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Monday, 18th January 1988
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Rochester, NY - Media Reviews

Def leppard Rochester War Memorial By Auburn Citizen

Def Leppard and Tesla unleashed their form of metal in the Rochester War Memorial, and the results were spectacular.

The in-the-round staging was a massive production of lighting and sound in the middle of the auditorium, so vision wasn't a problem no matter where you sat.

It's understandable that they're so popular, they look like five regular guys who love to play.

No spandex or leather, just lots of ripped jeans, tee-shirts and scorching talent. Their 'guys next door' appeal makes the show more believable.

The multi-level grid iron staging made it possible for the band to visit all sides of the stage without looking as if they were running in circles.

The major focal point was the drum kit. High in the middle of the stage, it revolved 180 degrees so all aspects of Rick Allen's unbelievable drumming could be displayed.

Allen lost an arm in an auto accident a couple of years back, but with his Simmons electronic drum kit, he used his feet like a madman, triggering some phenomenal drum patterns.

He was a wonder to watch, and his talent is still unsurpassed.

With all Allen's '80s technology, though, it's interesting to note he still uses a Speed King bass drum pedal, one that was originally designed in the '30s and '40s.

He has a sense of humor too, he wore a T-shirt was a face shot of himself on the back, so when he wasn't facing you, you could still 'see him' .

By Auburn Citizen 1988.


Def Leppard Delivers Good Time By Democrat & Chronicle

OK, so Def Leppard doesn't exactly exude the social conscience of U2 or the, I'm-a-real-artist, seriousness of Sting.

This is a band whose world philosophy consists mostly of 'Rock, Rock Till You Drop' But what the heck.

This is heavy metal.

Having the stage in the middle did indeed bring the members of the band closer to the paying public.

What's more the stage was equipped with a tremendous array of lighting effects, from an eerie blue glow to duelling laser beams.

Musically, Def Leppard delivers the basic goods, simple high volume, high energy rock sweetened with just enough harmony and melody.

Elliott, wearing blue jeans that had been artfully reduced to little more than tatters, pranced around the stage, going from side to side inciting the crowd to yell 'I love rock 'n' roll!' or wave arms in the air.

During 'Rock Of Ages' this went on a tad too long, along with all those cries of 'Raahhhh-chestah!' but the crowd loved it.

By Democrat & Chronicle 1988.

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