Def Leppard UK.

[ X UK Tour 2003 - London 3 ]

FRI Oct 31st 2003: Carling Apollo, Hammersmith, London, ENGLAND.


[1 Pic by Awais-Classic Rock Scans/4 by Mar (Gallery).]

Media Review :: by Malcolm Dome

Stainless Steel :: The choice of venue brings lashings of nostalgia for the former NWOBHM glory boys. (Eee, I remember 'ammersmith when t'were all fields...)
In 1983 Def Leppard's 'Pyromania' album turned the rock world on its head. Just before Christmas that year Leppard played what should have been a triumphant gig at Hammersmith Odeon (as the Apollo was then known). It was a chance for British fans to applaud the achievements of 'one of our own'. Instead, the band recieved a grudgelingly respectable response. The UK seemed to have a problem with the band's success.

Leppard backstage Some 20 years later, things are different. The boys from Sheffield have grown up and become a formidable live band - and they're welcomed on stage at the same venue with near hysteria (no pun intended).
The new-look Hammersmith Odeon (it might now be officially called the Apollo but, as Joe Elliott points out, tonight: "This'll always be the Odeon") is packed, and every song is greeted with deserved enthusiasm. Classic songs cascade from the stage: 'Women', 'Rocket' (with a teasing snippet of 'We Will Rock You' - a portent of what is to come), 'Pour Some Sugar On Me', 'Now', 'Rock of Ages', 'Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)', 'Photograph'...every one an excuse for a singalong. There's even a celebration of Rick Allen's impending 40th birthday, with cake brought on stage by his mum.
The momentum never slackens as Leppard quickly get into their stride. They may no longer be state-of-the-art or tickling the upper echelons of the chart, but there's now a real case to be made for the band at last coming into their own. Seen back in 1979 as kids with great potential, they have grown into giants of rock who are able to stand apart from long-time studio mentor 'Mutt' Lange and survive on their own mettle. The virtuosity of guitarists Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen is impressive but never overshadows the songs; the rhythmic Ricks (drummer Allen, and Savage on bass) are ebullient, both muscially and personality-wise; frontman Joe Elliott is the master of timing.

Brian May & Phil and Vivian... The vocalist is in nostalgiac mood, recalling the first times they played at this venue, with Sammy Hagar and AC/DC in 1979. He also affectionately mentions Classic Rock's own Geoff Barton, and how he played a crucial part in bringing the band to the nation's attention during his celebrated tenure at Sounds magazine.
The rapport between fans and band really is a bond of friendship, with those both on and off the stage genuinely enjoying the two hours of classic music. You could quibble about there being nothing from Leppard's first two albums, but does it matter? Not when Brian May joins the band on stage for the climactic sign-off with a version of Queen's 'Tie Your Mother Down', with Leppard genuinely in awe of the Queen guitarist's presence.

From the viewpoint of both the band and their fans, it was a proud return.
Malcolm Dome © Classic Rock 62 2003 - Jan 2004 Issue.



Fan Review :: by Roel

Went to London to see last Friday's gig and it was totally amazing. We come from Holland and spent quite some time travelling and money to be there, but it was worth every minute of travelling and every penny (euro). The show was superb, definitely the best gig I've ever been to. The lighting was great, the band was in optima forma and the Apollo is a great concert hall.
Great opening with Action and straight into Rock! Rock!. I was kinda hoping for the High 'n' dry set, but I am not disappointed at all about this set. I loved to see the band perform Promises, Four Letter Word and Slang (what a great live song).
The band played all over the stage and the crowd was really into it. What a sight! About ten thousand hands way up in the air! Sometimes I couldn't even hear the band sing. It was the 150th concert of the tour, and the last British date of the tour. Also it was Rick's 40th birthday and we sang for him. His mother came out with a chocolate birthday cake and Rick had no problem blowing out the candles, after that we sang Two Steps Behind and apparently according to Joe we were the loudest crowd.
Now works really good live. The band finished the set off with the greatest hits and came back for an totally incredible encore: Love Bites. Let's Get Rocked and then Brian May came out for the last song of the evening; Tie Your Mother Down. Could it be my imagination or was the building really shaking?
Well, tomorrow, Tuesday there's another gig I'll be going to (a little bit closer to home this time) in Koln/Keulen (or Cologne). Can't wait! Although after Friday night it can only disappoint me!!! Rock rock till you drop!.

Fan Review :: by XgemX

Well it has to be said, that this was the best experience I have had in my life. I was totally gobsmacked at how good Def Leppard were. I knew they would be good but this good was beyond my expectations, it was my first Leppard concert, and what a wake up call. Where the HELL have I been, the night was great, the atmosphere was euphoric and I can't talk cos i've lost my voice due to all my shouting the words to every song, singing Happy Birthday to Rick was amazing. I've never heard so many people make so much noise in my life!
I checked on my phone to check how loud we were. Our peak was a huge 125dc thats only 5dc less than the noise Concorde makes on take off so well done y'all.
To make the night even better we got Mr Brian May, the night couldn't have been better. I am truly a Def Leppard fan till I die. The songs were amazing. I fell down the stairs when I was singing PSSOM as I got a bit carried away lol. The whole show rocked and Joe looked so good in the leather pants. All in all I enjoyed it all and for £26 I think we got the deal of the century.! and I heard ppl say that they shouldn't have closed with Let's Get Rocked (and ok last night they kinda didn't but they did).
I must say that I think that's a great choice of song as the crowd went nuts. Well done Def Leppard you truly rock x.

Fan Review :: by BorowskiR (sent in 2005)

The X Tour was the best for me, because It was More exciting than the Slang Tour In 1996/97 At Wembley Arena. I quite liked Rick Allen's surprise that was really nice to see his mum coming on stage to surprise him for his birthday and a great surprise from Brian May. What really stunned me was the lighting on stage and Phil and Vivian at their best on guitars. Such a thunder power they give on stage, I was there and I did a silly little dance to (make love like a man) or was it Rocket and Phil had seen me and pointed at me saying "what was that" but a great smile. Can't wait for the 11th album to come out.