Saratoga Springs, NY - Media Reviews

Review: Def Leppard takes spin through the '80s at SPAC By Stan Hudy

Once again, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center came alive with several rock bands from the 1980s, proving that things do get better with age.

Headlining the "Mirror Ball" tour by Def Leppard, the English rock band took the capacity crowd back in time with several hits from its most popular releases on vinyl, cassette and CD - 1983's "Pyromania" and the 1987 release "Hysteria."

With a crowd that filled the pavilion, balcony and the lawn, the hair band didn't disappoint with its famous hits, including "Animal", "Foolin" and "Love Bites," after opening with its lone new release, "Undefeated," from its "Mirrorball: Live and More" CD and DVD release.

The rocker's looks may have changed, but the voices and grinding guitar licks haven't changed over the past 34 years.

With front man Joe Elliott leading the crowd, the audience, just this side of AARP eligibility for many, raised their hands and rocked for the hour-long show.

The group slowed things down with a two-song acoustic set deep into the front row of the stage with Elliott, Rick Savage, Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell playing to the crowd's outstretched arms for "Two Steps Behind" and "Bringing on the Heartbreak," leading into a drum solo by one-armed percussionist Rick Allen and into "Hysteria."

The 11 curtain video screens - seven vertical hanging from the rafters and four across the front of the stage - provided light, ambiance and memories for all ages of the band over the past 34 years scrolling downward, most effective during "Photograph."

Closing out the set, the much-anticipated "Pour Some Sugar on Me" brought out the best in the crowd with "Rock of Ages" played for the band's encore.

The Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy, opened the headlining acts with powerful memories and vocals from Ann Wilson for Heart.

With little fanfare, Ann came out on stage, waved to the crowd as the rest of her bandmates picked up their instruments before launching into a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll," giving the fans a taste of what was in store for them for the next hour.

Heart played four songs to open the night, including "Magic Man," "Straight On" and "What About Love."

Ann took a break to introduce the band before they launched into classics "What About Love" and "These Dreams," before playing an acoustic version of "Alone" and moving into their new release "WTF."

The sisters closed out the early set with classics "Crazy On You" and a powerful rendition of "Barracuda."

The crowd was left wanting more and Ann Wilson may have saved her best for last, leading into The Who's "Love, Reign O'er Me" with Nancy's guitar work with the Led Zeppelin cover "The Battle of Evermore," leading in."

Tuesday's show was re-scheduled due to the death of Elliott's father, causing a suspension of the two-month U.S. tour.

By Stan Hudy @ The Saratogian 2011.

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