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[ Def Leppard UK - The Tonight Show Jay Leno 2006 ]
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TUE 23rd May 2006: NBC Studios, Burbank, CA, USA. 
[3 Fan Pics + 2 close-ups by Dan Clavadetscher (Gallery).] [SETLIST] Rehearsal 1:30-1:40 p.m. PT :: 20th Century Boy, Rock On.
On Air: 20th Century Boy, External Link :: [ Jay Leno: Concert Series (Lep Audio/Pics + 3 Videos) ]
[Show Notes] :: Show time 11:35pm. Guests @ taping: Garry Shandling, Chris Antes, Def Leppard. Lep's second performance on this show. They played 'Work It Out' in May 1996, their first live US Network TV appearance (brilliant footage if you can find it). The taping took place outside as part of the Toyota Concert Series outside the NBC Studios in Burbank, CA. Not that far from where the band are rehearsing. Band now (thankfully) playing the 'Rock On' intro live rather than just Joe to tape (& doing a great job with it, especially the guitars). Not to mention having back-up singers for the first time ever (overlooked by the cameramen). Thanks once again to Dan & to Dana. Watch both performances above @ Jay Leno's site plus a Joe/Phil Interview & pic gallery.
Fan Review :: By Dan Clavadetscher With the sun blazing and a crowd of about 15 people looking on, Def Leppard hit the outdoor stage on the NBC Studios lot in Burbank, Calif., at 1:30 p.m. PT Tuesday for their "Tonight Show" rehearsal. Since they had just played "Rock On" on "The Late Late Show" four days earlier, I nearly fell over when I heard the opening notes to "20th Century Boy." Also, much to everyone's surprise, standing on a small riser to the left of Rick Allen and behind Phil Collen were three female back-up singers. Fans will not be disappointed with the performance of the T. Rex classic as Vivian and Phil extend the song slightly at the end, adding an extra touch to "Yeah!" version. Although I did not get a chance to speak with Vivian at this television appearance, it was quite obvious that the band has to make this song a staple during the upcoming tour. What "classic" needs to be cut is up for discussion. The rehearsal then concluded with a spirited version of "Rock On." The band thrived in the afternoon heat and appeared to be happy performing on a bigger television stage than the cozy confines of "The Late Late Show." As "The Tonight Show" is taped, the program started at 4 p.m. After the standard monologue and comedy skit, Jay Leno interviewed actor Gary Shandling and a strange guy from Cleveland who made sculptures with chewing gum. Then, at 4:45 p.m., we were led outdoors to the "Toyota Concert Series" stage to watch Def Leppard perform "20th Century Boy" and "Rock On." Since much of Leno's audience normally consists of tourists and those of advanced ages, I wondered how the combination of rock and blue hair would mesh. Those fears were put to rest when Vivian and Phil started "20th Century Boy" at 4:50 p.m. Even if many did not know the original version, it went over really well as moms, dads and diehards danced to Marc Bolan's classic. After Jay recorded two on-stage promotional spots with Def Leppard for local television affiliates, the band played "Rock On" for the Burbank audience only. Although it was not featured on the air, "Rock On" was taped and will be available for viewing on "The Tonight Show" website. Although they did not perform a mini-concert of seven songs as they had last November at "Jimmy Kimmel Live," the world premiere of "20th Century Boy" felt like an event all in itself.
Fan Review :: By Dana Lynne After rising at the crack of dawn and driving across the hills to Burbank, I had obtained tickets for today's taping of Def Leppard's performance. A small but very dedicated group of fans waited all day for entry to the outdoor area where they would be performing. There were a number of other fans, just as dedicated as we were, who decided to see Jay's indoor taping and then enter the outdoor concert area so we felt there was ample support for the band!! From the sidewalk, we saw the top of the stage and heard soundchecks of 20th Century Boy and Rock On each several times! Also we heard some guitar harmonies from Hysteria, not sure what that was about but it brought a construction crew worker (working on the street) over to where we were standing to ask us who was performing today. When we told him "Def Leppard!" he said "I thought that's what this was!" :) The entire audience for Jay's indoor taping was seated first, totalling about two hours. When our group was finally escorted inside, they took us directly to the back where no one was standing yet. For some reason, there was no front railing or barricade/security so we stood literally right against the stage! And it wasn't that high of a stage so it turned out to be a very intimate setting. We thought this either demonstrated a tremendous trust factor on behalf of the guys, or simply that Jay's staff did not provide a railing. After about 45 minutes during which we could hear the indoor taping on outdoor monitors, the indoor audience began to walk outside and fill the area. Shortly after that, Jay came out and the guys sort-of walked on stage and of course the deafening screaming began! They were all smiling at the audience, and waving, and it was such an uplifting way to lessen my personal "Lepression" until the summer tour. As soon as Joe grabbed his micstand, the stage came to life with all of them performing to the max! They sang 20th Century Boy first, then Rock On. Both songs sounded fantastic. For 20th Century Boy they were accompanied by three women singing which was an interesting touch! The guys sound fresh, and they look well-rested and new. There's a different look about them, not drastic, but partly in their outfits and haircuts. Whatever it is, they are magical still and it never ceases to amaze me how much energy and love they generate to and from their audiences. It was well worth the early morning!
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