Brockton, MA - Media Reviews

Old rockers draw thousands to Brockton stadium By Margaret Hawryluk

Bryan Adams took the stage at 7:10 p.m., after opener Randy Nelson, and performed classic hits and some new songs from his recent album release, "Room Service." Songs included "Need Somebody," "Look Into My Eyes" and "18 'Till I Die."

The rain did not bother the performers either.

After Adams opened his set with "Need Somebody," he took a break to tell the audience, "I can't believe you're here in the pissin' rain." Joe Elliot of Def Leppard said the band had "played 32 shows in a row with rain like this. We will survive."

Def Leppard closed the show with the highly anticipated song, "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and after thunderous applause, Elliot said, "Don't forget us, we won't forget you.".

By Boston Enterprise 2005.

---

This Leppard will never change spots By Linda Laban

It's pouring rain in Brockton and Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen is, of course, shirtless. The U.K. '80s metal band might be celebrating its 25th year out in the 'burbs, but little has changed other than the size of the stadiums the band plays.

Rolling Stone recently listed this tour with fellow '80s survivor Bryan Adams as one of the summer's hot tickets. Why? Good songs, good fun. And plenty of power chords.

Along with their own magnificent carefree hits - "Foolin,'' "Photograph,'' "Animal,'' "Rock of Ages,'' "Pour Some Sugar On Me'' - the band slipped in a cover of Badfinger's "No Matter What'' and David Essex's "Rock On,'' which, singer Joe Elliott said, the band has recorded for an upcoming covers album. Were they hits? Simply solid songwriting.

By Boston Herald 2005.

---

By Rory Flynn

Though both have not had hit single in the past decade, 80's rock icons Bryan Adams and Def Leppard teamed up last week to deliver a memorable show that reminded many of why these two acts were the faces of a decade. Downsizing from their infamous football-size stadium shows to minor league baseball parks, the "Rock 'N Roll Doubleheader" stopped at Brockton's Campanelli Stadium for its only New England appearance. The change of scenery was interesting, with the stage set on the outfield of the Brockton Rox's field and everything but the diamond open for attendees. Despite a miserably rainy night, roughly 7,000 fans braved the elements to catch the unique show.

Def Leppard, celebrating twenty-five years together as a band, took on the rotating headliner spot in front of a dedicated and rain-soaked crowd. Lead singer Joe Elliot's vocal were hoarse as the band started sluggishly through opener "Action" and "Let's Get Rocked." Touring in support of new double-cd greatest hits collection entitled Rock of Ages: The Definitive Collection, Def Leppard built momentum by dedicating the entire set to crowd favorites from "Hysteria" to "Armageddon It".

Surprisingly, one of the highlights of their set was Leppard's newest single, a cover of Badfinger's "No Matter What". Later this year, the band will drop Yeah! an album entirely of covers including the Kinks and David Bowie. Elliot told the crowd that the new release is because the band wanted to get back to the days when they were standing on the other side of the stage barrier as fans themselves.

In the last forty minutes of their set, Def Leppard proved that they still have what made them one of the 80's best acts with a hat parade that made stops at "Animal", "Photograph", and "Rock of Ages". Working and exchanging spots at all points of the stage, the band's energy was intense. Most notably during "Rocket" which featured dueling solos from guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell. An encore of monster ballad "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" and staple "Pour Some Sugar On Me" sent the crowd into a frenzy.

By BostonLive 2005.

Back

share this page:

---

---