Birmingham, AL - Media Reviews

By Birmingham News

Def Leppard never changes its spots and fans at Verizon Center love that

Crowd: Nearly a full house, with a few empty rows throughout the third tier. As usual, Def Leppard's fans were loud and lusty, dancing at their seats, pumping their fists or shouting wild approval.

Set list: Greatest hits galore, such as "Rocket," "Photograph," Foolin'," "Bringin' on the Heartbreak," "Two Steps Behind," "Hysteria," "Rock of Ages," "Armageddon It" and "Pour Some Sugar on Me." The band also performed a cover of David Essex's "Rock On" and (of course) a snippet of "Sweet Home Alabama." Lead singer Joe Elliott turned that part into an audience sing-along.

Mixing it up, just a little: Def Leppard released a CD in April, "Songs From the Sparkle Lounge." Playing all the latest stuff would have spurred an audience revolt, so the band slid a couple of tracks, "Nine Lives" and "C'mon, C'mon," into its well-worn repertoire. But there was nothing unusual or ground-breaking; both songs sounded very old-school.

Pros: Well, a hot, sticky evening in August proved infinitely preferable to a chill, rainy night in November. (That was the case in 2006, the last time Def Leppard appeared here.) Singer Elliott was in much better vocal form than he was two years ago; only a few of the high notes cracked or eluded him. The band seemed sharper and more energized, as well. Maybe Def Leppard should perform all of its shows in a sauna.

Cons: Unless your eyes are glazed by longtime admiration, or you consider Def Leppard a guilty pleasure, the band's music comes across as dated, formulaic and -- thud, thud, thud -- ponderous. Also, some of the rock-star posing on stage, especially by guitarist Collen, can be considered vintage fun (if you're a fan) or cock-of-the-walk silly (if you're not).

By Birmingham News 2008.

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