Def Leppard @ Sydney Qantas Arena 2015 Review

After a week of rain, rain and more rain Sydney’s heavens finally cleared, setting the scene for a balmy summer evening (17 November).

Punters took their seats early for the night's kickoff, Aussie rock quartet, Baby Animals.

Baby Animals - Image © Carl Neumann

As always, Baby Animals were professional and entertaining. Suze DeMarchi is still hot as and effortlessly belts out the classics: 'Rush You', 'One Word', 'Early Warning' and 'Painless'. Although the crowd remained seated, you could look around the cramped rows and see many people mouthing the words like it was karaoke.

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Next on stage were Pennsylvanian (US) imports, Live. While talking to a number o f people around the venue before they came on, it was apparent the idea of Live having a new singer didn't sit right. Ed Kowalczyk left in 2012; he was not only the voice but the brains of the outfit. One person stated: “It’s more like a tribute band than an actual band."

Live - Image © Carl Neumann

However, the new singer, Chris Shinn delivered the goods and appeased the sceptical crowd with his honest intensity and perfect pitch. He works well with Chad Taylor (lead guitar), Patrick Dahlheimer (bass), Chad Gracey (drums) – all is forgiven. Carry on.

Def Leppard - Image © Carl Neumann

But it was Def Leppard's night to shine and shine they did. My god, what a show these guys put on. The lights, the clarity of sound, the rock! Def Leppard has it all. Rick Savage's rolling bass. Rick Allen’s thundering drums. The duel, harmonic guitars by Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell. And the rough, rock & roll vibrations of Joe Elliott make a perfect band. Oh, and not to forget the silky smooth, backing vocal harmonies.

Def Leppard - Image © Carl Neumann

The thing about Def Leppard is the diversity of the fans. Young, teen, adults, and even the elderly! The teens and young adults weren’t escorted by an obsessive parent; they were there under their own steam.

Def Leppard - Image © Carl Neumann

No matter the type of fan, everyone, and I mean everyone, LOVED Def Leppard. I can not wait until next time they tour so I can revisit last night. Hope it’s real soon.

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