Sheffield, England - Tour Story

Def Leppard At The Liberal Club By Steve Drury

On the night that the radio session was being broadcast, Def Leppard were not huddled around the radio speakers but playing at High Green (seven miles north from the centre of Sheffield) to the central core of supporters.

Def Leppard's transit van pulled into the car park at about 6.30 pm. With the help of a couple of friends/roadies, the gear was quickly brought in and set up. This gig was to be a low key event for them, after their first high profile month. Some of the local headbangers were quick to recognise Rick, pounding his skins for the late running sound check. Rob was huddled over the mixing desk bellowing his instructions as Rick repetitively ran through his routine. Once the individual checks and tomfoolery had ran its course, they played one number ('Glad I'm Alive') for an overall balance, and then retired to the bar. Relaxation and not perfection would be their main drive tonight.

Once onstage, the hot summer's evening coupled with their recent success put Def Leppard into a frivolous mood. In-between the songs, they teased their fans by playing short intros of familiar rock standards. Later on Joe deserted the stage for one song to head bang and sing-along with the fans at the front.

For the encore the crowd was asked what they'd like to hear and the band duly played on.

By Steve Drury 1992.

Back

share this page: