Phoenix, AZ - Media Review Quotes

By Ed Masley

They set the tone with the glam-metal swagger of “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop),” a mission statement that kicks off “Pyromania” that proved the first of several songs about how good it is to rock, including a perfectly credible take on David Essex’s glam-years classic “Rock On.” And they kept it in the ‘80s as they made their way through “Animal” and “Let It Go,” which showcased both guitarists, Vivian Campbell’s wah-guitar lead giving way to Collen’s flashy pyrotechnics. A muscular “Foolin’” launched a mini-set of power ballads, with the screen behind them showing images of war on “Paper Sun” and the audience singing along to the U.K. rockers’ highest-charting U.S. single, “Love Bites" (although it was among the only moments in the 90-minute set where Elliott appeared to struggle with pitch on the high notes).

Another “Hysteria” single, “Armageddon It,” was followed by a showcase for bassist Rick Savage, during which I wrote “It sounded like a David Essex cover,” which is what it soon turned into, Elliott donning a Bolan-esque top hat to make it feel more early ‘70s.

It was after “Rock On” that Elliott, who first made mention of the Phoenix weather two songs in, turned his attention to the changing seasons. “First day of fall,” he said. “Bulls—t! Where I come from, you’d be freezing your (expletives) off right now.” And with that, he was off on a solo acoustic rendition of “Two Steps Behind,” an early ‘90s hit, with the audience singing along. It was the perfect setting for that song, the stripped-down arrangement adding to the heartfelt nature of the vocal.

By Arizona Republic 2015.

Read the full review/34 photos at - azcentral.com

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