Def Leppard News - 28 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Make Adrenalized MADISON SQUARE GARDEN Debut

Monday, 10th August 2020

28 Years Ago DEF LEPPARD Make Adrenalized MADISON SQUARE GARDEN Debut

By Richard Marx

Def Leppard played their first ever show at New York's Madison Square Garden on this day in 1992.

The band appeared at a special charity concert ahead of their own Adrenalize 'In The Round' US tour which started on 13th August in Norfolk, VA.

This was an extra show played "before" the official US leg of the Adrenalize tour began which is why it was not listed on tour T-Shirts and in programmes.

They headlined the show billed as "Stop The Violence" with Bryan Adams and Richard Marx playing before them.

They would not return to play here until June 2018 on the North American tour with Journey.

Def Leppard and Bryan Adams were billed as co-headliners. A preview of things to come in 2005 when they co-headlined much of the Rock Of Ages tour together in minor league baseball stadiums and arenas.

The event was organised and sponsored by radio station Z-100 and benefited a charity called Toys For Tots.

A few years ago Richard Marx posted a photo on his website taken before the show with Phil and Vivian at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Visit his site to view the full size pic in which Vivian is wearing a GUN T-Shirt. GUN having supported the band on their UK/Ireland arena tour in June of the same year.

The staging for this show was at one end of the arena with the seats behind and to the side of the stage filled with fans. This made it sort of, but not quite, an In The Round show.

It was also the first Def Leppard live performance in mainland USA since 27th October 1988 in Tacoma, WA. The last with Steve Clark in the band and therefore making this the first time the band played the country with Vivian as a new member.

Watch the available fan videos from this show via the playlist link below.

Visit the Tour News section. For more news on future tour plans.

Visit the Album News section for more news on new music (based on band member quotes).

Richard Marx - News Quote

"With Def Leppard members Phil Collen (left) and Vivian Campbell before playing a benefit for Toys For Tots at Madison Square Garden. Def Leppard, Bryan Adams and Richard all performed that night in 1992."

Show Story - By Richard Marx (richardmarx.com)

Question By Chris from Wantagh, NY

Richard, I saw you open a show in the early 90's in New York City that was amazing, it was a show that starred you, Bryan Adams, and Def Leppard. I believe it was a benefit. Can you tell me what it was like doing that show and sharing the stage with those guys? Your fan, Chris.

Richard Marx

"That was a really fun night. Being a big fan of Bryan's and Def Leppard's, I was honored to share the stage. And it was a benefit for Toys For Tots.".

Audience Video Review - By dltourhistory

This show was organised by New York Radio Station Z-100 as a Charity gig to raise awareness of Youth Violence in America. Def Leppard's set lasted for about one hour and probably would have finished with Photograph but they run out of time.

The crowd during the show are very lively and so are the band as it's their first gig in the USA since October 1988. Joe mentions this to the crowd. The stage setup has Rick quite high above the crowd on the drum riser. The stage is set up at one end but the seats around the back are opened up to fans making it a kind of one-end In The Round stage.

Due to the fact that it isn't a Def Leppard gig there are no big effects or lasers. The lighting is cool though especially the strobe effects on Rocket. the camera man is on the right side of the venue looking at the stage from halfway up the stands and quite close to the stage but in front of it so you get mostly a side view.

One annoying thing is they keep hitting some colour filter buttons either by mistake or to create some effects. At times it goes black but the sound is always really good. Takes about 2 songs before you see Rick and at times you aren't sure if the guy has fallen over or is being assaulted by someone! cause the camera goes ape and moves around a lot. 85% of it is really good though. I think the person had to move into the aisle to get a clearer view. Overall a decent video boot and quite cool considering it's the first USA gig for 4 years and a one end charity show. A video of Bryan Adams' set exists which may or may not be from the same taper.

Watch all video from the show on this YouTube Playlist