support for the spirit of the song. The crowd's approval was impressive, but the fellows then moved on to their greatest hits.

The band quickly jumped into Let's Get Rocked (1992's Adrenalize), Animal (1987's Hysteria) and Foolin' (1983's Pyromania) to the delight of the fans. Elliott often encouraged folks to sing for him, prancing out on a part of the stage that jutted out into the crowd and extending his microphone as a signal that it was time to turn up the volume. He got the most vocal audience support on Rocket and Pour Some Sugar on Me (both from Hysteria) and the encore, Rock of Ages (Pyromania).

Elliott seemed to struggle at times hitting high notes on some of band's hits, but he didn't appear to shy away from trying to get there. Still, at 52 years old, he remains a solid and charismatic frontman.

One Elliott glitch came near the end of the song Photograph. As he removed his jacket, he knocked over his microphone and stand, which produced a loud thud when it hit the stage. Considering the heat, it was odd Elliott was wearing the jacket at all. Guitarist Phil Collen was shirtless the entire set, as he usually is, but that was a particularly wise choice on this steamy evening.

Def Leppard left the stage briefly after playing Pour Some Sugar on Me from Hysteria. They returned for the one encore song, and then it was time to move on again, which, of course, is no problem for this band.

The Romantics filled in for Heart as opening act for this particular date. Heart could not make the rescheduled show because of a prior commitment. The Romantics played an hour-long set that included hits Talking In Your Sleep and One In A Million from their 1983 compilation, In Heat. The set also included perhaps their most recognizable song, What I Like About You, from their 1979 self-titled record.

By Mike Kondracki @ Dallas News 2011.

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