Friday, 20th April 2012
Pic by Kerrang!
20 Years ago today Def Leppard took part in the Freddie Mercury Tribute show at Wembley Stadium in London.
This was the first public unveiling of new guitarist Vivian Campbell as the replacement for Steve Clark. The event was organised to celebrate the life of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury who had died in November 1991.
The show featured opening performances from Metallica, Extreme, Guns N' Roses, Spinal Tap and Def Leppard who played 'Animal', 'Let's Get Rocked' and 'Now I'm Here' with Brian May. Joe Elliott later returned to sing during 'Tie Your Mother Down' and then background vocals with Phil Collen during 'All The Young Dudes'.
Vivian Campbell recently confirmed on facebook that 'Animal' was the first song he rehearsed with the band before joining and spoke briefly about this show. Anyone who watched will know the cameras didn't focus on him at all during his 'Now I'm Here' solo after being introduced by Joe.
Follow the link to the show page below to view the show details/setlist and read media reviews/band members quotes from this historic event.
Vivian Campbell - 10th April facebook Quote
"I don't actually remember too much about it and I would have to go back and watch video of the event. It all happened so fast. I do believe I did a solo on "Now I'm here", however."
Kerrang! - Media Review Quote
"Then Brian May ambled on and Def Leppard made their own quantum leap. Together they delivered a cataclysmic 'Now I'm Here' that saved the collective Lep's face. Truly one of Queen's finest moments, it suddenly became one of Def Leppard's as everything clicked into place. This new Def Leppard will get better, but for three and a half minutes, awesome was good enough."
Def Leppard - 20th April 1992 London Show Page
Related News - 30th March 1992