home > tour history > 2008 > melbourne > Fan Reviews

Monday, 3rd November 2008
Back  

Melbourne, VIC - Fan Reviews

Fan Review - By Mark

The Galvatrons started with an abundance of youthful energy. Cheap Trick did a short set due to illness affecting Robyn Zander's voice, which Joe later informed us meant an extra song by Leppard - no complaints from the crowd!!

It has been 16 years since Def Leppard rocked Melbourne and Rod Laver Arena was packed once they hit the stage. Guitars, Drums and there's no better way to get the night started than with Rocket. Next up was a fast-paced Animal, well received by the crowd. Although the guitars were a little swamped early in the mix, a few songs in the sound was perfect. C'mon, C'mon followed and although most of the crowd wouldn't have heard the latest album it didn't take them too long to learn the chorus. Foolin' had quite a bit of grunt attached and the crowd loved it. Make Love Like a Man followed during which Phil tried to give Joe an unexpected smooch. There was a slight dip as Nine Lives was played, although played well by the lads unfortunately these days no crowd will allow them to play more than two new songs.

Love Bites had the whole crowd singing along. The bluesy outro solo by Viv was reminiscent of the song played during the Slang era. Next, acoustic guitars were donned for Two Steps Behind followed by Bringin on the Heartbreak with all four weaving in and out on the catwalk. Just like 1992 the final chorus was played electric and the crowd lapped it up. The bass/drum segue into Switch 625 by Sav/Rick showed us just how much the band can still rock. Following that it was hit after hit, Hysteria / Armageddon It / Photograph / Sugar / Rock of Ages were all played with phenomenal enthusiasm and the crowd was pumping. Regular excursions up the catwalk by all mobile band members was much appreciated by the crowd.

Even though the guys played Adelaide the night before I was pleased to hear the magnificent condition of Joe's voice. Phil had a ball too, really enjoying showing his guitar chops all night and not forgetting the poor souls on the extreme right of the stage. As a guitarist inspired by him 20 years ago to learn to play I was pleased to see Phil's Dracula Jackson of Hysteria vintage make an appearance. A tiny break while the crowd demanded an encore, and the boys duly delivered. The surprise of the night was hearing WL & HC. The crowd attempted to finish off the final line before Joe was ready but a gentle prod by him and we all sent it off in style. Let's Get Rocked topped off the evening and still had the crowd in raptures while the band soaked up the atmosphere. As Joe reminded us at the end 16 years was far too long between concerts. This concert was one of the highlights of my life so please don't make the wait so long again guys!!


Fan Review - By Peter

What can I say after a disappointing performance by "Cheap Trick" for whatever reason, very poor, then just before Def Leppard appeared, AC/DC's "For Those About To RocK" {We Salute You} absolutely roared through the massive wall of speakers, then not sure if that was an omen, but my god What a barnstorming rock concert, power, precision, killer Songs,massive hooks, the energy,excitement, was simply Stunning, a truly magical "Hysterical" performance. One show I will never forget!

Back

share this page:



get def leppard news

Stay in touch with the latest updates.




explore def leppard tour history
All News
Tour News
Album News
All Tours