Def Leppard

Def Leppard Ignite The Hard Rock Live With Their Explosive Show

By: Debbie Brautman  |  Photos: Chris Schmitt

In the middle of Def Leppard’s Summer Stadium Tour of 2024, they delighted fans for an intimate show at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida.  At 8:00 pm,  Pyroclocks, as they called them, shown on the big screens had a countdown  to showtime. The cool audio visuals showed shots from space eventually zeroing in on the famous Hard Rock Guitar Hotel/Casino complex. When the final countdown finished at 8:15, on the superb audio visuals, there was a giant spaceship hovering directly over  the Hard Rock Guitar Hotel with explosions and lightning bolts of electricity. Meanwhile, the electricity inside the Hard Rock Live was clearly evident as the five members of Def Leppard dramatically appeared on stage and blasted into “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)”  from their third album, Pyromania. With the power of  AC/DC, these guys sounded more like a seven nation army. Singer Joe Elliott thanked the crowd and said, “there was going to be a focus on celebrating their album, Pyromania, which is having its 40^th anniversary.”

It’s very clear that they love what they do. They give their fans exactly what they want, hit after hit, and play with great energy. They have a knack for writing memorable songs that rock with great hooks and harmonies. Joe Elliott’s voice was in fine form and miraculously hit the ultra high notes, with just an occasional touch of strain. For 65 years old, he  sounded fresh and strong. About nine years ago, he had lost his voice, but it is back! The sold out show, all three levels including the general admission front pit, was packed with a crowd that knew every single lyric. When they played “Rocket,” the audience that had grown up with Def Leppard, were all singing in unison. Then, immediately into a great version of “Foolin’” with its  lyrics of “Is anybody out there, anybody there, does anybody wonder, anybody care.”  Well… everybody out there really did care and so did the band with their amazing enthusiasm.  Each hit after hit was magnificent. “Armageddon It,” from their 1987 album, Hysteria, was a real highlight. Their hit, “Animal,”  also from their Hysteria album, was rockin’ with visuals of animals like zebras, elephants, giraffes and monkeys in the background. There were cheers of delight for their biggest Billboard charted hit, “Love Bites,” which sounded exactly like 1988, when it had hit #1. Most surprising is that it is their only #1 hit.

They launched into their new single “Just Like 73” with a 70’s rock vibe that celebrates the  early seventies. As guitarist Phil Collen explained, “ When I saw David Bowie on TV between 1972 and 1973, everything I thought I knew about music went from black and white to vivid technicolor. Our song, “Just Like 73,” represents that awakening.” Rage Against The Machine’s guitarist Tom Morello guested on that single and shared that he “had a blast rocking a solo” and noted, “I played “Rock Of Ages” in my college cover band almost 40 years ago and here Def Leppard are still killing it in stadiums with a brand new tune that’s one of their best.” Tom Morello was not present at this concert to recreate his solo, but with two spectacular guitarists, Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell, they more than handled it with rockin’ finesse. Vivian Campbell had previously been in Ronnie James Dio’s band Dio, so he certainly had rock credibility before joining Def Leppard in 1992. He replaced Steve Clark, who tragically passed away in 1991 after a long battle with alcoholism. Phil Collen had replaced original guitarist Pete Willis in 1982 after Willis was fired for alcohol abuse. It’s rock ‘n roll and only the strong survive. Def Leppard have survived it all. Drummer Rick Allen had a tragic car accident in 1984, which severed his left arm and yet he found a way, with special drum machines, to carry on and play drums with just his right arm and his feet.  He is a force to be reckoned with, exceptionally talented and the heartbeat of the band. He is known to his fans as “Thunder God” and is, in addition, a talented artist with worldwide art showings.

“Billy’s Got A Gun” has great harmonies and guitar licks from nimble fingered Collen and Campbell, who are a great two pronged guitar attack, not to mention a battle of the buff, muscled, and perfect abs. This band sure works out and looked like rock stars. Ace bassist Rick Savage has long blond flowing locks and wore a cool white and black striped vest with matching pants. Joe Elliott was dressed in black pants, black shirt with a glittery black jacket, which he later changed for a glittery hot pink jacket. More gems played from Pyromania, were “Too Late For Love,”  and “Die Hard The Hunter.” They moved to the Thrust Stage, which is a catwalk, deep into the crowd. Joe exclaimed that the Hard Rock Live is “intimate and loud. “He is right, and the sound is just incredibly improved over the stadium shows. Joe asks, “Wanna try something?” If you know it, sing it!” On acoustic and solo, Joe played a dramatic but shortened version of “Two Steps Behind”  with the crowd singing along. He introduced the band as they all come back to join him on the Thrust Stage and they played an emotional acoustic/electric version of “This Guitar” from 2022’s Diamond Stars Halo lp. “Bringing on the Heartache” was also acoustic/electric and one of their best power ballads and from their 1981 album High ‘n’ Dry. “Switch 625” is an instrumental that was written by the late Steve Clark and was high octane. More Pyromania hits, “Rock Of Ages” and  “Photograph,”  brought everyone to their feet in a frenzy.

For the encore, Joe said, “Thank you for celebrating our 40^th anniversary of Pyromania. There was another album however” ….as they break into the title song “Hysteria” from the Hysteria album. Joe expertly worked the crowd and shouted, “Can You feel it?” Yep, Joe…we sure felt it.

Finally, they took down the house with their giant hit, “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” which is always a crowd pleaser. It was such a treat to see and hear them in such a spectacular setting with the highest quality sound and audio visuals. Enough cannot be said about having  a concert in this amazing venue. It was quite an exciting show. Fastest 90 minutes ever and a good time was had by all. Def Leppard never disappoint!