Atlanta, GA - Media Reviews

Def Leppard, Poison and Cheap Trick Concert Review By Frank

Nothing like having to choose between these guys, Paul McCartney, and Steely Dan on the same night. But these tickets were free, and financial times like these make you choose your battles easier (thanks Rob!). Tragically, MusicNerdClub.com contributor and close friend Brian D. and I did not anticipate a sell-out concert and he was unable to attend (the next beer night is all on me, Brian, I promise!). Still, did he miss out?

Yes and no. First of all, missed Cheap Trick, only heard "Dream Police" and "The Flame" as Rob, Dale & Laura, and I were walking into the venue. I missed "I Want You To Want Me"... aargh!!! We did have great lawn seats. Poison came on next, kicking off with their gold standard opening "Look What The Cat Dragged In". That song never goes out of style. They hit all the big hits - "Falling Angel", "Every Rose Has Its Thorn", etc. - ending with, of course, "Talk Dirty To Me". Still, no "I Want Action"? Really? I wasn't pleased about that. Nonetheless, though Poison is a silly studio band, they certainly put on one heck of an entertaining live show. Bret Michaels and company were smart to ride the Bon Jovi American band train to long-term success. I am sure at some point in the next few years that we will see a killer Kid Rock-Poison beerfest show at an ampitheatre near you.

And then there's the legendary Def Leppard. I am shocked that they are able to still sell out arenas and ampitheatres. This is a good thing. No one does futurist pop metal better than the Leppard. And if you really listen carefully, every song of theirs sounds like the best James Bond theme ever, except on steroids. The Lep opened up with, naturally, "Rock! Rock! Til You Drop", then "Rocket", touched on a recent song from their last album (which coincidentally was the least exciting moment in the show), and proceeded to deliver all the hits, mostly from their twin classics Pyromania and Hysteria. The stage design was incredible too - the band to no surprise did not skimp on state-of-the-art visuals. Disappointments? Sure: no "Too Late For Love", no "Woman", no "Excitable". Best moment: their outrageously powerful upgrade of "Bringing On The Heartbreak", starting acoustically on the first part, slightly agitated on the second part, and by the ending whipped up into a full-blown epic hurricane of a song. Absolutely brilliant. (If the band pulled more tricks up their sleeve like this on record, Def Leppard would still be a lot more relevant. One of these days, Def Leppard might release a brilliant album again, but it will take another "Mutt" Lange or someone else equally or more worthy to produce it.) Would I see them again? Bring it on, though I won't go again unless Brian D. is with me.

By Frank @ Music Nerd Club 2009.

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