Bethlehem, PA - Media Reviews

Def Leppard, Blackfoot attract 2,500 By Morning Call

I may have a soft spot for good ol' Southern boys who beat the lights out of rock 'n' roll but last night at Lehigh University's Stabler Arena, Blackfoot out on a show that even the band's staunchest detractor would have to admire.

Rebel yells, cowboy hats and Confederate flags did not provide the expected pre-concert atmosphere. Instead, there were enough headbands, Judas Priest T-shirts and blue denim jackets among the crowd of 2,500 to outfit an army.

That can be partly explained by the fact that of all the Southern rock bands, Blackfoot - a veteran four-piece from Jacksonville, Fla - owes the most to heavy metal, and hence attracts the clench-fists-in-the-air crowd.

The proof of Blackfoot's musical preference was "On The Run," a locomotive number from last year's "Tomcattin'" LP, driven by the rhythm axis of Greg T. Walker and drummer Jackson "Thunderfoot" Spires; a heavy-duty re-working of Spirit's "I Got A Line On You," and "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme" the rip-roaring cut which opened their set.

The band - which turned in a respectable showing at this summer's Castle Donington concert in England and has developed a sizeable cult following in that country - hasn't abandoned its Southern roots altogether, however.

"Searchin'," from the band's current "Marauder" LP, was delivered in admirable Dixie style, beginning as a slow ballad and evolving into a fiery duel between guitarists Charlie Hargett and Ricky Medlocke, who doubles as lead vocalist.

Blackfoot also boogied more then they bludgeoned on "Fly Away," the popular tune from "Marauder," as well as during "Every Man Should Know (Queenie)."

Granter, Blackfoot isn't plowing any radically new turf, and at times come across as a poor man's Lynyrd Skynyrd. Still, they are a guaranteed good night out.

But as well as Blackfoot performed, they couldn't compare with the band that came before them, heavy metal kittens Def Leppard.

This English five-piece, whose members are barely into their 20s, received a rousing reception from the crowd, and the band responded in kind.

Selecting cuts from their two American albums, Def Leppard showed why they are considered to be among the best of England's heavy metal bands (though they should cut out the UFO-type posturing).

The band features a slick, streamlined sound that often veers towards pop. It's an impressive formula, as was shown on "Let It Go,", "Another Hit And Run," and "Lady Strange."

And if crowd reception is any indication "Wasted," "Rock Brigade," and the encore, "Rocks Off," are headed for anthem status.

Avoiding 15-minute guitar solos and building their wall of sound with melodic hooks and catchy choruses, Def Leppard are naive enough to believe they can transcend heavy metal.

And judging by what I saw last night, I bet they just might.

The concert was a Makoul Production.

By Morning Call 1981 - Submitted by EasternPA Music Channel.

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