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Wednesday, 5th September 2007
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Oklahoma City, OK - Media Reviews

Rock bands stir memories at zoo show By Heather Warlick

Styx and Def Leppard were in true rock 'n' roll form Wednesday on the Oklahoma City stop of their world tour. Celebrating their 30th anniversaries, the bands proved that they can still rock and still draw thousands of frenzied fans to their shows.

Styx opened the show with "Blue Collar Man," one of the band's 29 hit singles. The audience, an eclectic mix of 30- and 40-something professionals, their kids and air hair-band members galore couldn't get enough of Tommy Shaw's sizzling guitar solos and Lawrence Gowan's swiveling keyboard and DeYoung-esque vocals and flamboyant choreography.

The September night air was cool and dry, perfect for an outdoor concert. Styx rocked the Zoo Amphitheater for about an hour. With only half of the original founding members, the band managed to sound better than ever. Todd Sucherman kept perfect time with his dynamic drumming, having replaced Styx' original drummer, John Panozzo, who died in 1996. Also missing from the mix was Chuck Panozzo, the band's original guitarist, whose ongoing battles with AIDS and cancer have turned him into more of a health advocate than rock star in recent years.

"I Am the Walrus," Styx's most recent single, a remake of the Beatles classic, was one of the only deviations the band made from their classic repertoire during the show. "Come Sail Away" had the audience swaying with lighters and cell phones raised, singing along, and even shedding a few tears. The band rounded out their performance with "Renegade." Sadly, they did not play a few of my favorites like "Mr. Roboto," "Lady," or "Show Me the Way." But, with so many hits and so little time, the band made the most of their performance with lots of energy, great vocals, perfect playing and rocking stage presence.

After a short break, Def Leppard took control of the stage with "Rocket." Joe Elliott's vocals were right on, but even more impressive was the band's power. Rick Savage's deep bass pounded through the amphitheater and Rick Allen's rhythm made me forget that he was pulling it off with only one arm. Phil Collen played his guitar like his life depended on it.

"Animal" kept the crowd salivating and "Stand Up" proved that the audience was still excitable. "Love Bites" offered another chance for fans to pull out their lighters and cell phones, though, judging by the various smoke flavors mingling in the air, the lighters were used for more than just showing the band love.

"Hysteria" validated the band's motto: Still hysterical after all these years. But the real magic sparked with "Pour Some Sugar On Me," when audience members had already lost most of their inhibitions, melting into a virtual orgy of rock 'n' roll lovers. On that climactic note, the band left the stage.

The band came back for an encore with "Rock of Ages." Def Leppard did a great job of staying true to their rock roots. They played most of their best hits from their 30-year career. The night took me back to my high school days of cruising down Broadway, blasting Def Leppard's "Hysteria" album and feeling on top of the world. It was a good show.

By NewsOK 2007.

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