Chicago/Rosemont, IL - Media Reviews

Def Leppard @ Rosemont Horizon By Chicago Sun-Times

A one-armed drummer, to most people, to most bands, would be the punch line for a pathetic rocn 'n' roll joke.

Def Leppard's concert Friday night at the Rosemont Horizon confirmed that this is no ordinary band.

And that Rick Allen is no ordinary drummer.

In 1984, the British band sold more than 6 million copies of its 'Pyromania' album, which helped herald the resurgence of the loud, aggressive brand of rock known as heavy-metal.

After that breakthrough success, the band experienced a series of misadventures, the most serious of which was an automobile accident that cost Allen his left arm.

A band with less character would have dumped the drummer, a drummer with less perseverance would have called it quits.

Instead, Allen helped devise an electronic drum kit that allows him to play with his foot pedals what was once the responsibility of his left arm.

The band played a few shows with a second drummer augmenting Allen, but it quickly became apparent that such assistance wasn't necessary.

While the band's three-year layoff saw bands such as Bon Jovi and Motley Crue steal much of metal's thunder, the interval also gave Leppard's music a chance to grow and mature.

Def Leppard's recent 'Hysteria' album represents a major musical leap - with melodies and hooks that show a lot more craft without compromising the band's sonic assault.

Leppard's concert was staged 'in the round' with the band at the center of the arena and the farthest seats twice as close as they would be at a conventional concert.

The band sacrificed some of its popular momentum during the hiatus, as the less than sold-out show confirmed, but its music was even stronger than before.

Within a band that demands a lot of propulsion, the one-armred drummer provided the necessary 'rhythmic kick'.

By Chicago Sun-Times 1987.

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