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Def Leppard Rock Of AgesTour 2005. :: Tour Dates
Def Leppard Rock Of Ages Tour - 2005

Band Line-Up - Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, Rick Allen, Phil Collen, Vivian Campbell.

Shows Listed - 83. Live Recordings - 33.

First Show - Portland OR USA 1st June 2005. USA.

Last Show - Monterrey Mexico 18th November 2005. Mexico.


"Take Me Out To The Ballgame"

For the first time since 1981 Def Leppard embarked upon a co-headline tour with, 'fellow 25-year veteran', Canadian rocker Bryan Adams and played in a new setting of minor league baseball stadiums. 26 shows saw them play to large crowds around the US dubbed the 'Rock N' Roll Double Header'. During this time the band again hooked up with old friends Tesla for solo dates that would also see 70s favourites Montrose support them in Florida. Unlike the X tour no special intro music was used and the band came out on stage after the usual playing of Queen's 'We Will Rock You' over the PA.

"And All I Need Is My Video"

The staging for the tour included the use of a large video screen backdrop which showed live footage of the band performing intercut with archive clips from videos/TV appearances. As of June 14th in Tampa, Florida the band added new cover song, 'Rock On' to their set. It featured a backing intro track from the upcoming YEAH! album which Joe would sing along to. As the song climaxed to it's 'rock' ending the whole band joined in playing live. Reminiscent of 'Bringin' On The Heartbreak' from the Hysteria tour. During the song a specially shot video of the band's faces morphing into each other played on the big screen adding a new dimension to the show. The screen was also used to good effect during 'Gods Of War' featuring shots of war and world leaders and ending with a powerful image of a nuclear explosion with Rick standing up at his drumkit and holding his arm aloft whilst giving a peace sign, keeping still as the sound faded out.

Bad weather struck during the opening of the second leg of outdoor shows with Bryan Adams causing the Camden, New Jersey show to be cancelled just hours before it was due to take place. Freak storms damaged the staging and sound equipment making the show unsafe. A small gathering of fans were treated to an intimate full-band acoustic performance backstage. The unique five song show included a brief rendition of 'Wasted'.

"Live 8 In Philadelphia"

The second leg would kick-off properely in Lancaster PA on the night of July 2nd. However, before travelling to the show the band had another commitment to fulfill from way back in 1985. Having to turn down an invitation to appear at the original Live Aid show due to Rick's accident the band were now able to play the Live 8 show. Logistically unable to appear at their first choice of venue (London), the band played at the Philadelphia show to an estimated crowd of over 1 million people. This would be the largest ever audience they had played in front of. Typically avoiding any political messages the band played a strong 3 song set, beamed live to the UK via BBC Interactive, including the single 'No Matter What'. And of course 'PSSOM' which was later to be included on the 4-disc DVD box set of the 8 shows taking place in London, Rome, Paris, Tokyo, Toronto, Munich and Tokyo as well as Philadelphia. Tour mate Bryan Adams also made an appearance at the Toronto event before closing the joint show in Lancaster.

"A Double Shot Of Rock"

Following a successful solo tour of Canada supported by the now disbanded The Tea Party, the band would again reunite with Bryan Adams for the 'Double Shot Of Rock' indoor arena tour in the US. The 'mighty' Ricky Warwick returning as support to the band on these shows as well as during 7 dates with Cheap Trick in the special guest slot. At the last date with CT in Albuquerque Joe/Phil/Viv and Sav would all get up during their set to play on the classic song 'Surrender'. The first time anyone other than Vivian had appeared during an opening acts set. The US portion of the tour would end, as the 2003 X tour had, in Las Vegas aka Lep Vegas.

The tour also marked 25 years since the band released their debut album and set foot on US soil for their first tour there in May 1980. To round up a very successful summer of shows the band played their first dates in Mexico since 1997 including a final show in Monterrey. Although the tour, sadly, would not reach the UK the band would include old live favourites such as 'Rock Brigade' and 'Gods Of War' and gave a preview of the upcoming 2006 world tour (that wasn't) by playing the covers of 'No Matter What' and 'Rock On' from the YEAH! album.


Please contribute [ Fan Reviews/Pics ] for any dates attended. Any information for this Def Leppard tour would be greatly appreciated.



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