Def Leppard launched their highly anticipated Stadium Tour alongside Journey at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, on Saturday night, July 6th, with a setlist heavily featuring tracks from their 1983 album, “Pyromania.”
For the first time in decades, the band’s live performance leaned more towards “Pyromania” rather than their blockbuster album, “Hysteria.” The evening began with the energetic “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” and included the album’s well-loved singles “Photograph,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Foolin’.” Additionally, deeper cuts such as “Comin’ Under Fire,” “Too Late For Love,” and “Die Hard The Hunter” made the setlist, much to the delight of long-time fans.
Def Leppard did not neglect their earlier work either, incorporating the power ballad “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” and the instrumental “Switch 625” from their 1982 album, “High ‘N’ Dry.”
While “Hysteria” was not the central focus, it remained an essential part of the show. Six songs from the album, including “Rocket,” “Armageddon It,” “Animal,” “Love Bites,” “Hysteria,” and the show-closing anthem “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” were performed.
In addition to their classic hits, fans were treated to a live rendition of the band’s new single, “Just Like 73.” Guitarist Phil Collen spoke to Ultimate Classic Rock Nights before the tour, highlighting the significant changes in their set and stage production. “We changed the whole set. You know, there’s a whole screen [production] and we’ve been using pretty much the same stuff for like 12 years,” Collen explained. “So, we’ve changed it completely. The stage show is drastically different. It’s going to take a lot of energy. There’s going to be a lot of running around. So, I’m working out, trying to get the stamina up and all of that. Vocally, too. You know, I’m having to sing every single day.”
Collen also mentioned their intensive rehearsal schedule. “We did rehearse in L.A. for a two week period and finished with a SiriusXM gig. Production rehearsals in St. Louis will lead up to the first gig.”
The co-headlining Stadium Tour is set to continue on July 10th in Orlando, FL, at the Camping World Stadium and will conclude on September 8th in Denver, CO, at Coors Field.
