From: "Mike N. Reinemann" Date sent: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 02:01:50 -0400 Subject: Def Leppard keeps its fans rockin' through the changes Sunday, August 6, 2000 Def Leppard keeps its fans rockin' through the changes JEFFREY C. HIXSON ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Def Leppard is a true survivor. In addition to being the most successful pop-metal group of the 1980s, the band has faced more grief than Job himself -- most notably drummer Rick Allen's 1985 New Year's Eve car crash that cost him an arm and the fatal overdose of founding member Steve Clark. Avoiding the usual flash and grating rhythm section that fuel most metal bands, Def Leppard's talents have been true lyrical craft and songwriting skills. The band's early success can be attributed in part to producer Robert "Mutt" Lange, who was instrumental in developing the band's trademark bubblegum-metal sound. Def Leppard is set to play at Riverfest Amphitheatre on Thursday, bringing the radio-friendly sound that has earned the group a monstrous fan base since its conception in 1977. The band's roster hasn't changed much since Clark's overdose in 1991. Joe Elliot, Rick Allen, Rick Savage, Phil Cohen and Vivian Campbell know how to keep a good thing going. Def Leppard has joined the growing Musicians on Call, a nonprofit organization that aims to bring music's healing power into hospitals. The band is donating a pair of tickets and Meet and Greet passes to 15 of their concerts during this summer's tour. For details, check online at: www.musiciansoncall.org This article was published on Sunday, August 6, 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Copyright © 2000, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc.