Dallas, TX - Media Review Quotes
DBy Dave Gray
Sheffield, UK's Def Leppard show was totally electric. From the opening cut "Let's Go," from the recently released self-titled CD, the band proceeded to rip through all the greatest hits and more. Hits from the classic Pyromania, High ‘N' Dry, and Hysteria highlighted the night, while the band mixed in another new cut, "Man Enough" midway through the set.
Despite all this band has been through, amazing all the band members seemed to be in great shape physically and vocally. Joe Elliott's voice was spot on most of the night. I did hear a time or two where he took the low road vocally, instead of screaming the lyrics out, but who can blame him? That song was originally recorded in 1980, 36 years ago. A shirtless Phil Collen showed that he still works out, obviously, and on each song, it seems that he would break out a new, stunningly brilliant guitar. Taking the center stage during solos and walking up the runway provided some really cool close up views of his work, and the mix was really good tonight, with the guitar parts really audible. Even when he wasn't soloing, the guitar parts had audio clarity. Vivian Campbell looked great as well, considering all he has been through, and since he was to celebrate his birthday tomorrow, Joe Elliott encouraged the Dallas' audience to sing "Happy Birthday" to him, before letting him solo. Vivian' collection of Gibson Les Paul guitars were also on display tonight as he split most of the solos with Phil, again, a perfect mix.
Joe's "best friend" and bass player Rick Savage was introduced midway through the set as the guy at who helped Joe form the band…and the rest is history. Rick and drummer Rick Allen launched into a super version of David Essex' 1973 hit "Rock On," before the band proceeded into the final chapter of hits. I was really surprised to hear "Switch 625," one of my favorites, an instrumental the followed "Bringing on the Heartbreak." This gave the drummer Rick Allen the opportunity to show us his skills on the drums (while barefoot).
By Jam Magazine 2016.
Read the full review at - jammagazine.com
By Joshua Martinez
Def Leppard were gods of rock throughout the 80’s who dominated the airwaves and filled arenas with their endless string of hits. While they may no longer be kings of the radio, they are definitely rock royalty.
“Let’s Go” kicked things off with Joe Elliot effortlessly taking his vocals to soaring heights. As much as he has pushed his voice to the limit throughout his career, he sounded just as sharp as he did in the 80’s. While there weren’t as many jean jackets present at the show as there were back then, fans proved their loyalty by singing along to “Animal” and “Foolin”.
One of their most popular love ballads from their catalogue, “Love Bites” held its spot as a fan favorite. You could feel the pulsing baselines take their affect on the senses, sending one back to a make out session in a back seat or garage with a girl whose name you may or may not remember. I guess the song still has the same effect as I actually saw a couple making out next to me the entire song.
By Dallas Morning Post 2016.
By Amanda Gail
I was attending this show as a fan. I was not on assignment. My seats were not comped, nor was I allowed to bring in my professional camera. This show was for ME. I was there on my dime, and I was lucky to get such seats that I did at the last minute. In an instant “Let’s Go” transformed into “Animal”, and I was back in time instantly. The chords of perfection rang from the guitars of Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell.
Rick Savage posed in his classic crouched-over position looked exactly as he had in the days of Hysteria. The ThunderGod sat mightily behind the massive drum kit, only to be seen from the huge monitors via camera. Then, center stage less than 30 feet from me, with appropriately fitting tight black rock and roll jeans faceted with patches of leather and zippers for no reason was the immaculately posed Joe Elliot. His face, just as I remembered. The years have been nothing but kind to him. Groomed with excitement, I was close enough to see a wry smile of contentment flash between Joe and Rick. Clearly the stage was their home, and they were owning it.
In an instant the lights fell dark as Animal wrapped it’s final chord, and a single guitar sang out the intro to Def Leppard’s very first hit, “Let it Go”. The spotlight honed in on Joe and his tone and movements were the exact same of the 18 year old we saw in the first days of MTV. In my mind Joe transformed into the shaggy-headed teenager sporting the UK flag sleeveless tee and jumping the stage like a madman. He sounded timeless. These were my Lep boys. The ones I wanted and hoped to see. I was hypnotized.
For a brief few moments the boys took a break to speak to the Dallas audience. Joe was inches from me. At the young age of 58 he looked none the worse for wear. Honestly, I don’t know if I’ve seen them look any better. I’ve been a Lep fan for nearly 30 years. I’ve seen the rise and fall of the boys, watched the hard times as they rebuilt Rick Allen, and lost Steve Clark. These guys have been through a lot- to say the least. Yet they’ve never separated, never fallen short, and never disappointed their true fans.
By Altwire 2016.
Read the full review at - altwire.net
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