Def Leppard - 'Diamond Star Heros'

Rock Metal Machine
6 hours ago
2 min read

Opening with the pacy ‘Take What You Want’ from their latest album, ‘Diamond Star Halos’, the band start on the right foot, and the crowd’s frenzy peaks even more when singer Joe Elliott asks the question: “Do you wanna get rocked?”

Concert stage with a rock band performing under bright lights. Large crowd in front. Text: "Def Leppard," "Diamond Star Heroes," "Live from Sheffield."

Can you have enough Def Leppard? Don’t be silly, of course not! The boys have returned with a blistering live recording of their 2023 concert from Sheffield’s Bramall Lane. This gig, alongside Mötley Crüe, signalled the start of the European leg of their World Tour, which has seen them play countless shows around the globe, in front of an always enthusiastic audience.

I’m not usually a fan of live recordings, especially those in an open environment, due to many sound issues that can occur. However, I will give this one its due, as it is one of the better ones I have heard. It’s not 100% perfect, but not far off, and thankfully it contains a good mix of crowd noise and band performance, allowing a pleasing flow to the listener.

Opening with the pacy ‘Take What You Want’ from their latest album, ‘Diamond Star Halos’, the band start on the right foot, and the crowd’s frenzy peaks even more when singer Joe Elliott asks the question: “Do you wanna get rocked?” Of course they did, and the quintet obliged.

With almost five decades of material under their belts, picking seventeen songs could cause quite a headache, and I guess it’s little surprise that they stick mainly to the ones that have brought them global success over the years. One noticeable thing is that the crowd’s energy and enthusiasm never wanes. As the big guns, such as ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’, ‘Rocket’, ‘When Love And Hate Collide’, ‘Animal’, ‘Armageddon It’ and ‘Bringin’ On The Heartbreak’ come blasting from the stage, you can feel both the crowd’s enjoyment of these classics, as well as the band’s. It’s also nice to hear several tracks from their latest album make the setlist, with ‘Kick’ and a superb version of ‘This Guitar’, which was dedicated to former guitarist Steve Clark, joining the show’s opener.

Some sound issues remind us that this is a live album. Joe Elliott’s vocals occasionally get lost in the mix, and on the odd occasion, Rick Savage’s bass could be louder. However, strangely, this adds to the evening’s nostalgia. The twin guitars of Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell are phenomenal, as is Rick Allen’s drumming.

As we wait for their new studio album, this isn’t a bad way to pass the time, and is a reminder that they still pack a punch… even after all these years.

Reviewer: Pete Arnett

Label: Mercury

Genre: Hard Rock

Issue Reviewed In: 113

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