Def Leppard, Heart @ TheEntertainment Centre, Sydney(20/10/11)

Sun 23rd Oct, 2011 in Gig Reviews

If there was a night to get out that moth-holed rocker band shirt, tonight was it. For Sydneysiders, it was a chance to relive the big haired eighties with the ever-rockin’ Def Leppard, as they attempted to ‘pour some sugar’ onto the punters at the Entertainment Centre. A nostalgic band coupled with a nostalgic venue set the scene, as they made way for the salt and peppered fans that were hardcore enough to come out to play on a school night.

Whilst there were a lack of bourbon beaters in the crowd, there were ample father and son duos sharing a bonding moment along with a few well dressed middle-aged couples who were ready to rekindle the memory of their mullets and leopard leggings.

Those who were in the venue early got to embrace a bittersweet performance by The Choirboys before the Sydney debut of the American icons Heart. Yes, that’s right – Heart! Ms Ann and Nancy Wilson were a huge drawcard for this tour. After all, it had only taken them 35 years to visit their Australian fan base (a few nips and tucks later).

The ladies still had it, and proved it with their passionate performance of Magic Man, their soothing embrace of What About Love, and championing rock-out of Barracuda. The crowd adored them, and in return the Wilson sisters got a taste of the lovin’ they had missed from their Aussie absence. Their only downfall was their Farnsey homage in You’re the Voice. The reality is that although Heart gets brownie points for bringing back the green and gold eighties, a Def Leppard crowd really is not all that interested. Their redeeming feature was certainly found in their encore with a cover of The Who’s Love, Reign O’er Me. It takes a solid vocal performer to do this song justice, but Heart’s Ann Wilson certainly delivered; and gave it female edge that was truly inspiring.

Although there were only a few original Hysteria shirts to be seen, there was still an energetic vibe to be had as Joe and the boys rocked onto their podium with the raw electricity of Undefeated. With all the humility of a WWE entrance, the song acted like a theme song for Def Leppard’s return to the centre stage. Phil Collen entered the stage shirtless flexing his hard-earned muscles, whilst it must be said that Joe Elliott may just have the tightest face in ‘cock rock’.

Let’s Get Rocked got the head-bangers in the crowd primed as they thrust their head, remembering the hair that once followed. A bit of a light-show was to be had (and let’s face it, we would have been disappointed without one), along with an extended rendition of Rocket which added fuel to the fire. The indulgent bass solo gave Richard ‘Rick’ Savage the chance to flex his own muscles, and the David Essex cover of Rock On allowed Joe to elaborate on this borrowed ‘coolness’.

Def Leppard’s strong points are singing their own songs, not those of others. And on a tour such as this, 25 years post release of Hysteria, the reality that people want the hits! The crowd sung “Pour Some Sugar on Me” with mighty gusto and it was only fitting that the encore consisted of Rock of Ages, which acted almost as a self-proclamation.