There is something to be said about a band when they're in their prime. After struggling to the top they finally release that one album that just says it all. "Hysteria" was that album for Def Leppard. Released in 1987, it sold over fifteen million copies. The band embarked on an eighteen-month tour selling out arenas throughout the country. It was their time in the sky. Saturday night, August 2nd was no different. Touring for nearly a year after the release of their tenth album "X" turned out to be one awesome night at New Jersey's PNC Art Center.
Starting off with "Let it Go" from their second album "High 'n' Dry" set the mood for the rest of the show. It was standing room only. Joe Elliot led his pack of leppards into one hit after another. The crowd roared when Joe sang, "Bringin' on the Heartbreak" the bands first big hit. When the song ended, bassist Rick Savage took center stage and led into the non-lyrical number "Switch 625."
Joe even took a moment to dedicate his latest single from the "X" album "Long Way to Go" to the British and American troops overseas. The night continued to get better with each anticipated song. Playing a song from just about every album the crowd went wild when the hook leading into "Pour some Sugar on Me" started. The same kind of energy continued with every song the band played. The Sheffield lads played every hit from both "Pyromania" and "Hysteria," giving their fans exactly what they wanted and more.
The evening was hot and humid, but it never slowed the lads down. They may not be jumping off of platforms, but their passion for rock 'n' roll is still alive and vital. Joe Elliot proved it when coming back for the encore. After singing their first American number one hit "Love Bites," Joe just had one question to ask his fans. "Do you wanna get rocked?" Ending the night with their hit "Let's get Rocked" from Adrenalize" the evening was rocked by all.
-Donna J Brennan
Flanders NJ
willow2817@aol.com
