Grand Rapids, MI - Fan Reviews
Fan Review - By Michael
Let me start with a quick review of the opening act, Irishman Ricky Warwick. Being in middle America, home of Bob Seger, John Mellencamp and Kid Rock, Warwick's acoustic guitar and gritty voice made him seem like a native of this part of the USA. He tore through a short set list, energetically delivering tunes that made one fondly remember the Clash's Joe Strummer along with the above mentioned Americans. Warwick's largest cheer came with his introduction of Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, who joined Warwick for one song. Unfortunately, the arena was only about 40% full during this set, but he got some well-deserved kudos from the crowd. I'm sure more than one of us thought about looking for "Tattoos and Alibis" in the days afterward.
Following Warwick's 30 minute set, the house lights went on for a half hour until the sounds of Gary Glitter filled the arena. The die-hards rose to their feet at that point, which led into 'Disintegrate' and the Lepps took the stage with Phil Collen ripping out the opening of 'Let It Go'. Joe took very little time between songs most of the night, prefering to keep the action coming all evening. 'Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)' followed the opener, with 'Make Love Like A Man' keeping the crowd's energy rising. Not until after that did Elliott start talking to the crowd. Of the new songs from "X", 'You're So Beautiful' got a decent reception, and "Four Letter Word" received almost as loud an ovation as staples such as 'Animal' and 'Armageddon It'. Those, however, were later.
The Leppards returned to 'High N Dry' for the 4th and 5th songs of the night, 'Bringing On The Heartbreak' and 'Switch 625'. Collen seemed to channel the late Steve Clark on the latter, delivering an absolutely flawless rendition of the instrumental classic.
While it seems most often that the ballad of the new album is the time most use for a trip to the toilet, most of those in Grand Rapids stuck around through an entirely awful rendition of 'Long Long Way To Go' about halfway through the evening. This one would be much better suited for the acoustic part of the evening, either along with 'Two Steps Behind' or in place of it. The distorted electric guitars on "LLWTG" overpowered Elliott's voice, and detracted entirely from a great song. It was the lowest spot of the evening.
Overall, though, this reviewer has to give high marks to the Grand Rapids gig, which was the 7th show I've seen, and the first arena DL concert since Peoria, Illinois in March, 1993. I don't think these guys have ever sounded better live, and it'll be a shame if there aren't about a dozen bootlegs of this tour! That's not to say, though, that this show was perfect. Only one song from "RetroActive" (Two Steps Behind) was featured, 'Promises' got a fairly cool reaction, and there was NOTHING from "Slang". While it didn't sell many copies, the title track would have been a welcome addition. And for me personally, 7 shows and I'm still patiently waiting for 'Wasted'.
Fan Review - By Lephead75
My third show on this tour in Grand Rapids was the best time of my life. After waiting 3 hrs in the parking lot my husband and I met the band before the show. Well most of them! Got pics with them and they autographed our shirts. We met Rick Allen and Joe Elliott. I gave Joe a gift and he was so nice and thankful, even though very tired after just waking up. My husband also met Rick Savage at this time, but I didn't see him walk up (I was busy looking at, and talking to Joe!). The best group of guys you could ever want to meet!! We also met Ricky Warwick as well. Also a very nice person. He sounded great during his short set and recieved a great response from the audience.
The Leps took the stage and the whole crowd rose to their feet, ready to get rocked!! And rocked we got! They sounded great! Joe hit every high note and sang with his whole heart and soul. All the guys jammed as always. The energy they have is "unbelievable"! This was the best show of all three I have been to.
This was the best night of my life. Joe sang to me twice, and ended the night saying to me "YOU RAWK"! I was rockin', that's for sure!!
After the show we met Vivian Campbell, Phil Collen, and talked to Rick Allen again. This time I asked Rick if he could dedicate my shirt that he had earlier signed, and he remembered me! We actually chatted with each of them for a couple minutes. Very cool and polite guys. It was truely a dream come true. My only hope is that I may meet them again someday!! Next stop......well I don't know yet, but I'm hoping to find one, SOON!!.
Fan Review - By Kashmir
We got ROCKED last night in Grand Rapids by Def Leppard! What a great show!! I had 5th row center. The guys once again were looking and sounding awesome! I was glad to hear a different set list than the one I heard in Detroit, but I really missed hearing SLANG! I thought that they would play it. The crowd was very enthusiastic and danced and sang along to all the hits. 'Four Letter Word' sounds so great live. I love it! I think we gave the boys a very good reception.
Ricky Warwick was very good, and I enjoyed hearing him again. I would like to buy his CD. I wonder where and when it is available? It was a very lucky night for me, my sister, and about 50 or 60 other fans. We had the good fortune of meeting Rick, Viv and Phil after the show. What a bunch of great guys. I have autographs and pictures of each of them. What a wonderful night! I really hope they come back this summer. PLEASE! Until then LUV THE LEPS!!.
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