Def Leppard – Rock of Ages!

Did you know if you looked up the word “Arena Rock” in the dictionary, there was photo of Def Leppard?

I’m confident the word was invented to categorize this great band who truly knows how to create monster radio hits and put a simultaneously smile on thousands of people’s face when performing live.

With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide it shouldn’t be that hard to do!

Wednesday night Def Leppard rolled in to Newark’s Prudential Center with opener Poison to show this New Jersey crowd why they are one of the world’s premiere live acts.

There was no shortage of diehard fans decked out in concert shirts, tight pants, and short skirts. Everybody came to have great time and relive the ’80s in which Def Leppard played such a big part, whether you remember hearing them at a party or while driving down to the beach or even breaking-up just to make-up, I’m sure Def Leppard was there.

The band ran through all their hits from High and Dry, all the way to their last CD, Mirrorball. Guitar driven songs like “Rocket”, “Foolin”, “Bringing on the Heartbreak”, “Armageddon It”, “Pour Some Sugar on Me”, were all performed flawlessly and nicely tied to a tremendous light show.

Mid-way through their scorching set, the band put the brakes on for an impromptu acoustic set performed on the edge of the catwalk. This was my favorite part of the show as they turned a massive arena into an intimate club by sitting on a road case, huddling around a microphone, and jamming to a medley of their acoustics hits.

The band seems to enjoyed this part of the show as much as the fans did signing along to the songs; “Where does Love Go when it Dies”, “Now”, “When Love and Hate Collide”, “Have You Ever Needed Love so Bad”, and “Two Steps Behind”.

Joe told the crowd that tonight marked 30 years to the day that guitarist, Phil Collen joined the band! A huge milestone.

Jokingly he said, “He still wasn’t sure how Phil put up with the guys in the band for so long!”

Surprisingly, that wasn’t the only anniversary. Joe pointed out that this year marked Vivian Campbell’s 25th years with the band!

“Where does time go?” he asked.

Vivian and Phil dazzled the crowd with some talented playing and showcased their array of guitars; Vivian’s typically stuck with glittery Gibson Les Pauls, while Phil was armed with his arsenal of Jackson guitars.

For the past thirty five years, Def Leppard’s concerts have been a must-see event. So, whether you’re a causal fan or a diehard you will really have to check them out on their Rock of Ages Tour. I promise you’ll be singing along with every song!

GALLERY