Calgary, AB - Media Review Quotes
By Gerry Krochak
While the Scotiabank Saddledome will remain silent for a while longer, historic Fort Calgary came alive with the sound of music last night. Classic rock of a bygone era, perhaps, but the 1-2-3 punch of Def Leppard, Cheap Trick and Sloan was still relevant (and then some) for 18,000 sun-drenched and lobster-skinned revellers in attendance for Stampede Roundup 2013.
The legacy of Da Leps has been cemented after over 100 million records sold.
And the group can still bring it live. Not even sweltering late-day heat and wonky sound rig could dampen the enthusiasm of the well-lubricated throng of fence-to-fence rockers as Joe Elliott & Co. hit the stage and launched into a cover of the old Sweet nugget Action to kick-off the proceedings.
From there on in, it was hit after MTV and MuchMusic hit, making it easy for the 30- and 40-something-heavy crowd to channel their collective inner 15-year-olds.
Elliott’s voice may not have the power it once had, but he held it down as guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell traded leads through Animal, Foolin’ and Love Bites.
You don’t like to make a huge deal when it comes to audio production at outdoor concerts, but after the sound system cut out during the second song, the remainder of the show consisted of a bass-heavy thud which overpowered the twin lead guitars. Disappointing … but whatever.
The crowd wasn’t going to let it bother them and they only got louder and louder through Make Love Like A Man, Women, Bringin’ On The Heartbreak, the title cut from Hysteria, Armageddon It, Pour Some Sugar On Me and, well you get the picture.
A pair of pyromania heavy hitters in the form of Photograph and Rock Of Ages would send them to the exits exhilarated and exhausted.
By Calgary Sun 2013.
Read the full review at - calgarysun.com
By Eric Volmers
Def Leppard, Cheap Trick, Sloan enthrall audience
So Def Leppard, who are certainly no slouch in the catchy-melody department themselves, obviously had a hard act to follow.
Unfortunately, the opening was a little muddy thanks to some persistent sound gremlins that affected the first couple of tunes. Still, it didn’t take long for the band’s radio-friendly hooks to take hold.
Songs such as Animal, Foolin’, Rocket and Pour Some Sugar on Me are custom-made for liquor-fuelled revellers to bray along to without much prompting. Not unlike Cheap Trick, there was certainly a play for nostalgia. During the mid-tempo Hysteria, for instance, the big screens flashed old pictures and clips of the band in their youthful, shirtless glory. Armageddon It was preceded by a post-flood pep talk by singer Joe Elliott and the band emerged for encores rocking white cowboy hats.
It was polished, a touch cheesy and maybe a little dated (Drum solo! Duelling guitars!). But, not surprisingly, the crowd ate it up. Besides, the hits have held up reasonably well, offering a reminder of why Def Leppard were once the biggest band in the cosmos.
By Calgary Herald 2013.
Read the full review at - calgaryherald.com
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