Uncasville, CT - Media Reviews

Return to the 80s: Def Leppard, Poison, Tesla rock Mohegan Sun By Jim Pasinski

Last Wednesday night was a milestone night at Mohegan Sun. Three of classic hard rock’s elite bands were on tour together celebrating anniversaries. Both Tesla and Poison were celebrating 30 years together, while headliner Def Leppard hit the 40-year milestone. Both Tesla and Poison burst onto the music scene in the late eighties as part of the “hair metal” genre. While Poison embraced the look, Tesla was concentrated more on the music and their short 35-minute set gave long-time fans only a glimpse in their career.

Tesla kicked off their set with the high energy combo of “Into The Now” and “Edison’s Medicine” as fans were quickly finding their seats. Guitarist Frank Hannon took center stage for his guitar solo during “The Way It Is,” before everyone found themselves singing along to “Signs” and “Love Song.” Tesla closed out their set with a return to where it all started for them, with their break-through single “Modern Day Cowboy.”

While Tesla may have been about delivering hard rocking music, Poison was all about giving their fans nothing but a good time. As the original four members of Poison hit the stage, they kicked off their set with “Look What The Cat Dragged In” from their debut album of the same name. Poison were always known as a party band and their nearly hour-long set did not disappoint. The crowd sang along to classics as “Talk Dirty To Me” and “Unskinny Bop.” Lead singer Bret Michaels asked everyone to take out their cell phones and light up the arena for the power ballads “Something To Believe In” and “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” Their set was highlighted by the solos of C.C. DeVille on guitar and cancer survivor Rikki Rockett on drums. The energy in the arena exploded as Poison brought everyone to there feet with their set closer “Nothin’ But A Good Time.”

Def Leppard’s history dates back to 1977 and the release of their first self-titled EP. They are also promoting the release of their new studio album and their new live album. Def Leppard opened their set with one of their new songs “Let’s Go.” While their new music may not have the same impact on their fans as their classic material, songs like “Dangerous” and “Man Enough” were still very well received. Def Leppard’s goto album of the evening was the multi-platinum selling “Hysteria.” Six songs from that album were performed as “Animal” and “Rocket” keep the energy high, while “Love Bites” and “Hysteria” felt like flashbacks to a simpler time for fans. Guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell traded the spotlight with electrifying solos during the classic hits “Bringing On The Heartbreak” and “Let’s Get Rocked.” Def Leppard finished their set sticking close to the studio version of “Pour Some Sugar In Me.” Their two-song encore of “Rock Of Ages” and “Photograph” reminded fans why Def Leppard continues to be one of the most popular rock bands of all time. As the night concluded, fans were very appreciative of these three bands being together for over 30 years and still performing at the top of there game.

By The Westerly Sun 2017.

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