http://theedge.bostonherald.com/musicNews/view.bg?articleid=92869

This Leppard will never change spots

By Linda Laban
Thursday, July 7, 2005 - Updated: 12:10 AM EST

It's pouring rain in Brockton and Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen is, of
course, shirtless. The U.K. '80s metal band might be celebrating its 25th year
out in the 'burbs, but little has changed other than the size of the stadiums
the band plays.

Rolling Stone recently listed this tour with fellow '80s survivor Bryan Adams as
one of the summer's hot tickets. Why? Good songs, good fun.

And plenty of power chords.

Along with their own magnificent carefree hits - ``Foolin,'' ``Photograph,''
``Animal,'' ``Rock of Ages,'' ``Pour Some Sugar On Me'' - the band slipped in a
cover of Badfinger's ``No Matter What'' and David Essex's ``Rock On,'' which,
singer Joe Elliott said, the band has recorded for an upcoming covers album.

Fresh from performing at the Toronto leg of Live 8, Bryan Adams was backed by a
four-piece band that gave the Canadian's melodic rock plenty of muscle.

``This Side of Paradise,'' from Adams' 2004 album``Room Service,'' stood up well
with such numbers as ``It's Only Love,'' ``Run To You,'' and ``Heaven,'' which
Adams dedicated to Mark Pickard, a victim ofThe Station nightclub fire.

Were they hits? Simply solid songwriting.