http://www.tbnweekly.com/editorial/local_entertainment/concerts/content_articles/082107_leconcert-01.txt

Classic rock stars shine on area stages this weekend
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
Article published on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007

Fans of classic arena rock can relive the energy, the exhilaration and the 
earsplitting tumult that embodied '70s and '80s concerts this weekend when 
several icons of the era perform at area venues.

Def Leppard, Styx and Foreigner will perform on Friday, Aug. 24, 7 p.m., at 
Ford Amphitheatre, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. Tickets 
range from $25 to $75.

Born in 1977, English hard rock band Def Leppard topped charts in the '80s with 
hits from the back-to-back albums "Pyromania" and "Hysteria," including 
"Photograph," "Rock of Ages," "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Love Bites."

Following a peculiar trend in music, Def Leppard produced no original material 
for their most recent studio release, opting instead to record a collection of 
cover songs. Few bands that have made the 30-year mark would feel comfortable 
conceding their glam rock roots, but the lineup on Leppard's 2006 "Yeah!" prove 
they have no issue with their past. While "Yeah!" lacks creativity, the band 
does no disservice to original recordings such as "20th Century Boy" by T. Rex 
and "Waterloo Sunset" by the Kinks.

The band's adaptation of Electric Light Orchestra's "10538 Overture" and their 
faithful rendering of Faces' classic "Stay With Me" reveal both their abilities 
and their admiration of the source material. These two tracks, along with 
"Waterloo Sunset," surpass everything else on the album. A few songs just 
didn't live up to the challenge, particularly "Rock On" (no one really needs 
another version of that song, anyway) and "Drive In Saturday."

Def Leppard's "Yeah!" shouldn't simply be judged by the band's interpretation 
of classic rock hits, though. The inclusion of cover songs originally made 
famous by acts like Thin Lizzy, John Kongos and Mott the Hoople might well 
stimulate interest in the original recordings. The band deserves praise for 
introducing a new generation to the music that influenced the evolution of 
their signature sound.

In 2006, Styx released a live album as well as a DVD, both titled "One with 
Everything." The concert video footage, professionally recorded, captures the 
band in the midst of their 2006 tour in support of the 2005 studio album "Big 
Bang Theory."

What's unique about this performance is that Styx is joined by the Contemporary 
Youth Orchestra of Cleveland. The orchestra, led by music director Liza 
Grossman, specializes in performing contemporary orchestral works. In addition, 
they have a history of performing with popular rock artists such as Ray 
Manzarek of the Doors; Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills and Nash; and Jon Anderson 
of Yes.

The DVD opens with perennial favorite "Blue Collar Man" and includes an 
eclectic selection from the vast catalog Styx has compiled since its debut 
album released in 1971. Veteran members Tommy Shaw, James "JY" Young and Chuck 
Panozzo are all that remain of the familiar '70s lineup, but it's enough to 
keep Styx alive and kicking. Shaw and Young both prove that age hasn't depleted 
their capacity to deliver searing guitar leads and their vocals haven't 
suffered, either. The orchestra, providing sound and solid support, works best 
on "Lorelei," "Crystal Ball" and "Fooling Yourself."

Aside from being a unique and surprisingly good concert video, "One with 
Everything" is a pleasure to watch because both members of Styx and the 
orchestra truly seem to be enjoying every moment of the performance.

Foreigner's last studio album was released in 1994, though there have been a 
few compilations and a live recording. Rumor has it there may be a new release 
on the way, but for now, count on the classics. The band has plenty of hits 
from which to draw, including "Cold as Ice" from the 1977 self-titled debut 
album, "Hot Blooded" from "Double Vision," "Dirty White Boy" from "Head Games" 
and "I Want to Know What Love Is" from "Agent Provocateur."

Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved.