Denver, CO - Media Review Quotes
By Ty Hyten
Def Leppard: During the set change, a giant Union Jack was lowered in front of the stage as a countdown timer on-screen built anticipation. When the clock stopped, the flag fell and Vivian Campbell, Rick Savage, the one-armed Rick Allen, and a shirtless Phil Collen started in on "Undefeated." Joe Elliott stepped forward from the back to growl "look in these eyes" as the crowd gave an arena sized cheer. The guys moved around the clean stage (no amps or pedals) with enthusiasm, albeit with a bit less hair and speed than 25 years ago.
Elliott prowled the catwalk like a husky super model, cuing fans to sing along by extending his jeweled microphone. The audience swayed and clapped their hands above their heads. After "Gods of War" the band all made their way out to the end of the catwalk with acoustic guitars (and a maraca) to play a cell-phone-raising "Where Does Love Go When It Dies?" followed by several other classics. Before retreating back to the stage Elliott mentioned to great applause that this tour was in celebration of 25 years since Hysteria was released and that some of the audience might remember that the live VHS "Live: In the Round, in Your Face" was recorded in Denver at the now demolished McNichols Sports Arena. The crowd roared and the band started the iconic intro to "Pour Some Sugar on Me." After leaving the stage, the band returned to play the tour’s namesake "Rock of Ages" which capped off an arena show done right.
By Listen Up Denver! 2012.
Read the full review/27 photos at - listenheredenver.com
By Paige Montgomery
Def Leppard's set began at 9:20 p.m. after the dropping of an oversized British flag that led into "Undefeated." The set list, stage design and even the band's attire were almost identical to the band's last set in Denver. But why fix it if it's not broken? The acoustic break in the middle of the set, which featured "Where Does Love Go When It Dies" and "Two Steps Behind" offered some variety, but really just gave concertgoers a chance to rest their feet in anticipation for "Sugar."
The show ended on the night's highest points with a back-to-back offering of "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Rock of Ages" - it just took an hour and a half to get there.
By Reverb Music 2012.
By Lorenzo Semple
After their set I had a brief, yet interesting conversation with Ricky Rocket, Poison's drummer. He claims to remember me, but it seems highly unlikely. He then talked with Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen about his stage clothes, much like two ski bums would talk about skiing, gear and snow conditions. He commented to us on the stylist from Canada and how amazingly fine her ass is. It may seem petty, sophomoric and trivial, but when you put into perspective how much ass this guy has seen it becomes very significant.
Right before show time Joe Elliot, the lead singer of Def Leppard, and the one-armed drummer appeared from the dressing room and we had a chat about the new movie "Rock of Ages" featuring their music. We collectively smelled an Oscar and had a laugh. I came away from the movie realizing what an important part of Americana heavy metal music played and how lucky I was to be an active part of it during the late '80s. Some people must have thought I was crying when I walked out of the Isis, but it was really that I got salty popcorn in both eyes.
After watching the show from the safe confines of the sound board, I was exhausted and my ears were ringing. I reflected back in an instantaneous haze of sound fatigue. My stint as a roadie seems like a distant lifetime of debauchery and proximity to fame. I often wonder how much longer I would’ve lasted, or what it would be like now. Life ultimately presented other paths less glamorous, yet more fulfilling. Regardless, I still wear my old tour jacket like a decadent coat of armor every time Def Leppard comes around.
By Aspen Daily News 2012.
Read the full review at - aspendailynews.com
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