Friday, 27th January 2017
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37 Years Ago Def Leppard Debut At The Marquee (Concert Review)

Def Leppard 1980.

Def Leppard played a show on the On Through The Night tour in London, England on 27th January 1980 and an archive concert review is available to read.

Sounds reviewed the show which took place at the legendary Marquee Club, the band's first show at the venue.

The first of two nights during the January/February 1980 warm up tour following the recording of the debut album in Ascot.

A venue already played by (then future Leppard) Phil Collen with various bands as far back as 1976.

Also the first London show of the 1980s for the band.

In 1988 they played their last of the decade in the city - two sold out nights at Wembley Arena during the Hysteria tour.

The setlist consisted of 13 songs including upcoming 'Hello America' B-Side 'Good Morning Freedom' which featured a short drum solo by Rick.

The song would only be played until the end of the band's January/February tour and not return to the live show until March 2013 at the VIVA! Hysteria residency in Las Vegas, NV.

Sounds - Concert Review Quote

"But there is more. 'Answer To The Master', with its riff powerful enough to stun Ted Nugent at 60 paces; 'Sorrow is a Woman', not, as the title suggests, a slow love song; 'Satellite' (no, not the Pistols original) and 'Wasted', with thrice the energy of the studio version, finishing the proper set."

"Then came the encores. "About a year ago we released an EP with one track on it which has become very popular," says Joe, obviously meaning 'Getcha Rocks Off'. The crowd goes suitably loony, but he introduces 'Ride Into The Sun'. There is confusion for a split-second until realisation of joke, proving that unlike many HM groups the Leppards possess a sense of humour."

"Then it's time for 'Rocks Off', with some fans kneeling on the stage and the Marquee heavies nowhere to be seen, possible proof recent stories of bouncer troubles have been somewhat exaggerated, and end of gig, with Joe thanking the Marquee very much, as if it were Wembley, and they're gone."

This and other archive concert reviews can be found on the show pages in the Tour History.

Fan photos and reviews from any past tour can be submitted - Here

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Phil Collen - Guitar
Phil Collen - Guitar
Phil Collen - Guitar
Phil Collen - Guitar