http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1458&u_sid=1474718&u_rnd=8054498

Published Wednesday
August 3, 2005

Review: Def Leppard, Adams pour some retro sugar on crowd

BY NIZ PROSKOCIL
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

LINCOLN - As the sun beat down and the beer and music flowed, so did the
memories.

Those who grew up in the '80s, as I did, no doubt had flashbacks of big hair and
acid-wash jeans at Tuesday's concert, headlined by Def Leppard and Bryan Adams,
at Lincoln's Haymarket Park.

About 6,000 fans mainly in their 30s and 40s reveled in nostalgia or, in the
case of a number of youngsters in the crowd, made new memories.

Maybe it's the band's emphasis on melody or the British factor or the one-armed
drummer, but Def Leppard has always been the coolest, most tasteful band out of
all the hard-rock groups from the '80s. (Can you say Motley Crue?)

And although 25 years have passed since Def Leppard's debut album, the band's
anthems - underscored by the two-guitar attack of Phil Collen and Vivian
Campbell - have withstood the test of time.

Much of the band's strength lies in its vocal power. Lead vocalist Joe Elliott,
46, isn't the only one who sings. He's joined by the other four members, which
gives the music a big, arena-rock sound.

The crowd sure dug it.

During the band's nearly 90-minute set, fans on the outfield grass had a blast
pumping their fists and singing along, from the opening number, "Action," to the
closer, "Pour Some Sugar on Me." Fans in the stands moved to the beat. Children
did cartwheels in left field.

With energy to burn, the band ripped through such classics as "Rock of Ages,"
"Photograph," "Love Bites," "Hysteria" and "Armageddon It" as Def Leppard
frontman Elliott, clad in black leather pants, prowled the stage as the sun set.

Singer-songwriter Adams, who alternates headlining duties on tour, came on next.

Backed by a four-piece band, Adams, 45, opened with 1984's "One Night Love
Affair," showing he could still hit all the notes.

His 11/2-hour set ranged from the feel-good pop-rock of "Somebody," "Kids Wanna
Rock" and fan favorite "Summer of '69." But it wasn't all about upbeat rockers;
his set featured ballads such as "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You."

It was a satisfying night for diehard and casual fans of both acts, which showed
that a slice of nostalgia - even when served with extra cheese - isn't such a
bad way to spend a night.

Copyright ©2005 Omaha World-Herald