Def Leppard San Diego, CA, USA #1 17th September 1983 Setlist Pyromania Tour

home > tour history > 1983 > San Diego, CA #2

Saturday, 17th September 1983

Prev | Next

Location / San Diego, CA, USA
Venue / Jack Murphy Stadium
Event / KGB-FM 101 Sky Show VIII

The first show by the band in this city since Apeil 1983 on the Billy Squier support leg.

The first time at this venue.

The venue is located 7.9 miles to the North east of the city centre.

It was opened in August 1967 as San Diego Stadium (which was the name used on show posters).

From 1981 to 1997 it was known as Jack Murphy Stadium.

From 1997 to 2017 it was known as Qualcomm Stadium.

Since 2017 it has been known as SDCCU Stadium.

This show was an annual event called Sky Show VIII sponsored by radio station KGB-FM 101 and billed as the and featuring "the world's greatest fireworks display".

The first Def Leppard headline show in an outdoor stadium and biggest US show ever.

Joe's then girlfriend Denise (from Sheffield working as a Nanny in the USA) videoed the show from the mixing desk.

Clips from this can be seen in the VH1 Ultimate Albums: Pyromania Special.

Joe has mentioned this as being his most memorable Lep gig. Venue expanded and renamed as Qualcomm Stadium in 1997.

Many photos from this show have been posted on Ross Halfin's photography website including the stage shot on the back cover of the 'Animal Instinct' book.

A decent quality audience recording exists from this show.

Recordings of the sets by opening bands Uriah Heep and Motley Crue have both surfaced in recent years.

Read more about this show in the Lep History section including audio/band quotes)