====================================================================
   Def Leppard
   Jones Beach

   By David J. Criblez

   Walking into the only 65% filled, Jones Beach Amphitheater on July
   17th, was quite a sad sight. The once kings of pop-metal, Def Leppard,
   performed an hour and 45 minute set of songs that have made them
   famous, and new tracks that seem to be going nowhere with the
   American public.

   Supporting their latest release, Slang, the Leps took the bare black
   stage (the first in the usually flashy Def Lep production camp) with a
   vengeance. Gunning through three of their all-out quality rock tracks,
   "Rock, Rock 'Til You Drop," "Hit & Run" and "Foolin'," the band was off
   to a killer start, a throw back to the pre-sugar-coated Leppard era, but
   that was not far off... "Animal," "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad?"
   and new single, "All I Want Is Everything," came next, displaying their
   mirror image pop side.

   The band was in sheer healthy condition, sounding better live than
   they have in years (Leppard was never considered a great live act).
   Lead singer, Joe Elliot, kept the raps to a minimum as the band
   pumped out more new material, "Deliver Me," "Work It Out" and
   "Slang," none of which seemed to catch on, which is surprising
   'cause they are all typical Leppard formula songs with a few
   twists.

   One of the biggest surprises was the full-length version of
   "Bringin' on the Heartache" (only the short version has been played
   in recent years), along with "High 'N' Dry." Even a quick,
   all-acoustic set up was provided for the hit, "Two Steps Behind."
   This would have also been a nice avenue for the single, "When Love
   & Hate Collide,"... a missed opportunity.

   The audience was obviously there to hear the hits. So the Leps
   provided 'em, one by one, "Hysteria," "Photograph," "Rocket,"
   "Armageddon It" and "Pour Some Sugar On Me." Encores continued the
   same pattern offering "Love Bites," "Let's Get Rocked" and the
   eternal '80s rock anthem, "Rock of Ages," which never seems to lose
   its charm.

   The question is, "Where do Def Leppard go from here?" They put out a
   good album, put on exciting shows, what's the problem? "Don't forget
   us and we won't forget you," shouted Elliot just before parting
   from the stage. Little did he know, his cry for help seem to be
   falling on def ears.

   Tripping Daisy opening the show to the wrong crowd. Miscast and out of
   place, Daisy was like a fish out of water and it showed in their
   performance. What would have made more sense would have been to double
   bill Leppard with another hairband to hold the interest of the crowd
   and fill up those ugly and rampant bare spots of the stadium.

   Coming Soon: Bon Jovi and Def Leppard on one stage with special
   guests Trixter and the Bullet Boys reunion! Tix $5.00 + free T-shirt.
   Be there!

Copyright 1996 The Island Ear
http://www.islandear.com/issue450/deflepp.htm
============================================================================