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Saturday, 10th October 1992
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Winnipeg, MB - Media Reviews


Band Rolls On Through Adversity By Stephen Ostick

Def Leppard plays at the Winnipeg Arena last night, drawing a raucous welcome from 9,500 fans.

As far as Winnipeg rock fans are concerned, English rockers Def Leppard, no strangers to adversity during their career, haven't suffered in the least from their latest setback.

More than 9,000 of them gave the Sheffield quintet a raucous welcome at Winnipeg Arena last night, its first trip here in four years.

More important, it was the first show since the death of guitarist Steve Clark, less than two years back. But the fans - 2,000 more than greeted 1988's visit for the band's Hysteria album - showed their affection will outlive him.

It's not that difficult to see why. An hour into the show, Leppard was clearly sticking to the formula that got it this far.

The in-the-round show put the band within touching distance of the crowd. Kicking off with Let's Get Rocked, the opening cut from latest album Adrenalize, Leppard showed that its commercial rock is just as accessible.

Tear It Down, also from Adrenalize, followed, falling in line with the band's heavy but melodic sound that has made the group such a radio hit since 1983's Pyromania.

Indeed, Hysteria's title track was followed shortly by the hit Photograph, from Pyromania, fitting in like peas from the same pod.

New guitarist Viv Campbell, formerly from Whitesnake, filled Clark's shoes with little trouble. That's easier than it sounds because Phil Collen continues to handle most of the leads.

The only thing holding Viv back, in fact, is that he's the only brunette in an all-blonde band.

Singer Joe Elliott remained as potent a force as he was in the early days, when the band was barely as old as its fans.

Drummer Rick Allen, who lost his left arm in an auto accident eight years ago, is still simple and solid on a specially designed, largely electronic kit.

Def Leppard continues to age well. Fate has yet to deal the blow that it won't overcome.

By Winnipeg Free Press 1992.

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