Temecula, CA - Media Reviews

Def Leppard rocks Pechanga By Stephanie Schulte

Pechanga Resort & Casino was buzzing with a sea of leather and big hair Sunday as legendary rockers Def Leppard took the stage and had everyone assembled on their feet.

Frontman Joe Elliott launched into the band's hit song "Let It Go" from its 1981 album "High 'n' Dry." With heavy drums and blistering guitar, Elliott commanded the theater in true arena-style in a white leather jacket, acid wash jeans and a colorful scarf wrapped around the microphone stand. Fans lined the stage pumping their fists and banging their heads as Elliot ran around the stage.

"This is the last show we are going to play this year so let's get this party started," Elliott yelled as the crowd howled back.

White and green lights cascaded on the frenzied audience as the band revved up for their hit "Animal." Elliott bounded around the stage and up steps that led to drummer Rick Allen - who lost his left arm in a car accident 30 years ago - and down again with the crowd singing every word to "Foolin.'"

Then the lights dimmed and changed to a somber blue hue as notes to the torch song "Love Bites" began. Cell phone screens instead of lighters lit up as the audience swayed and sang along.

During the rock anthem "Armageddon It" Elliott showed his balancing skills as he turned the mic stand upside down and held it in one hand for part of the song.

After performing "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" Allen pounded out a thumping drum solo before the band left the stage.

The venue thundered as the crowd cheered for the band to return, which they did with Elliott donning black leather in place of white.

Of course a Def Leppard concert would be incomplete without the mega-hit "Pour Some Sugar On Me," which they delivered flawlessly during their encore.

By The Press Enterprise 2014.

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