Bryan
Adams/Def Leppard
Campenelli Stadium-Brockton, Ma
June 23, 2005
By Rory Flynn
Though
both have not had hit single in the past decade, 80's rock icons Bryan Adams
and Def Leppard teamed up last week to deliver a memorable show that reminded
many of why these two acts were the faces of a decade.
Downsizing from their infamous football-size stadium shows to minor league
baseball parks, the "Rock 'N Roll Doubleheader" stopped at Brockton's
Campanelli Stadium for its only New England appearance. The change of scenery
was interesting, with the stage set on the outfield of the Brockton Rox's
field and everything but the diamond open for attendees. Despite a miserably
rainy night, roughly 7,000 fans braved the elements to catch the unique show.
There had been a lot on Bryan Adam's slate prior to his stop in Brockton,
six shows in five days (an appearance at Live 8 in Tornoto on July 2 before
a show that night in Lancaster, PA) plus book signings for his recent book
of photographs entitled "American Women", but the 45 year-old looked
twenty years younger on stage.
His youthful vigor paired with the amazing play of lead guitarist Keith Scott
rocked the crowd through favorites "Somebody", Can't Stop This Thing
We Started", and "This Time". Though the Canadian native may
have pulled out top many hits, including "Summer of '69", too early,
he was able to carry the momentum through all of his set.
Adams was interactive throughout the night, telling humorous stories and even
pulling a fan on stage to sing "Baby When Your Gone." He dedicated
a touching rendition of "Heaven" to Mark Pickard, a victim of the
Station nightclub fire in Warwick, Rhode Island. From his latest release,
Room Service, only the title track and "This Side of Paradise" were
played live on the night, with the latter sounding best.
However, it was Scott who highlighted much of the set. Most notably was his
killer solo during "Cuts Like a Knife" that even had Adams chuckling
in disbelief.
Def Leppard, celebrating twenty-five years together as a band, took on the
rotating headliner spot in front of a dedicated and rain-soaked crowd. Lead
singer Joe Elliot's vocal were hoarse as the band started sluggishly through
opener "Action" and "Let's Get Rocked." Touring in support
of new double-cd greatest hits collection entitled Rock of Ages: The Definitive
Collection, Def Leppard built momentum by dedicating the entire set to crowd
favorites from "Hysteria" to "Armageddon It".
Surprisingly, one of the highlights of their set was Leppard's newest single,
a cover of Badfinger's "No Matter What". Later this year, the band
will drop Yeah! an album entirely of covers including the Kinks and David
Bowie. Elliot told the crowd that the new release is because the band wanted
to get back to the days when they were standing on the other side of the stage
barrier as fans themselves.
In the last forty minutes of their set, Def Leppard proved that they still
have what made them one of the 80's best acts with a hat parade that made
stops at "Animal", "Photograph", and "Rock of Ages".
Working and exchanging spots at all points of the stage, the band's energy
was intense. Most notably during "Rocket" which featured dueling
solos from guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell. An encore of monster
ballad "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" and staple "Pour Some Sugar
On Me" sent the crowd into a frenzy.
