http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-defaug27,0,5474978.story

August 27, 2003

Def Leppard offers up a blast from the past

By Becky Bowman
Of The Morning Call

In 1983, Def Leppard hit the big time and played Allentown for the first time.

Tuesday evening, the band opened the Allentown Fair for the third time,
producing a two-hour set for a crowd of tame but responsive fans.

The band still has plenty of bravado to parade, with bassist Rick Savage's big
hair and a busy smoke and lights show.

By night's end, guitarists Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen were shirtless. Rick
Allen, who has drummed with one arm since 1985, enjoyed a firecracker-like
spotlight. The fairgrounds grandstand stage resembled a 1980s MTV video set.

Def Leppard started out heavy, exuding its British metal vibe as it roared
through ''Rock Rock (Til You Drop)'' and other fuzz-guitar tunes. But its gentle
treatment of ''Two Steps Behind'' and smoother vocals on songs like ''Love
Bites'' seemed to please the fans. Love might have brought vocalist Joe Elliot
to his knees, but his vocals brought fans - finally - to their feet.

The band was not ungrateful for the support.

''Allentown!'' Elliot shouted. ''Time after time, year after year, it never
changes.''

To show their appreciation, the band covered Badfinger's ''No Matter What''
before launching into its final song, ''Let's Get Rocked.''

Because of its tour schedule, the band couldn't participate in its usual charity
soccer tournament this year with classic rock radio station WZZO.

Tuesday's opener Ricky Warwick played a 25-minute solo set on his acoustic
guitar, bringing up Campbell to guest on a tune called ''Don't Waste Away.''
Warwick's sound was lighter than Leppard's, but his endless tattoos and macho
strumming antics made a solid segue.

becky.bowman@mcall.com

610-820-6590

Copyright © 2003, The Morning Call