Dallas, TX - Media Review Quotes
By Gordon Dickson
In previous shows, for example, Singer sang Criss’ hit ballad Beth, while Thayer took the lead in Frehley’s old standby, Shock Me.
But for this set list, both members stuck to their reliable roles in support of Stanley and Simmons. Thayer did perform several dazzling guitar solos, including the haunting string stretches of Black Diamond toward the end of the evening. For that same song, Singer took charge of the lead vocals and performed well without missing a beat on his Pearl drum kit.
Def Leppard - which seemingly has sold more records and enjoyed more radio and MTV play than just about anyone in hard rock history - was surprisingly comfortable in its role as opening act for KISS. The band stuck purely to its best-known hits, including Let It Go, Rocket, Pour Some Sugar on Me and Photograph in a roughly one-hour, no-frills set.
By Dallas-Fort Worth 2014.
Read the full review at - star-telegram.com
By Robert Wolinsky
Most of those songs played Sunday night are the indestructible pop-hard-ish-rock riffs that built college radio in the 1980s, when The Replacements weren't just spot-on covering "Black Diamond" on the essential Let It Be, but also nicking "Hard Luck Woman" for the immortal "Unsatisfied," and Kurt Cobain was wondering "Do You Love Me?" on 1990′s KISS tribute Hard to Believe. Sure, KISS is a franchise in grease paint: On Sunday night, the screen at The Venue Formerly Known as Starplex ran nonstop ads for Halloween week's Kiss Kruise IV, which really ought to be called the Love Gun Boat. But the product sells because the advertisement for it endures.
Same goes for most of the songs a time-capsule-sounding Def Leppard piled into its opening best-of set, which wrapped with the Holy Trinity of "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Rock of Ages" and "Photograph," all of which you'll hear at Cabaret Royale tonight if you're in need of a quick fix. Timeless, in other words.
By Dallas Morning News 2014.
Read the full review at - dallasnews.com
By Billy Kidd
The Def Leppard back drop was up while the Who’s Won’t Get Fooled Again played. Suddenly the back drop fell and Def Leppard were on stage finishing the Who song. Pretty cool! The band then went on to play through their killer hits from the albums High n Dry, Pyromania, Hysteria, Adrenalize and more. A short acoustic set in the middle of the show was a nice touch. And a nice break from the heat! Their songs have a ton of production value on their albums. It always amazes me how Def Leppard can pull off the layered instruments and backing vocals live. They sounded as good as they did back in the day.
By 100.3 Jack FM 2014.
Def Leppard opened for KISS, playing hits like "Hysteria," "Bringing on the Heartbreak" and "Love Bites," reminding me of every breakup I experienced when I was younger. Hearing "Armageddon It" and "Let's Get Rocked" after all these years made it nearly impossible not to sing along with the rest of the crowd.
A big screen behind the band flashed pictures of yesteryear, and a few of when drummer Rick Allen still had both of his arms. Losing an arm would end most musicians' careers, but Allen not only retained his ability but increased his talent by becoming an animal on the drums. Hair disheveled, drenched in sweat as he drove the beat with one arm and two feet, Allen resembled a demonic animal beating his drums in a place that felt like hell. It was perfect.
Singer Joe Elliot wore a jacket in hell. Several of them, in fact. It was 101 degrees but felt like 120 inside the amphitheater, increasing the closer you got to the stage. "This is officially the hottest gig... in Dallas," said Elliot after closing the show with an encore performance that included "Rock of Ages" and "Photograph." He should have worn a muscle t-shirt.
By Dallas Observer 2014.
Read the full review at - dallasobserver.com
share this page:
explore def leppard tour history
