Vancouver, BC - Media Reviews

By Steve Newton

It came as no surprise that, of the 11 songs listed above, Def Leppard performed nine of them. They opened with Pyromania's "Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)"--which got the vast majority of the crowd on its feet, where it would stay for good--and closed 17 tunes later with "Photograph". The biggest lull in the proceedings came during the set's most recent song, "Paper Sun", which, being from 1999's Euphoria, isn't that recent at all.

Lead singer Joe Elliott still sounds allright at 55, and what he lacks in the ability to hit those high notes he makes up for with showmanship and charisma. All he had to do was stand there in the spotlight with his arms outstretched and the crowd would roar its approval.

Guitarist Phil Collen is the oldest band member at 57, but somehow he's managed to hang on to the same sleek torso he had back in '83. His six-string counterpart, Vivian Campbell--who first rose to prominence in '82 as guitarist for Dio--can still tear up the frets bigtime. He sounded (and looked) particularly sharp on a sparkly red Les Paul during the frantic solo for "High 'n' Dry (Saturday Night)".

By The Georgia Straight 2015.

Read the full review/2 photos at - straight.com

By Robert Collins

This rote introduction to “High’n’Dry (Saturday Night),” perfectly summed up his uninspired approach to frontmanship. Spontaneity be damned. Best stick to what’s worked in the past.

Even though the front man was operating on autopilot, the band was still churning out razor sharp harmonies and hits, “Loves Bites,” “Rocket” and the inevitable “Pour Some Sugar On Me” all sending the crowd into nostalgic rapture. Guitarist Phil Collen (whose sharp abs beneath a flapping leather vest hinted at a workout regime Elliott would be wise to emulate) ripped the first of countless pristine solos during “Foolin’.” Incredible one-armed drummer Rick Allen was able to take centre stage during instrumental “Switch 625,” the giant screen revealing his fascinating and unique technique for the first time.

Midway through the show Elliott sauntered down the stage runway alone sporting an acoustic guitar.

“It’s just you and me. How’d you feel about that?” he asked to a muted response, before listing his favourite Canadian artists and mumbling that “I can’t play Rush on an acoustic guitar.” Instead, he strummed his way through the Bryan Adamsesque “Two Steps Behind,” the crowd singing along with every word.

By CTV News 2015.

Read the full review at - ctvnews.ca

Back

share this page: