Def Leppard outplays Journey in Hershey
England might have lost in the World Cup last weekend, but it won the unofficial battle of the bands Monday night at Hersheypark Stadium, where pop-metal king Def Leppard shared a bill with American rockers Journey.
The five-piece band from San Francisco started off with the title track from its latest album, "Faith in the Heartland," but it was marred by a muddy, too-loud mix that would plague the group throughout.
Singer Steve Augeri struggled, both to be heard and to hit notes. Guitarist Neal Schon, however, was in fine form with his trademark clean, crisp tone and fiery solos.
"Be Good to Yourself" was set off by great harmonies, but again, even when Augeri was singing alone, he was barely audible. Schon took over for a blistering rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and played with plenty of embellishment.