http://www.sturgisjournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=65&ArticleID=19792&TM=39761.29 10/27/2005 11:00:00 AM The Farr Side: Rockin' show falls on Def ears By David T. Farr Sturgis Journal Def Leppard causes hysteria every time the band is near and Monday night was no exception. The aging rock gods played before a nearly sold-out crowd at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. The "Rock Of Ages" tour corresponds with the band's latest double CD "Def Leppard: Rock Of Ages: The Definitive Collection." The show is purely a greatest hits-like feature complete with gems marking all aspects of their 25-year history. Twenty-five years is a long time for a rock group, but hearing their songs played live, like only the Lepps can do, wipes away the years. I felt like a kid again. Preparing the fans for a night to remember, the band opened with "Action," but when singer Joe Elliott asked, "Do you wanna get rocked?" before the band broke into "Let's Get Rocked," it threw the crowd into a tizzy. The noise level escalated at that point, as if the arena could get any louder. The stage setup was simple, with cool lighting, dry-ice smoke effects and a video screen depicting live shots of the show meshed with old video clips. I would have preferred it show one or the other, but not both at the same time. Elliott's vocals were strong at the beginning of the show, especially on "Hysteria," "Foolin'" "Let It Go," "Slang," and "Armageddon It," but as the show progressed, his vocals didn't. He strained a little on "Love Bites" and "Bringin' On The Heartbreak," often going into his upper register to pull them off. It didn't matter, though, because the crowd was in awe of the sheer magic of one of their favorite live bands. Drummer Rick Allen is mesmerizing. The one-armed man pounded the drums on "Photograph," which is still one of my all-time favorite rock songs. It sounded just as good as it did when I saw them in 2003. "The Definitive Collection" includes the band's cover of Badfinger's "No Matter What." They performed the song, which went over well. Def Leppard also performed a cover of "Rock On," which will appear on the band's next album of covers in 2006. There was a determination to rock the place and The Lepp's delivered. "Rocket" lasted almost 12 minutes, so the band could rock out. It was awesome. Other rockin' tracks included "Animal," "Gods Of War," "Rock Of Ages," and the closing number "Pour Some Sugar On Me." The video screen showed the faces of several of controversial world leaders, dictators and politicians including Saddam Hussein, Adolf Hitler and George W. Bush while they performed "Gods Of War." Cheap Trick opened the show with a classic rock set featuring "Dream Police," "If You Want My Love," "Surrender," "Voices" and their career-defining song, "I Want You To Want Me." "I Want You To Want Me" is one of those songs that transcends the times and will always be a popular favorite for many, including me. David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. E-mail him at farrboy@hotmail.com.