St. Paul, MN - Media Review Quotes
1980s power-ballad acts make for nostalgic night By Chris Riemenschneider
From a sentimental standpoint, though, Def Leppard was hard to resist. Arguably the band with the saddest episode of VH1's "Behind the Music," they drew on their survivor instinct with fist-pumping hits like "Rock of Ages,"Rocket,"Photograph" and "Foolin'." Singer Joe Elliott can still wail out many of the old notes, but guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell ("the new guy") hit most of the show's highs.
"It's been 25 years since we first came to America," Elliott said. "Usually, of all the gigs we play, this [city] comes in at least the top two."
It's probably a line said in every town, but the version of Badfinger's "No Matter What" that followed localized it a little (Badfinger guitarist Joey Molland lives in the Twin Cities). One thing you can give Adams credit for is his unchanged, no-frills manner. The Canadian singer still looks, acts and sounds like your favorite big brother. He was at his most basic Friday night, with a straight-ahead band whose members dressed in T-shirts and jeans and even had matching short haircuts. As simple as the band's wardrobe, the versions of heartland rockers like "Summer of '69" and "Somebody" fit the summertime vibe perfectly.
By Star Tribune 2005.
Read the full review at - startribune.com
By Ross Raihala
That's why they played Friday's night concert at Midway Stadium, in front of about 13,000 ecstatic fans, with confidence, polish and undeniable pop-metal muscle. Only lead singer Joe Elliott's voice showed any serious signs of age, but given the unsubtle material - "Let's Get Rocked," "Rock On," "Rocket" - it was easy to forgive.
The amiable crowd certainly didn't care. The breezy, warm evening helped foster the good vibes, too, as did the loose, chummy feel of the outdoor baseball stadium. This was an audience ready to remember, not necessarily relive, their wild youth.
Save for a few selections from the band's coming album of covers - like Badfinger's likable classic "No Matter What" - Def Leppard stuck to the hits. The ballad "Love Bites" may well be the definitive power ballad, and crunchier songs like "Foolin'" and "Photograph" hold up remarkably well.
By Pioneer Press 2005.
Read the full review at - twincities.com
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