San Bernardino, CA - Media Review Quotes

By George A. Paul

Def Leppard opened their 16-song, 80-minute set with "Action," from the 1993 rarities collection "Retroactive." Singer Joe Elliott sported a black sports coat and leather pants and belted out vocals in front of a blurred screen that projected an old Def Lep cartoon and live group images.

Much to the crowd's delight, the band delved into one raucous, fist-pumping hit after another, mainly culled from 1987's phenomenally successful "Hysteria." A muddy sound mix tended to bury Elliott's lower register, but lead guitarist Phil Collen's shredding solos and the other guys' harmonies made you forget any problems.

Among the standouts were "Photograph," a pile-driving "Foolin'," the sway-inducing, power ballad "Love Bites" and a fun, extended "Armageddon It," led by the sinewy guitar tandem of Collen and Vivian Campbell. "Rocket" lived up to its name when both axemen engaged in a duel, then Rick Allen added tribal beats and Elliott did some Middle Eastern-styled wailing. Come encore time, Def Leppard pulled out the dramatic, early '80s rock radio fave "Bringin' on the Heartbreak." Sexually charged anthem "Pour Some Sugar on Me" finished everything on a high.

By U-Press Telegram 2005.

Read the full review at - presstelegram.com

By Russell Ingold

What makes Def Leppard so appealing is that the band plays heavy guitar-driven rock that is accompanied by fine songwriting sensibilities and top-notch vocal harmonies. These characteristics shone through on Sunday night, especially on tunes such as "Foolin'" and "Bringin' on the Heartbreak."

The group played several hits from the smash 1987 album "Hysteria," including "Love Bites" and the title track. It was also good to hear "Women" -- one of the few singles from that splendid album that wasn't a hit (but deserved to be).

Def Leppard even included a sizzling version of "Action," another underappreciated song which was penned by the Sweet in the 1970s.

By Fontana Herald News 2005.

Read the full review at - fontanaheraldnews.com

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