Media Review - Def Leppard and Kiss Review! By Kacjlyn Krol
92 degrees in Noblesville, Indiana at The Klipisch Music Center, and everybody was fanning themselves and looking various shades of red. This was the biggest crowd of the tour. The Dead Daisies kicked off the night, and I was skeptical as to how this band (most any band, really) could open up for two such prominent rock and roll icons. They did more than good - they did stupendous. I would definitely recommend checking out their album or live show if you get a chance.
Def Leppard, where do I begin? I was listening to their music in the womb. I am 21 years old, and much of the crowd was at least 15 years older than me. Sadly, I didn’t see many fans my age, which is a real shame since most of my generation is listening to radio singles with the same beat. At 85% of the concerts I’ve been to the band doesn’t sound half as good as their recorded material. I can honestly say that Def Leppard was the best live performance and concert I’ve seen in my time on this earth. Since I’ve seen over 100 bands live per year lately, add that together and that’s quite a compliment to this band of Brits.
The five took the stage to a backdrop of the signature Def Leppard logo dropping behind them. It was one of the most classic rock star moves, and the crowd went nuts. I needed earplugs just for the crowd noise, which was pretty amazing when you consider I was surrounded by a sea of people mostly twice my age. I couldn’t believe lead singer Joe Elliot kept a jacket on the entire show (which was impressively about an hour and a half long).
The guitar riffs were phenomenal; I couldn’t take my eyes off the guitar. When my eyes weren’t trying to keep up with guitar playing, I was trying to figure out how Rick Allen drums with such ferocity and power. His foot pedal work was non-stop and impressive. To end off the night they played their classics “Pour Some Sugar on Me”, “Rock of Ages”, and “Photograph”. Joe Elliot even was able to balance his mic stand above his head, captivating me and the whole crowd!
Kiss closed out the night, and I have a question for them: how in the heck do you keep your makeup on in the humidity and heat? I, as a woman, would like to know and use this secret of yours! Their band threw out picks to the audience like there was no tomorrow. The pyrotechnics were off the chart great, happening what seemed like every minute! “Shout It Out Loud” seemed to be the crowd favorite, with everyone screaming along and fist pumping along with the band to the beat. Their whole show and production was top notch; the crowd was engaged the entire time.
I am extremely impressed by this production hiring two former military as roadies. Not only that, but one dollar from every ticket sale is going to charities including the USO, Project Resiliency/The Raven Drum Foundation, Augusta Warrior Project, Hiring Our Heroes, and Wounded Warrior Project. That’s true class acts. They also did the ice bucket challenge in response to Motley Crue, and followed up by nominating U2, Prince, and David Coverdale. This impressive tour continues through November 2nd, covering Texas, California and Mexico – see it if you get a chance!
By Stage Right Secrets 2014.
Media Review - KISS in Indianapolis Aug. 22, 2014 Reviewed By Miss Mojo Rising
During a short break, I drank a cold Leinenkugel Summer Shandy with our photographer, Larry Philpot, and sipped on a chilly shot of Jägermeister for the low, low price of $37 while the roadies prepared for Def Leppard to take the stage. The economics of these events always astound me, and I find myself running the line, "whatever traffic will bear" through my mind. By some innate herd instinct, the crowd could feel the energy swell and moved toward the main stage to wait with great anticipation for Def Leppard to begin their set. I was a huge fan of Def Leppard growing up and remember the controversy associated with this band the last time they played my city. You see I'm from El Paso. (Read more on the El Paso Def Leppard controversy here: Because of that controversy, Def Leppard refuses to play in the only city that rhymes with asshole, my hometown. This was a special treat for me. The energy, good vibes, and stellar musicianship from this band permeated the entire venue, catching fire and spreading thru 26 thousand concert goers. Def Leppard appears to be having more fun, with more confidence, than ever before. As they launched into Rock of Ages, people young and old stood, bounced, sang, shook their booties, raised their hands in the traditional rock god salute, and dripped sweat along with the members of Def Leppard and Frontman, Joe Elliott.
"Gunter glieben glauten globen" boomed from the speakers and the crowd went wild. Never missing a word, the crowd showed their appreciation for a band that has beaten the odds at almost every turn. You see, Def Leppard should not be here. The drummer for Def leppard, Rick Allen, was in a terrible car accident leaving him with only one arm. Most bands might have called it quits, or sought a replacement for their drummer, but not Def Leppard. They overcame that obstacle with an ingenuous grace and style that most bands will never have to face. Allen should be considered one of the best drummers of his generation - plus, he gets extra points for difficulty. Drummer, Rick Allen brings a whole new meaning to the phrase Double Kick Drum. He uses four electronic pedals for his left foot to play the pieces he used to play with his left arm. I could say much more about Def Leppard, but after all, I was there to see the grand masters of rock-n-roll, KISS.
By OnStage Magazine 2014 - Note DL have played El Paso twice since 1983.
Reviews from the 2014 Indianapolis, IN Show.