Thursday, September 9, 1999

Def Leppard still on road and loving it after 22 years

Much has been made of Def Leppard's return to their roots, the mix of T-
Rex, Mott the Hoople and Led Zeppelin that propelled them out of
Manchester, England, in the mid-70s. But "Euphoria," released in June,
steered a course back toward the early metal and glam-rock sounds 

   "We're more self-aware, self-mocking if you like," says vocalist Joe
Elliott. "We're a group of guys having a laugh. Music has taken itself too
seriously for the past seven or eight years. When musicians try to be
politicians it's as ridiculous as it would be if politicians tried to be
rock stars." 

   But the new/old sound of the popular metal band propels them back to
the music that made them international stars, with songs like "Rock of
Ages," "Hysteria," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Love Bites" and "Rocket." 

   The guys have been beat up a lot by critics over the years, but the
   fans 
just kept on coming. That their 1995 greatest hits package is still on the
Billboard charts is proof of the band's solid standing with the public.

   After 22 years of touring the band keeps driving forward. 

   "It feels better than ever now," Elliott says. "You don't think about
   what's 
happening to you when you're 21 years old, but as you get more 
experienced touring and recording it gets better and better. 

   "Def Leppard have never been a five-year thing. We've always wanted to
keep going like Aerosmith and the Stones, improving our sound as we go.
They have kept up to date, but never lost their identity. That's what we
want to do here." 

   Texas State Aquarium, 2710 N. Shoreline Boulevard. The show starts at 8
p.m.Wednesday. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at Craig's Record
Factory, Foley's Department Store and other Ticketmaster outlets. Parking
is $2.50. Parking lots open at 5:30 p.m.; the gates open at 6 p.m. For
information, call 881-1200.
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